Members of Lookout Masonic Lodge #29 PHA F&AM last Saturday helped two East Brainerd families clean up their properties damaged by the deadly Easter Sunday tornadoes.
With nearly 145 mph winds, the tornadoes tore through Chattanooga more than a month ago, ripping the roofs off of homes, uprooting trees and bringing down power lines throughout the area.
“There was a great deal of damage, and a lot of people still need assistance,” said Lodge Worshipful Master James Howard. “Our job in a time of crisis is to just do our due diligence and assist people who need help.”
Howard said eight Lodge members, or “brothers,” and three volunteers “cut trees, cleared limbs and picked up debris” at two residential properties near Harvest Oak Lane in East Brainerd.
“We are glad to be a blessing and contribute to our communities,” said Lodge member Ezzard C. Robinson, who participated in the cleanup. “This was the best Saturday we had together in a long time.”
Howard said the Lodge recently partnered with District 9 City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod to provide 200 lunches for the needy. The Lodge also has plans in the near future to clean up designated area cemeteries which have fallen into disrepair, he added. According to a website, “Freemasonry is a fraternity of brothers who share one common goal: to help each other become better men. We strengthen and improve our character by learning and practicing basic virtues of fraternal love, charity, and truth.”
