King Lodge Welcomes Bro. Ketch Secor
We were honored to recognize Bro. Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show and welcome him as a member of King Lodge No. 461.
Today was a historic and very special day for King Lodge No. 461.
We were honored to recognize Brother Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show and welcome him as a Member of King Lodge No. 461.
Ketch’s accomplishments in American music are well known, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful to us goes far beyond the stage. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy, education, volunteerism, community service, and the preservation of American roots music. Those are values that closely reflect the principles of Freemasonry: using the talents we have been given to serve others, strengthen our communities, and leave something worthwhile for those who follow us.
There is also a wonderful historical connection between King Lodge and the music Ketch has spent his life preserving.
For many years, King Lodge met on the third floor of the State Street building where the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions were recorded. Those recordings helped establish Bristol as the Birthplace of Country Music and forever changed American music.
That history has inspired a new tradition at King Lodge. We are establishing a special place within our Lodge to recognize Masons from country, bluegrass, roots, and traditional American music whose lives and contributions exemplify the values of our fraternity. These Brothers will be welcomed as Honorary Members of King Lodge and become part of a continuing connection between Masonry and the musical heritage of Bristol.
It seemed only fitting that Brother Ketch Secor should be the very first.
Today, Brother Ketch laid the first stone in what we hope becomes a tradition that continues for generations, connecting King Lodge, the Birthplace of Country Music, the music of these mountains, and the timeless principles of Freemasonry.
Congratulations, Brother Ketch, and welcome to King Lodge No. 461!
