On a recent trip to the East Coast of the United States, I had three objectives in mind. One was to visit with my Sister (whom I had not seen in three years), attend the New Jersey Grand Lodge Session and visit the George Washington National Masonic Memorial. I accomplished all three.
   I did attend the New Jersey Grand Lodge session in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It  definitely has changed from when I attended as an officer in the 1970's. They now meet in Bally's Casino instead of Convention Hall. There were maybe 1,000 Brothers in the assembly hall. They now only hold two  sessions, one each morning for two days, lasting about 4 hours each. Being a Past Master in New Jersey I have a vote, so I cast my vote on the first day and then spent the rest of the time on the Boardwalk enjoying beautiful spring days.

 In my travels, I visited the site of my Mother Lodge in Salem, New Jersey. The two story white house (note cornerstone in lower right front), with the brick and stucco  extension on the back, is the former home of Excelsior Lodge #54 (constituted in 1860).  The lodge moved into this building in1959 from their old lodge room over a furniture store. The house, itself, was built  in the late 1800's and was the home of a local prominent family.  Excelsior Lodge consolidated with Penns Grove (a lodge located about 15 miles to the NW) and the cornerstone for this new lodge building was  laid in 1999 by the Grand Master of New Jersey.  I have included a picture of the current brick lodge building and it's cornerstone.

 In the town where my sister lives, Elkton, Md., is Union Lodge #48. The lodge was chartered on May 12, 1812. I do not know the date the building was built or if it is their original building. I have included a picture of this lodge.

Submitted by Jim Camper, P.M.