Cobb Freemasons hold 300th anniversary parade and festival
Georgia Freemasons will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the formation of the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster on Saturday with a parade and celebration in Marietta.
It’s been three centuries to the day since the launch of what has become known as the cornerstone of the historic fraternity, whose members have included some of the world’s top business leaders and statesmen, including several U.S. presidents.
“God put this on a Saturday and we’re pretty excited about that,” said Rusty Newport, event chairman and past master of the Samuel S. Lawrence #721 lodge, which has about 250 members.
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The event will include a 9:45 a.m. in front Roswell Street Baptist Church, goes past Marietta Masonic Temple, located at the corner of Roswell and Fairground roads, to Glover Park in Marietta Square. The celebration in the park , which runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. will include entertainment, speakers, music, food, a blood drive and information booths.
There are more than 400 Freemason lodges in Georgia. Members of Shriners International will be a big part of the parade.
“They are a huge part of what we do, “ he said.
Newport said more 70 Georgia lodges and affiliated groups are participating.
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
