Kempsville Lodge No. 196

Jachin Jachin
Jachin Jachin

Kempsville Lodge No. 196

Chartered in 1955, Kempsville Lodge No. 196, A.F. & A.M. is one of the largest and most active Masonic Lodges in Virginia. In addition to the Masonic Lodge, we're the home of the Kempsville Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Bethel 42 International Order of Job's Daughters, and the Kempsville Chapter of the Order of DeMolay.

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This Week in Masonry

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July 8th, 3:47 pm

It is with deep sadness that we report Right Worshipful Thomas McGowan has laid down his working tools and entered the Celestial Lodge above on July 4, 2024. Brother Tom was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in Major General Henry Knox Lodge in Boston Massachusetts in 1966. He affiliated with Kempsville Lodge in 1971 and served as Worshipful Master in 1983. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the 56th Masonic District in 2002. Brother Tom was a member of the Norfolk Scottish Rite and Khedive Shrine. He was an Honorary member of Bayside Lodge No. 218 and Princess Anne Lodge No. 25.

Brother Tom was a true pillar of Kempsville Lodge. A mason who gave his heart and soul to the lodge. He toiled endlessly in the quarries where he served in many capacities. The most impactful being Lodge Instructor of Work where he served a total of 39 years. As LIW he was largely responsible for the “air-tight” ritual that Kempsville Lodge was known for. His deep knowledge of masonry and his willingness to impart his wisdom to any brother, not only in Kempsville Lodge but throughout the district, was legendary. He was the very first recipient of the William Hollowell Pierce Mason of the Year Award in 1993. Quite an honor!

Brother Tom was ever present and ever ready to help, aid, and assist any brother. His impact on Kempsville Lodge and on masonry in general is immeasurable. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Southside Chapel located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach Virginia, 23462. A funeral service is scheduled to follow at 1:00 pm with a private family burial to take place following the conclusion of the service.

Please keep Right Worshipful Tom and his family in your thoughts and prayers.It is with deep sadness that we report Right Worshipful Thomas McGowan has laid down his working tools and entered the Celestial Lodge above on July 4, 2024. Brother Tom was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in Major General Henry Knox Lodge in Boston Massachusetts in 1966. He affiliated with Kempsville Lodge in 1971 and served as Worshipful Master in 1983. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the 56th Masonic District in 2002. Brother Tom was a member of the Norfolk Scottish Rite and Khedive Shrine. He was an Honorary member of Bayside Lodge No. 218 and Princess Anne Lodge No. 25.

Brother Tom was a true pillar of Kempsville Lodge. A mason who gave his heart and soul to the lodge. He toiled endlessly in the quarries where he served in many capacities. The most impactful being Lodge Instructor of Work where he served a total of 39 years. As LIW he was largely responsible for the “air-tight” ritual that Kempsville Lodge was known for. His deep knowledge of masonry and his willingness to impart his wisdom to any brother, not only in Kempsville Lodge but throughout the district, was legendary. He was the very first recipient of the William Hollowell Pierce Mason of the Year Award in 1993. Quite an honor!

Brother Tom was ever present and ever ready to help, aid, and assist any brother. His impact on Kempsville Lodge and on masonry in general is immeasurable. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Southside Chapel located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach Virginia, 23462. A funeral service is scheduled to follow at 1:00 pm with a private family burial to take place following the conclusion of the service.

Please keep Right Worshipful Tom and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
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July 8th, 10:31 am

It is with deep sadness that we report Right Worshipful Thomas McGowan has laid down his working tools and entered the Celestial Lodge above on July 4, 2024.  Brother Tom was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in Major General Henry Knox Lodge in Boston Massachusetts in 1966. He affiliated with Kempsville Lodge in 1971 and served as Worshipful Master in 1983. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the 56th Masonic District in 2002. Brother Tom was a member of the Norfolk Scottish Rite and Khedive Shrine. He was an Honorary member of Bayside Lodge No. 218 and Princess Anne Lodge No. 25.

Brother Tom was a true pillar of Kempsville Lodge. A mason who gave his heart and soul to the lodge. He toiled endlessly in the quarries where he served in many capacities. The most impactful being Lodge Instructor of Work where he served a total of 39 years. As LIW he was largely responsible for the “air-tight” ritual that Kempsville Lodge was known for. His deep knowledge of masonry and his willingness to impart his wisdom to any brother, not only in Kempsville Lodge but throughout the district, was legendary. He was the very first recipient of the William Hollowell Pierce Mason of the Year Award in 1993. Quite an honor!

Brother Tom was ever present and ever ready to help, aid, and assist any brother. His impact on Kempsville Lodge and on masonry in general is immeasurable. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.  

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Southside Chapel located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach Virginia, 23462. A funeral service is scheduled to follow at 1:00 pm with a private family burial to take place following the conclusion of the service.

Please keep Right Worshipful Tom and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

On Jeopardy tonight! What is Freemasonry? ... See moreSee less

June 25th, 9:25 pm

On Jeopardy tonight! What is Freemasonry?

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June 25th, 9:42 am

It’s been a great day at Kempsville Lodge!! The food was fantastic and enjoyed by all who came out. We’re serving until 7:00 so come and get it!!Photos from Kempsville Masonic Lodge No. 196's post ... See moreSee less

June 22nd, 5:21 pm

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