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150th Anniversary Celebration

George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 Free and Accepted Masons recently celebrated their 150th anniversary since is was constituted on March 1, 1875.  A banquet was held at the Apple Tree Terrace at Newberry Estates and was attended by representatives from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, members of George M. Dallas Lodge and guests. Highlights of the evening included remarks by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master 12th District, Worshipful Master George. M. Dallas lodge and a reading of the history of the lodge.  For information on joining George M. Dallas lodge, please visit our website at http://www.lodge531.com.

Pictured  L to R, first row: Daniel W. Lewis, District Deputy Grand Master 12th District, Robert D. Brink, R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Larry A. Derr R.W. Grand Master, Lynn B. Baker Jr., R.W. Junior Grand Warden and Paul M. Rutkowski, Worshipful Master. Second row: Barry T. Wagner P.M. Secretary, John Owens, Junior Warden, Robert J. Shaffer, Treasurer, Kenneth Hinz, Junior Deacon, Leo V. Carr P.M., Senior Warden, Robert Birkland, Senior Master of Ceremonies and Michael Loftus, Senior Deacon.

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Bro. Joseph J. Maniskas, PM

Joseph J. Maniskas, 82, formerly of Dallas, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at River View Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilkes-Barre.

Born in Swoyersville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Maniskas. He was a graduate of Swoyersville High School.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his grandson, Nicky Sorbelli. Surviving are his children: Joey Maniskas; Jay Maniskas and his wife, Kelly; Jamie Sorbelli and her husband, Wayne; grandchildren: Jesse, Rachel, Leela and Olivia. He was the beloved brother of Richard and wife, Alex: sister, Patricia; nephew, Eric; and brother, John and wife, Josie. He was the uncle to Pamela, John, Amy, Richard and Matthew.

Joesph was a private in the United States Army, and was honorably discharged in December 1960.

Joseph was a well-known hair stylist in the Dallas area for over 50 years. He was a member and past master of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531. Joseph was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Irem Country Club in Dallas, Pa.

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2025 Lodge Essays

Do you enjoy writing? If so, the lodge can use your help. Grand Lodge has requested that our lodge write 3 profile essays (1,000 – 1,500 words each) on the following:

Member #1: Influential in the Community
Member #2: Influential in the Lodge
Member #3: Influential in Freemasonry in General

Please note that the selected member may be living or deceased. If you are interested in helping with the essays, please contact theSecretary, Barry T. Wagner, PM.

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Bro. Albert G. Billings, A Life Member

Albert G. Billings, 89, of Dallas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Allied Services Hospice, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Born and raised in Dallas, Albert was the son of the late Charles L. and Elizabeth (Frantz) Billings. Albert was a proud graduate of Westmoreland High School, Class of 1953, and was notably one of the first to graduate from Luzerne County Community College’s evening school program. He enjoyed a long and dedicated career with ACME Supermarkets, retiring after many years of service.

Albert was a fun and lively presence in the lives of those who knew him. He had a passion for the stock market and spent countless hours mentoring others. He loved the Back Mountain and often reminisced about the rich history of Dallas, his cherished hometown. Albert had a deep appreciation for cars, which he always kept spotless. An animal lover, Albert had a special place in his heart for his dogs, who brought him great joy throughout his life. He also enjoyed dining out with friends and family, creating cherished memories over meals and conversation. Albert never missed an opportunity to cheer on Penn State football, sharing the excitement with family and friends.

He was an active member of the community, a proud Mason, and a member of the Shriner Brass Band, where he shared his passion for music.

Albert was preceded in death by his beloved parents. He is survived by his sister, Florence “Flossie” Finn, of Dallas; his niece, Elizabeth Rosencrans and her husband, Fred; and his nephew, Charles L. Finn. He is also survived by his great-nieces, great-nephew, and a great-great-nephew, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 N. Pioneer Ave., Shavertown, with the Rev. Jon Buxton officiating. Interment will follow in Wardan Cemetery, Dallas.

Friends are invited to pay their respects from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown, and again on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Albert will be fondly remembered for his unwavering kindness, infectious humor and devotion to his family, friends, and beloved pets. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge in honor of Albert’s love for animals.

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Pay Your Dues On-Line

As part of the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge’s 21st Century Masonic Renaissance, Members can now pay dues online. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure safe financial transactions and that payments are properly recorded and disbursed. And as always, you can pay dues in person or by mail making checks payable to George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 F. & A. M.. Dues paid online will incur a $3.25 processing fee.
You can also add a voluntary donation to our charity fund in the same transaction if you like.

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Request

The Worshipful Master requests that first and second-line signers of petitions be present for the stated meetings when the petition is presented and balloted and at extra meetings when the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason degrees are conferred. 

Thank You

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What’s Missing

Do you know what’s missing in Freemasonry?

YOU! Please make a New Year’s resolution to attend our Stated and Extra Meetings. Hear an interesting program, refresh your memory of your entered apprentice, fellow craft, or master mason’s degree. Enjoy some fellowship with the Brethren. Remember, you get out of Freemasonry what you put into it.
Haven’t been to the lodge lately? Never be concerned about an entrance examination as a member of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531. If requested, your current membership card is all that is needed to attend a Stated or Extra Meeting. No other questions will be asked. Come out for a great meal and terrific fellowship. Hope to see you soon at Lodge.

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2024 Scholarships

The George M Dallas Lodge No. 531 F&AM has awarded two scholarships for the 2024 graduating class in the amount of $1,500 dollars each.

George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 Free and Accepted Masons selected a graduating senior from both the Dallas and Lake Lehman High schools. Each student will receive a 2024 Scholarship Award of $1,500. The scholarship committee selected Marie Popielarz from Dallas High School and Lucy Honeywell from Lake Lehman High School in recognition of their extraordinary academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

Pictured L-R front row: Daniel Lewis P.M. Worshipful Master, Lucy Honeywell, Marie Popielarz and Barry Wagner P.M., Secretary. Second row: Robert Shaffer, Treasurer, Jerry Sock, Junior Warden, Merr Trumbore, Organizer, Paul Rutkowski, Senior Warden and John Owens, Senior Deacon

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