AHOSKIE – Even a soggy night failed to prevent Woodmen of the World Lodge #328 of Ahoskie from celebrating its 100th birthday.

In front of a large crowd gathered inside Catherine’s Restaurant, local Lodge officials, members and invited guests celebrated a century of service by the fraternal organization that has meant so much to the Ahoskie community.

In recognition of its 100 years, Lodge #328 was presented a plaque and proclamation of its century of service from Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society of Omaha, Nebraska.

Woodmen of the World Area Manager Sharon Britt made the presentation to Eleanor Hollowell, Woodmen’s representative in its Ahoskie office.

“Lodge #328 has grown and prospered over the years,” Britt said in making the presentation. “We recognize the Lodge for its century of service to the Ahoskie community and for its status as one of the leading civic organizations in the area.”

Lodge #328 was chartered on May 6, 1909.

As noted by Joyce Leary during her historical showcase of Lodge #328, the group remains extremely active in community oriented projects.

Leary said among the featured projects is the continuation of awarding American, North Carolina and Christian flags and flagpoles to various organizations within the Ahoskie area. She added that the Main Street flags displayed by the Town of Ahoskie on special holidays were courtesy of Lodge #328.

Additionally, Lodge members continue to visit six area nursing homes where they conduct BINGO games and award prizes to the residents.

In memory of the September 11 attacks on American soil, Lodge #328 members conduct an annual “Honor and Remembrance Day.” They also conduct an annual “Join Hands Day” where Lodge members come together to help needy families by performing yard work and making minor household repairs.

Lodge #328 also makes annual donations to such entities as Roanoke-Chowan SAFE, University Hospice, the Ahoskie Public Library, the Ahoskie Food Pantry, the Ahoskie Recreation Department and local rescue squads.

During Ahoskie Heritage Day, the Lodge sponsors a fingerprinting booth for children in an effort to protect the well-being of young people.

“We have and we continue to work for the betterment of our community,” Leary said.

Also at Saturday evening’s banquet, Lodge #328 presented two featured awards. Becky Jo Sumner earned the Fraternal Spirit Award while Brad Brown was the recipient of the Conservation Award (Farmer of the Year).

The Lodge also recognized numerous “Woodmen” families with plaques of appreciation.