Calvin Bond celebrates 60^th Masonic anniversary

By Right Worthy Natalie J. Woodall

                Calvin G. Bond, past grand master of New York State Free and Accepted Masons, recently celebrated his sixtieth Masonic anniversary at a party hosted by the brothers of Lake City Lodge 127.

                Visiting dignitaries included Neal Bidnick, grand master; Edward Gilbert, deputy grand master; David Stoy, past grand high priest, Royal Arch Masons, Harry Frazier, district deputy grand master, Oswego District; Bruce Widger, senior past grand master, John Curtis, past president 33^rd Club Valley of Syracuse, and Richard Thomas, past grand master and president of the trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home.   John Fuller was toastmaster for the evening.

                Bond was raised a Master Mason and April 1, 1947 in Oswego Lodge 127.  He served as worshipful master of Lake City Lodge in 1954.  In 1965 he was appointed district deputy grand master of Oswego District.  His term as grand master extended from 1984 to 1986.  He was grand lecturer from 1988 to 1999, during which time he wrote a regular column in The Empire State Mason dealing with questions of Masonic ritual and etiquette.

                Bidnick, Frazier, and Ronald Bond, currently the master of Lake City Lodge, presented the evening’s honoree with his 60 year pin and certificate.  Bidnick also presented Bond with a 50 year medallion, a tradition dating from 1870.  Bond joked that he has celebrated his 50^th anniversary by breaking a leg on a New York City Street.

                Several of the visiting dignitaries offered laudatory comments.  Frazier pointed out that Bond was always available to answer questions about Masonic ritual.  He said he wished him “many more years of dedicated service.”

                Bruce Widger said he emulated Bond for his knowledge and stated he was a “true friend and brother.”

                Stoy said it was an honor to speak on behalf of Royal Arch Masons.  He referred to Bond as “senior grand high priest” and alluded to the fact that Bond did not “disappear” once his tenure ended.  On the contrary, he served on many committees and stayed active in the order. 

                Gilbert said he considered Bond his mentor since he had succeeded him as grand lecturer and now was on the way to becoming grand master. 

                Neal Bidnick, grand master, said it was a great opportunity to be in a lodge where the brothers, not contractors, were active in the planning and construction of the building.  He called his invitation “my honor to be here this evening.”  He too alluded to Bond’s availability when issues of ritual arose.

                During his response, Bond complimented Garry Visconti, associate grand lecturer, and Frazier, for their commitment to their Masonic obligations.  He also praised the members of Lake City Lodge for their work on the new lodge.  He called it “a wonderful place for new brothers to be raised as master masons.”  He added that as grand master he had consciously chosen to lead by example.  He wanted to help brothers who were in line to be master of the lodge.

                Prior to the program, 133 brothers and guests enjoyed a meal prepared and served by Lake City Victoria Chapter No. 205 Order of the Eastern Star.

Picture below by Bro. Michael Regan, Lake City Lodge #127