Mt. Hiram Lodge installs new officers
By BRITTANY FHOLER
Cove Leader-Press
Mt. Hiram Lodge #595 of Copperas Cove installed its new lodge officers for 2022-2023 Saturday morning during an open ceremony.
The new officers for 2022-2023 are Worshipful Master John E. Easler, Senior Warden James Dixon, Junior Warden John Hashman, Treasurer Robert Lautenschlager, Secretary Robert Walker, Chaplain James Cooney, Senior Deacon Kenny Hudgins, Junior Deacon Bill Kohl, Senior Steward James Hamilton, Junior Steward Paul Plourde, Marshall Mark Spangler, Master of Ceremonies Orla Sharp and Tiler Robert Taylor.
James Cooney was the Installing Officer, while Bill Price served as the Installing Marshal for Saturday’s ceremony.
Cooney had nothing but praise for the lodge’s new Worshipful Master, John E. Easler.
“Before I turn the gavel over to the newly installed Master, I want to express my appreciation for the distinct honor and privilege of conducting this installation,” Cooney said. “I’ve known the Worshipful Master for a number of years, and it is indeed an honor to have conducted his installation, and I wish all of you, all of us, a great year in Mt. Hiram Lodge.”
Easler accepted the gavel from Cooney with a simple message to his fellow Masons.
“It’s an honor for me to be to be elected to this position,” he said. “I really appreciate it. I’m going to keep my eye on the charter, and we’re going to work in peace and harmony together, and we’re going to make this happen for another good year.”
Easler was raised through the lodge, meaning he began his Masonic journey at Mt. Hiram Lodge #595, he said.
His goals for this new year as Worshipful Master include some much-needed restorations to the building, he added.
The members of the lodge remain busy throughout the year, with their meetings and various fundraisers, including their annual pancake fundraiser held in April. Members of the lodge also typically participate in a trash pick-up on F.M. 116 in April and help out at Rabbit Fest every May. The lodge also gives out the Mirabeau B. Lamar Scholarship and Award for Excellence in Education every year to two seniors and one educator.