Across Missouri, Masonic Lodges and Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.) Chapters are finding ways to support the students and schools in their communities. By partnering with the Masonic Home of Missouri through the Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) Program, local Lodges and Chapters identify needs, raise funds, and turn community support into real opportunities for students.
Whether it’s providing equipment for a school music program, improving spaces for students to learn, or helping classrooms capture new memories, these efforts are often made possible through the dedication of local Lodges and Chapters, and the support of the communities around them.
The stories of O’Sullivan Lodge No. 7, Algabil-Freedom Lodge No. 636, and Sunlight Chapter #247 offer just a few examples of how that impact is taking shape.
Sunlight Chapter #247
For Sister Betty Kellum, secretary of Sunlight Chapter #247, joining O.E.S. began as a shared commitment with her family and grew into a meaningful way to serve their community together.
That same commitment to service guides the Chapter’s efforts to support Stewartsville C-2 School District through CAP.
Sunlight Chapter first connected with Stewartsville School through a local Lodge that had previously partnered with the district. After learning more about the school’s needs, the Chapter stepped in to help. Last year, they donated five sewing machines to support a department that needed updated equipment.
This year, the school reached out again – this time, with a bigger request.
Students in the yearbook class needed a equipment, but the cost made it difficult for the school to purchase one on its own.
Supporting the Students
To raise the funds, Sunlight Chapter turned to one of Stewartsville’s most anticipated community events – the annual fall festival. Each August, Chapter members set up a booth and sell funnel cakes or pies, allowing the Chapter to connect with neighbors while supporting a meaningful cause.
Through those efforts, Sunlight Chapter raised $1,000. With matching funds from the Masonic Home through CAP, that contribution became $3,000 for the school.
“We wouldn’t be able to donate $3,000 without CAP,” Sister Betty said.
The Chapter’s support for Stewartsville students extends beyond classroom equipment. Each year, Sunlight Chapter also awards a scholarship to a graduating senior, helping offset the cost of books and supplies as they begin college.
For Sister Betty, the greatest reward comes from seeing how these efforts strengthen both the school and the community around it.
“We want to recognize our Eastern Stars and give back to the community at the same time,” Betty said. “Without doing this, there would be no way we could contribute to Stewartsville School.”
Community events like the fall festival, along with spaghetti and chili dinners hosted alongside their local Lodge, not only help raise funds, but also bring people together and introduce others to the work of the Chapter.
Through their continued partnership with the school and support from the Masonic Home through CAP, Sunlight Chapter hopes their efforts inspire other Lodges and Chapters to find ways to make a difference in their own communities.
O’Sullivan Lodge No. 7
For more than a decade, Brother Lonnie Weatherford has served as O’Sullivan Lodge’s Masonic Home Representative. After a former representative passed away, Lonnie stepped into the role, wanting to help. What he discovered was a passion for the many ways the Masonic Home of Missouri helps Lodges serve their community.
Today, O’Sullivan Lodge looks for every opportunity to give back. Through CAP, they have supported local schools by providing clothing and other necessities for students, and contributing to backpack food programs and Care to Learn initiatives.
CAP is not the only program O’Sullivan Lodge partners with the Masonic Home on. They have also extended their efforts to support veterans through the Partnering To Honor (PTH) Program, helping raise funds for Honor Flights.
Their most recent CAP project focused on supporting Walnut Grove High School’s music program.
“Walnut Grove is a small community,” Lonnie said. “Not everyone down here has a lot of money, so there is a need.”
Raising the Funds
For over 15 years, the Lodge has raised funds through their Picnic in the Park event – a community gathering where donations helped support the Lodge’s charitable work.
When the pandemic brought that tradition to a halt in 2020, the Lodge did not slow down. Instead, members found new ways to bring people together and remain involved in their community.
Today, O’Sullivan Lodge hosts the town’s annual holiday parade, followed by a chili dinner at the Lodge. Walnut Grove High School’s band pitches in by hanging flyers, selling wreaths, and performing in the parade – turning the fundraiser into a true community effort. Every donation made helps support the students.
Those combined efforts have allowed the Lodge to provide meaningful support to Walnut Grove’s music program, helping fund sheet music and new instruments. Through CAP’s 2:1 match, O’Sullivan Lodge was able to contribute a total of $6,000.
Brother Lonnie Weatherford presents a $6,000 check to the Walnut Grove Marching Band and band director to support the purchase of new instruments and sheet music.
For Lonnie and his Lodge Brothers, the most rewarding part of giving back is the response they receive.
“We do everything we can to help, and the kids and teachers just love it,” he said. “It just means a lot knowing we’re helping these kids big time.”
Lonnie encourages other Lodges and Chapters to get involved with the Masonic Home’s Partnership Programs by taking “the leap of faith.”
“Get out there in your community, find a need, work with the group, and reach out to the Masonic Home – they are more than ready to help,” Lonnie said.
And most importantly, he says, involve the people you are supporting.
“Work side by side with them. It doesn’t just have to be the Lodge. You can work with your group to earn the money,” Lonnie said.
#WorkingTogether.SucceedingTogether.
Algabil-Freedom Lodge No. 636
Brother Dennis Fetter, current Secretary of Algabil-Freedom Lodge, first became more familiar with the Masonic Home while serving on its Board of Directors. After completing his time on the board, he became a Masonic Home Representative. The Lodge’s community work through CAP has continued ever since.
Every year, the Lodge selects a school to support through the Masonic Home’s CAP Program. Dennis visits the school to learn what students and staff need most. This year, they chose Bernard Middle School.
“I had not been to any of the Mehlville schools, so I stopped in and talked to them,” Brother Dennis said. “See if they had anything we can do for them.”
After speaking with the principal and other school staff, Dennis learned the students needed two new basketball hoops for their school.
The Lodge raises funds for projects like these through member dues. A portion of those dues goes toward the Lodge’s charity fund, and members also collect donations for charitable causes during Lodge meetings.
Members of Algabil-Freedom Lodge present Bernard Middle School staff members with a check for $5,400 to construct new basketball hoops for students.
Algabil-Freedom Lodge has participated in the CAP program for more than 10 years. In the past, the Lodge has also supported other area schools through their lunch programs.
To spread the word about their Lodge and the ways they support local schools, members often rely on newspaper coverage. They share photos from their most recent check presentations and publish them in community papers. They also stay active on social media, posting updates about their charitable efforts.
Brother Dennis encourages other Lodges and Chapters to get involved with CAP by reaching out to the Masonic Home.
“They are receptive to what we do, and they always answer our questions,” he said.
Strengthening Communities Through Service
While each Lodge and Chapter serves its community in different ways, their efforts share a common goal: supporting students and strengthening schools.
Through community events, partnerships with local schools, and the support of the Masonic Home through CAP, groups like O’Sullivan Lodge, Algabil-Freedom Lodge, and Sunlight Chapter are turning local generosity into meaningful opportunities for students.
Their work shows that making a difference does not always require large-scale projects. Sometimes it begins with a simple conversation, a community fundraiser, or a willingness to step up when a need arises.
By working together and investing in the success of their local schools, Lodges and Chapters across Missouri continue to demonstrate the lasting impact of service, compassion, and community support.
Getting Involved
If your Lodge or Chapter is interested in supporting a local school or other organization through CAP, contact the Masonic Home today to get started.
If you are a school or organization looking for assistance, contact us, and we can connect you with a Lodge or Chapter in your area that may be able to help.
