Norwood Masons to Host Donation Day, Exhibit Time Capsule on October 15

Donations Support Local First Responders, Food Pantries;
Features First Public Showing of Recovered 1876 Time Capsule Contents

Norwood, MA - September 19, 2016 -  The Norwood Masons will host their annual donation day to support Project Smile and the Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood during an Open House on Saturday, October 15, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local Masons will also be exhibiting the contents of a century-old time capsule during the event.

Project Smile supplies items to local police and fire departments that may be provided to children in traumatic situations. The Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood serves more than 350 families in the towns of Norwood and Westwood. The Masons will be collecting new and small stuffed animals, small toys, crayons, children’s books and canned goods during the drive.

The donation day is part of Norwood Masons’ observance of “Square & Compasses Day.” More than 230 lodges across Massachusetts will open their doors on October 15, offering tours and providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about Freemasonry. The Norwood Masonic Building is located at 76 Day Street.

For more information about Project Smile and the Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood, visit projectsmile.org and norwoodpantry.org.

Time Capsule Exhibit and 1876 Time Capsule Opening
This year marks the centennial celebration of the Norwood Masonic Building, and as part of its observance of the anniversary, members of Orient Lodge in Norwood this past June recovered a time capsule that was placed at the lodge building in 1916. The time capsule included records, photographs, newspapers and more, all of which unfold to tell a story of the growth and expansion of both Norwood and of Freemasonry in the community.

Also included was a smaller time capsule that had been originally been placed in 1876 at the former Masonic lodge room at Village Hall on Washington Street. The 1876 capsule has remained sealed to date, and will for the first time in more than 100 years be opened on October 15. All are welcome to attend. The opening will begin at 10 a.m., and contents that are uncovered will be on display through 3 p.m. that day.

Freemasonry provides opportunities for fellowship, charity, education, and leadership while creating friendship and understanding among men without regard to their nationality, religion, race, background, or opinion. More information is available at massfreemasons.org.

Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information.