Celebrating 150 Years of Fellowship: King Lodge No. 461 Hosts Annual Chili Cookoff
On November 9, 2024, King Lodge No. 461 marked its 150th anniversary with a celebration that brought together Masons and the community for a day filled with fellowship, competition, and, of course, delicious chili. The event included a Chili Cookoff competition between lodges in the district, with eight Masons entering their best recipes to compete for the coveted title of Royal Chili Master 2024.
The celebration kicked off early in the morning as Brothers Weston Leonard and Jim Pepper arrived at 7 a.m. to prepare the dining hall and begin baking homemade buttermilk cornbread, the perfect complement to a chili feast. The event was open to the public, and a large crowd gathered to join us in honoring the rich history of our lodge while enjoying good food and camaraderie.
King Lodge was honored to have Chief Bill Nunley of the Green Spring Volunteer Fire Department, who is also a Mason, serve as the judge for the cookoff. As Fire Chief of Washington County, Virginia, Chief Nunley brought a unique expertise in heat and spice, making him the perfect judge for our chili competition. He had his work cut out for him as he tasted each entry and deliberated over the flavors and craftsmanship displayed by our Brothers.
Among the King Lodge officers present were:
- Bro. Robert Streeter – Chaplain
- Bro. Justin Plaster – WM
- Bro. Bill Caffey – Treasurer
- Bro. Lee Hoffnung – Tyler
- Bro. Weston Leonard – Secretary
- Bro. Billy Rivers – Junior Warden
- Bro. David Smith – Senior Warden
- Bro. Earlston DesChamps – Senior Deacon
Our dedicated members attending included Bro. Charlie Norton, Bro. David Williams, Bro. Brian Rose, and our esteemed 50-year member, Bro. Jim Pepper.
After much anticipation, the winner of the Royal Chili Master 2024 title was announced: Bro. Brian Rose of King Lodge No. 461 took home first place with his expertly crafted chili. Bro. Joe McQueen of Rhea Masonic Lodge No. 47 earned a well-deserved second place. We extend our congratulations to both for their hard work and exceptional flavors.
The success of our 150th-anniversary celebration and chili cookoff was a testament to the brotherhood and unity that has defined King Lodge No. 461 since its founding. We look forward to making this an annual tradition and are already excited about the chance to defend our title next year.
If you’re interested in joining in on the fun, camaraderie, and fellowship that come with being a Mason, we invite you to contact us to learn how you can become part of our fraternity. Here’s to another 150 years of King Lodge No. 461, standing strong in fellowship and community.
Article by
Bro. Weston Leonard
Secretary King Lodge no 461
