Celebrating 175 Years: A Gala Weekend to Remember
On the weekend of November 22, 2025, Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246 gathered at The Alloy Hotel in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania to celebrate a remarkable milestone: our 175th Anniversary. Brothers, family, and friends came together for a weekend that honored our history, strengthened our fellowship, and created new memories worthy of the generations who built - and continue to build - our Lodge.
Saturday Afternoon: Welcome, Hospitality, Friendly Competition
The weekend began with arrivals around 12:00 PM, where attendees were greeted with lunch provided by Ben and Irv’s. The spread included wraps and sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, fruit, and pastries - an easy and enjoyable way to settle in and reconnect.
After lunch, guests had a choice between two afternoon activities:
- an outing at Topgolf, King of Prussia location
- a trivia competition hosted by Craig Applebaum, P.M., S.W. in the hotel meeting space, where teams competed for prizes.
By all reports, the trivia was both challenging and extremely entertaining - exactly the kind of spirited fun that makes a weekend like this feel special.
When the afternoon concluded, official hotel check-in opened at 3:00 PM, and guests received hospitality bags containing commemorative 175th Anniversary items, including lodge-branded M&Ms, coasters, ice packs, and chip clips. Brothers were also gifted lodge-branded backpacks, while the ladies selected crossbody bags in their preferred colors - a small touch that made the weekend feel both personal and memorable.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees also joined a “guess the count” candy contest featuring a two-gallon jar of Reese’s Cups and Hershey’s Kisses. The winner earned the ultimate prize: taking the whole jar home.
Saturday Evening: The Gala Celebration
The formal gala began with a 6:00 PM cocktail hour inside the hotel's Hammer & Fire restaurant. Selections included cocktails, a pasta station, seafood display and specialty passed hors d’oeuvres. The venue looked outstanding, decorated with engraved napkins, silver balloon columns, and a “175” photo backdrop that quickly became a favorite spot for pictures.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by The Heartbeats, who performed for 60 minutes before dinner and returned for another 90 minutes after, keeping the celebration lively well into the night.
The Heartbeats - always a favorite!
A Special Moment of Recognition
One of the most meaningful moments of the night was the presentation of a 60-year service award to Brother Richard "Rick" M. Rodgers, P.M. The award was presented by District Deputy Grand Master William F. Moree, Jr. Brother Rick was joined for the occasion by his wife, daughters, and son-in-law, making the recognition especially heartfelt and memorable for everyone in attendance.
There were plenty of jokes in his speech, and of course, a round of hugs afterwards.
Brother Rick, giving his "Short" speech...
The Benjamin Franklin Award of Distinction
Brother Jon S. Solheim, P.M. presented Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246 with The Benjamin Franklin Award of Distinction. Brother Jon is a Past Commander-In-Chief of the Valley of Philadelphia Scottish Rite and was honored to present our lodge with this distinguished award. Each year, Blue Lodges around the Northern Masonic District rededicate themselves to the ongoing work of Freemasonry. The award was developed as a distinguished recognition for the Valleys of Scottish Rite to present to lodges celebrating significant milestones. We are truly grateful to be recognized for this award of distinction by the Valley of Philadelphia. The award was received by Brothers Howard L. Glickman, P.M., Secretary and Joel H. Rosner, W.M. during our 175th Anniversary Gala.
Late Night Fellowship: The After-Party
As the evening concluded, the celebration continued with an after-party beginning around 11:30 PM, when approximately 60 people gathered in the hotel lobby. With leftover food and 12 to 15 Domino’s pizzas, the fellowship carried on until about 1:30 AM - a fitting end to a gala night devoted to friendship and tradition.
Sunday Morning Brunch: A Warm Send-Off and a Purposeful Raffle
On Sunday morning, guests reconvened for brunch from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring a mimosa bar, bagels and smoked salmon station, an omelet station, and a variety of breakfast meats.
During brunch, attendees enjoyed a raffle featuring ten prizes valued between $250 and $600, including a Dyson vacuum, a $500 Costco gift card, a $500 Phillies gift card, and four Flyers tickets, along with His-and-Hers Bose headsets, assorted restaurant gift cards totaling $500, and much more. Proceeds benefited Help Our Heroes, ensuring the weekend’s celebration also supported a meaningful cause.
As guests prepared for the 12:00 PM check-out, each received a parting gift of 12-inch apple pies from Costco - a sweet closing note to a weekend defined by generosity and fellowship.
Thank You to the Team Behind the Weekend
This milestone celebration required an extraordinary amount of planning and coordination. Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246 extends sincere thanks to everyone who made the weekend possible, including:
- Brother Joshua M. Glickman, P.M., Trustee
- Brother Howard L. Glickman, P.M., Secretary
- Brother Bryan A. Bennett
- Brother Joel H. Rosner, W.M.
- Brother Craig Applebaum, P.M., S.W.
- Brother Ringo Roseman, J.W.
- Brother Elliot P. Miller
Brother Elliot spent countless hours contacting members of congress, local and state officials, business leaders and Pennsylvania Masonic Lodges to participate and contribute to our Anniversary program. Proceeds benefited Help for our Heroes.
Our sincere thanks to our excellent photographers, Brother Joel Zeiger, Brother Jules H. Markowitz and Brother Michael Brand for preserving the highlights of the evening and capturing this celebration so beautifully.
To everyone who attended: thank YOU for celebrating 175 years of Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246 with US. Your presence helped honor our past and strengthen the bonds that will carry our Lodge forward.
Here’s to the next chapter - and to the Brothers who will one day gather to celebrate our 200th Anniversary.
