The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE – The Clifton Forge Royal Arch Chapter 24 of the Clifton Forge Masonic Lodge 166 recently held a 50 Years of Service presentation honoring Benny Albright.
Albright was recognized for his many years of Masonic service during the event held at the Clifton Forge Masonic Lodge on Commercial Avenue in Clifton Forge.
Benny Albright and his wife, Shirley, were honored during a dinner with his fellow Masons and friends at the lodge. Frank Hall, District Deputy Grand High Priest of the 14th District which includes Covington, Clifton Forge, Lexington and Waynesboro Lodges, presented Benny with a 50-year pin, card, and certificate. Shirley Albright pinned the 50-year pin on her husband’s lapel in the presentation.
Ron Bostic of Chapter 24 was the master of ceremony for the presentation.
The Albrights are long-time residents of Clifton Forge, She was in the school system and Benny was a salesman for a cigar company and later managed the Bounty Mart on Douthat Road.
The couple was married in Richmond on March 14, 1953, and they have two sons, Steve who lives in Tupelo, Miss., and Dave, who lives in Richmond.
Benny has a long history of work as a Mason, and his Mother Lodge is Ashland Lodge No. 168 which he joined in March of 1951. He became a member of the Clifton Forge Lodge No. 166 in February of 1963 and became a 50-year Mason in June 2007.
He became affiliated with the Clifton Forge Royal Arch Chapter No. 24 in May 1999 and elected to King and Scribe and is now Tiler. As a Sir Knight, Benny is a past Eminent Commander of Fredericksburg Commandry and also a past Eminent Commander of Alleghany Commander No. 23 in Clifton Forge. He is also a member of the Kazim Shrine Temple in Roanoke, a member of the Clifton Forge Shrine Club, a member of Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Eastern Star and Past Worthy Patron.
Benny Albright has worked on many projects for the different arms of Masonry and will be remembered as a valuable asset to the kitchen committee as cook and meal planner. He was very active in the Blue Lodge in Clifton Forge.
Ron Bostic in his introduction of Benny said, “Benny Albright is what Freemasonry is all about: the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Benny is an example of what all men should strive to be, especially a Mason. It is up to each Mason to further define what Freemasonry means to him and from the above mentioned milestones of which Benny has accomplished, we again honor Benny for all his service and devotion to Masonry and mankind.”
