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Times Advocate, 1995-03-29, Page 9COMM UWIT Third generation of Masons By Christopher Skalkos HENSALL - Doug Cooper is a Mason and he wears his Mason Apron with pride and honour, as did his father and his father before him. • Cooper is the third generation of Coopers to belong to the South Huron District Masonic Lodge and pre- side over the Masons as Worshipful Master. This month his two sons Brian and Stephen have become Masons adding another generation to what has be- come one of the longest family traditions in Huron County. Freemasonry is one of the largest and oldest world- wide fraternity, dating back to 17th Century England when stonemasons started to accept members into their guild who did not practice the Mason craft but were men of outstanding character and ideals. Freemasonry is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man and the belief of a Supreme Being. As a frater- nity, Freemasonry provides an opportunity for men to meet to share knowledge and enjoy friendly compan- ionship. Guided by strict moral principles it encour- ages goodwill toward all mankind and promotes self- improvement through good moral character, brother- ly love, honour, charity and honesty. Although Cooper has been a Mason for over thirty years he still struggles to explain what being a Mason entails. "Being a Mason is about being a simple and honest person," explains Cooper, who says that he particu- larly enjoys visiting other lodges and meeting differ- ent people through the fraternity. "I enjoy going to the lodge and meeting other Ma- sons from across the country. You meet people from all walks of life. Many great people were Masons," says Cooper. "Our first Prime Minister [John A. McDonald] was a Mason," he adds. Coopers grandfather Robert, became a Mason in 1918 and his father Duncan joined in 1947, however, Cooper insists that this had no influence on his deci- sion to become a Mason. Masons do not solicit mem- bers and Cooper says that he joined to satisfy his cu- riosity and desire for knowledge. Ultimately, Cooper feels that being a Mason has helped him become a better person. "Masons don't make good men out of bad men, says Cooper. They make good men better and I'm very proud to say that I'm a Mason." The Coopers add another generation to the South Huron Freemasons. From left to right Ste- phen, Duncan (on chair), Doug and Brian, Robert (in photo). Times -Advocate, March 29, 1995 Page 9 Palliative care meeting to be held at Mt. Brydges MT. BRYDGES - People of Middlesex County will be given the opportunity to express con- cerns and to address issues in Pal- liative Care on April 6, at the Mt. Brydges Community Centre, 7 p.m.-9p.m. In response to the Palliative Care Initiatives announced in 1993-94, a task force was formed to make recommendations involving educa- tion, pain and symptom manage- ment and volunteer programs. Evolving from his task force, a multi -disciplinary approach was taken and a committee will be es- tablished for each of the six counties: Huron, Perth, Elgin, Ox- ford, Middlesex and the City of London. This committee wilt con- sist of physicians, consumers, pal- liative care providers, caregivers and anyone interested in the future of Palliative Care in Middlesex County. This county wide Palliative Care Committee will be influential in the development of standards, poli- cy and financial distribution. this is your opportunity to make a dif- ference. For further information you may contact any of the follow- ing steering committee members: Jackie Wells 245-3177, Jane Kowalyshyn 268-8981, Phyllis Sanders 693-4441 ext. 437, Jim and Lea Draper 245-5814. 40th anniversary celebrated Jean and Harold Sis- sons celebrated on Sunday. By Mary Peterson CENTRALIA - On Sunday, March 26, Jean and Harold Sissons celebrated their 40th wedding anni- versary with family and friends. Jean thought she was attending an afternoon tea at Centralia United Church until she arrived there and saw the special cake and decora- tions. With the help of Linda and Larry Henderson, Kay Tripp and Jean Rook, Harold had planned a lovely celebration. Friends and relatives surprised the happy couple with gifts and cards. Paul Klopp and his wife Heather presented congratulations on behalf of the province of Onta- rio. Paul Steckle had also planned to attend, but was required in Otta- wa to pass the bill to bring rail workers back to work. During the party, Ian MacRae played the bag- pipes. Harold Sissons was in the RCAF in Manitoba, and Jean (Robinson) was a member of the RAF in Eng- land. They became penpals and found romance through their letter - writing. Jean and Harold were mar- ried at St. Luke's Church in Lon- don, England, on March 26, 1955. United Church news At Centralia United Church on Sunday, March 26, everyone wished Aldeen Skinner a happy birthday. Mabel Hern was pleasant- ly surprised by birthday wishes at Zion. For the fourth Sunday in Lent, Heather Smith discussed the parable of the prodigal son. This parable addresses the theme of re- lationships and the great loss when special relationships are broken. In contrast, there is reason to cele- brate when these relationships are renewed. Rob Essery provided a lovely solo, and he and Mary Peterson read the Lenten Tenebrae. Brent Mills read the parable of the prodi- gal son from the gospel. Everyone is invited to hear Jim Papple from the Canadian Food Grains Bank at the service at 11:30 on April 2. Zion and Centralia Sunday Schools will serve lunch at Central- ia following the service, and pro- ceeds will be given to the project. If you have pledge sheets, please provide them to Brent Caslick or Alan Powe as soon as possible. Your support for this project will be appreciated! Following the service at Central- ia on April 2, there will also be a brief congregational meeting to dis- cuss reappointment of our student minister. UCW On March 30 at 8:00 p.m., Cen- tralia U.C.W. will hold their regu- lar meeting. The program that eve- ning will focus on the beautiful quilt prepared by the U.C.W. from several South Huron churches. Each block is unique and has an in- teresting story to tell. The April Spring Event for the U.C.W. will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 3 at Northside United Church in Sea - forth. Rob and Keiko Witmer will be guest speakers. Zion West U.C.W. will meet on April 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Margaret" Hern's for supper. Wear your East- er bonnet and your Easter outfit. On April 6, Centralia U.C.W. are invited to Crediton to join in their meeting. Euchre Helen MacDonald reports a good turnout of euchre players recently at Heywood's Restaurant. Jiggs Wallace and Doris Pfaff were high hand winners and lone hand win- ners were Esther Hodgins and Har- vey Latta. The Special was won by Mary Scott. Ontario. Tomorrow there'll be twice as many good reasons why we're introducing Neighbours today. hanks to the great strides made in modem medicine, the number of people over 85 will more than double in the next 15 years. As Ontario's population grows older, more and more people will rely on in-home services. Services like nursing, meal programs, physio- therapy and homemaking. Seniors, people with physical disabilities and others want the choice of staying in their own homes. But our current system simply won't meet the demand. What could be more comforting than being cared for in familiar surroundings? On a street you know. Around people you love. Surrounded by " those things that are so much part of your life. We need to make sure today that in-home services will be available tomorrow. That's why we're introducing Neighbours. Neighbours is a community approach to home and health services for independent living. For the first time, a full range of services will be available with NEIGHBOURS HOME AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING. • one phone call in communities all across the province. Neighbours is planned and managed by elected volunteers from your own community. They are people who live in the community and understand it. There are no govemment appointees on the board. Whether you're someone who relies on in-home services, a concerned relative or friend, a caregiver or someawe who would simply like to help, we want you to know all about Neighbours. Or if you would simply like to get involved in Ontario's community approach to long-term care, call one of the telephone numbers below. 1-800-268-1154, IN TORONTO (416) 314-5518, TTY 1-800-387-5559.