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(MIKE SIPES | CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) Young County Masonic Lodge pitmaster Johnathan Southerland and Lodge Worshipful Master Doug Magneson discuss plans to cook turkeys for the community during the Mason’s Turkey Smoke. -
(MIKE SIPES | CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) Smoke rises from smokers assembled to cook 164 turkeys during Young County Masonic Lodge’s annual Turkey Smoke held overnight from Sunday, Dec. 12 to Monday, Dec. 13. A total of 112 turkeys were purchased as gifts for families that might not have a Christmas dinner.
Smoke filled the air on the corner Grove and Third Street as members of the Young County Masonic Lodge 485 worked overnight Sunday to Monday to cook turkeys for the community.
For over a decade, the organization has cooked and provided smoked turkeys at Christmas for the community. This year, a total of 164 turkeys were smoked overnight by the masons Sunday, Dec. 22 and delivered to customers Monday, Dec. 23.
Lodge member Mike Sipes said the small project has turned into an anticipated community affair that many have come to recognize and cherish.
“The masonic turkey smoke has turned into quite a mission of love and generosity whereby this season 112 of the 164 Turkey‘s cooked were donated and delivered to families who might not have as much to eat on Christmas Day as others,” Sipes said. “Virginia’s House and the Crisis Center, along with Cornerstone Methodist, Bethel Baptist and First Baptist churches all participated in delivering these extraordinary gifts purchased by many caring individuals in the community.”
The remaining turkeys were purchased for Christmas dinners to provide to families across the lake country.
Turkeys were available for purchase and wrapped in foil and ready to eat or reheat. The funds raised by the organization will go to its charitable community contributions made each year.
“The Christmas spirit is alive and well in the minds, hearts and souls of Young County,” Sipes said. “The masons of Young County appreciate everyone for making this such a blessed and worthwhile event.”
