Three area Freemasons were among a group of 177 selected to receive the 33rd degree, the highest honor of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. The ceremony was held in Cleveland, Ohio, during the annual meeting of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council.
The degree is awarded for outstanding service to Freemasonry or for significant contributions to humanity that reflect credit upon the fraternity. The 2012 recipients were chosen from 15 northeastern and midwestern states that comprise the 200,000-plus-member Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States.
Area recipients are:
Raymond G. Bagley Jr., Canton, who is quarry superintendent for Leroy Quarry. He has been active in many aspects of Freemasonry in the Northern Tier and the Valley of Towanda.
Charles D. Springman, Williamsport, who is retired. He has been active in many aspects of Valley of Williamsport, as well as the local community.
Larry E. Sheats, Loganton, who is a forester for the state Game Commission. He is a past presiding officer in Council in the Valley of Williamsport and is business manager of the Teteque Band.
