[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ACACIA MASONIC LODGE #163

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM MAHONEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2007

  Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to congratulate 
the Acacia Masonic Lodge of Martin County, Florida on their 100th 
anniversary and commend them for all the good work they do throughout 
the community.
  This very special anniversary in Florida's 16th District makes the 
Acacia Masonic Lodge, #163 of Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest 
organization in Martin County. Knowing what good work they do in the 
area, I wanted to honor them by highlighting some of their 
achievements.
  Graduating seniors from all of Martin County's high schools, sick 
children in local hospitals and senior citizens residing in local 
residential homes are just a few of the beneficiaries of the Acacia 
Masons' charity. Over the years, they have donated over $100,000 to 
worthy causes throughout Martin County.
  Not only have the Acacia Masons given financial support to Martin 
County, they have also been a visible bastion of good work in our 
community. Since 1964, the Acacia Masons have laid the cornerstone of 
every Martin County public school, symbolizing the value they place on 
education for all the children in the area.
  The Masons' motto is, ``Take a good man and make him a better man.'' 
Having met many of them personally, I can confirm that the Free Masons 
in Martin County are certainly practicing what they preach; and judging 
by the strength of their organization, I am certain they will still be 
supporting the Martin County community a hundred years from now.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in commending the Acacia Masonic Lodge 
for a century of unwavering commitment and support of Martin County and 
all who reside there.

                          ____________________