Service Award | VWB James ‘Jim’ E Brown – 60 Years

Today was a momentous occasion in which a couple of brothers got together to celebrate VWB Jim Browne’s service as a Freemason. Jim currently resides in the Lynden area and is enjoying his life to the fullest. In his prime, he was a very active mason and he has the flare to prove it.

Jim is a Past Master (1998) for Lynden International Lodge #56 in Lynden, WA and has also served as a Deputy to the Grand Master (1991-1993). He was made a Master Mason at Jetmore Lodge #282 of the Most Grand Lodge of Kansas.

West Gate Lodge #128 Members VW Ray Lavadia, VW Mark Williams, Bro Frank Selden, Bro Joshua Jongema and WM Earl Lara all made the trek to meet up with brothers from the newly consolidated lodge of Lynden-Ferndale Lodge #56. Although this was a sparked idea from West Gate Lodge, this was a joint effort with the brothers up North. WB Dick Decima helped coordinate the event and was available to open up their home lodge for a more intimate setting.

Jim’s family was also in attendance and the honor was bestowed by his daughter Cyd.

The evening was a fun evening with stories given by VW Jim Browne as well as some of the brethren. One story included a story of “Able Bodied Seamen” that VW Mark Williams shared with us all.

A sidenote to share, WB John Browne (Picture on Left) was in attendance. John is the nephew of VW Jim Browne and also the son of West Gate Lodge’s own WB Sidney Goodell Browne who was the master in 1995.

This was especially a momentous occasion for Brother Frank Selden as Jim was a major part of Frank’s journey to becoming a Mason.

We would especially like to thank the Order of the Eastern Star #233 for setting up the whole occasion as well as preparing coffee. We could not have done this without them. A fraternal brotherhood/sisterhood was shared for a great common cause to support this occasion.