Worshipful Brother Ed Stark spent years living next door to a Masonic Lodge in Lathrop, Missouri.
Housed in an old one-room schoolhouse tucked into a residential neighborhood, Ed saw people he knew come and go, but never knew why.
Ed remembers attending the Shrine Circus and hearing about family members who were Masons, but it wasn’t until later, through conversations with men from his church, that he learned more about Freemasonry. He was inspired to join Lathrop Lodge No. 506 in 1999.
More than 25 years later, Ed has served Lathrop Lodge as Junior Deacon and Master, and now serves as the Masonic Home Representative.
Supporting the organization
For their most recent project through the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) Program, Lathrop Lodge partnered with an organization based out of Turney United Methodist Church that supports children of young and low-income mothers.
The organization provides essential items like diapers, clothing, and other baby supplies – things that can make a world of difference for families facing financial challenges.
While this may have been their latest CAP project with the organization, it is far from their first.
“This is probably the sixth or seventh time we’ve helped them,” Ed said.
Several Lodge members, including Brother Ed, are also part of the church’s congregation, where many of the volunteers who run the organization are based. Through those shared relationships, the Lodge saw firsthand both the need and the impact of the program.
Each month, families from across surrounding communities come to the church to receive support from the organization, whether it’s diapers, clothes, or other essentials for their children.
“Even if it’s just diapers,” Ed said. “ That’s one of their big needs, just because of how expensive those are.”
Rallying Community Support
To support their effort, the Lodge turned to their community.
Rather than hosting a traditional fundraiser like a spaghetti or chili dinner as they have done previously, members of the Lodge reached out through their church, sharing the need and inviting the congregation to contribute to their project.
“They know it’s a good program,” Ed said.
In the past, the church congregation has donated to the organization through an annual Mother’s Day bottle collection, where members of the church can fill a baby bottle with loose change, dollar bills, and even checks to support the cause.
This time, the Lodge also added funds of their own, using money set aside from dues to grow the total contribution. Through the Masonic Home’s CAP Program, those funds were matched 2:1 for a total of $3,000, allowing the Lodge to make an even greater impact.
Brother Ed Stark presents a check to members of the organization for $3,000 to support the purchase of diapers, clothes, and other essential needs for children of young and low-income mothers.
“It’s a way for us to do more with what we have,” Brother Ed said. “If we can turn $500 into $1,500, that goes a long way in a small community.”
In a card sent to the Lodge, members of the organization shared their appreciation for their generous donation to the organization, highlighting the relationships Lathrop Lodge is building in their community and the impact they are making.
Pictured is a card sent to Lathrop Lodge by members of the organization, thanking them for their support of the organization.
Making a Difference
Over the years, Lathrop Lodge has supported a range of community initiatives through the CAP Program, but for Brother Ed, recognition has never been the point of giving back.
When the Lodge presents a donation, he encourages the organization to share the story, not to highlight the Lodge, but to show what can be accomplished when people come together.
“I always tell them, take a picture and tell your story so people can see what’s possible,” Ed said.
In a world that often asks what we get in return, Ed sees things differently. Whether through his church, his Lodge, or his community, the purpose of giving back remains the same: to help where help is needed.
“It’s just what we’re supposed to do,” Brother Ed said.
Starting the Conversation
For other Lodges and Chapters considering getting involved, Ed’s advice is straightforward – start with a conversation.
“Find somebody that needs help,” he said. “That first step is the hardest, but once you do it, it gets easier.”
Through partnerships with the Masonic Home of Missouri through CAP, Lathrop Lodge continues to make a difference in their community.
If your Lodge or Chapter is interested in making a difference in your community, reach out to the Masonic Home today to learn more about the CAP Program and how your Lodge or Chapter can participate.
