On Wednesday December 21, the members, spouses, kids, and grandkids of Young County Masonic Lodge #485 in Graham, TX hosted their 2nd annual Great Turkey Smoke-Out.

Masons and Family began gathering at the Lodge Hall at 3:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon December 20th. From 3:00 to around the 7:00 hours Masons and Family prepped and cleaned as well as began the brining process of 100 turkeys. Beginning at 5:30 am on Wednesday morning everyone came together again to light the fires and begin the process of smoking 100 turkeys. By 7:45 pm on Wednesday evening all turkeys had been smoked and picked up and/or delivered throughout Graham.

The Great Turkey Smoke-Out is a community service project sponsored by Young County Masonic Lodge #485. Turkeys are sold throughout the community for $25.00 and buyers may either keep the turkey themselves or leave it with the Lodge to be donated to needy families in Graham. Working with local Churches and Virginia House, the local Women’s Advocacy Center, families are identified as needy. This year, just over half the turkeys were donated to needy families. “This is not a fund raiser for our Lodge”, according to WM James Jones, “It is just an opportunity for our Lodge to give back to our community that supports Masonry in a big way”. While several turkeys are purchased by local Masons and donated to the needy, just as many are purchased by local non-Masons that want one for themselves as well as purchasing several for the needy. Inviting the non- Masons into the Lodge to pick-up their birds not only brings attention to the Lodge but provides information that invites and encourages questions and inquiries about Masonry. Along with handing out 100 smoked turkeys, one petition for the Degrees in Masonry also went out Wednesday afternoon.

Masons in Graham and at Young County Lodge #485 has once again went public with their Lodge and their Masonic efforts. Masonry continues to make a difference in Graham, TX. Masons everywhere are invited to follow the activities of Young County Masonic Lodge on Facebook.