New roof, HVAC system will improve energy efficiency and expand building use
LA GRANGE – LaFayette
Masonic Lodge #34 will soon have a new roof and HVAC
system that will make the building usable for a variety of meetings, classes and other community events, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of La Grange.
The Community Devel opment Partnership Program grant, along with $6,815 in matching funds from the ma-
sonic order, will enable the group to improve the histor - ic building's climate control, which then would make the site usable as a cooling station or temporary shelter, as well as a meeting location for clubs and civic groups.
The historic lodge, built in 1939, still features the orig - inal slate tile roof, but many tiles are now brittle, loose or missing. The existing HVAC system is 30 years old and can no longer provide adequate cooling during the hot summer months.
“The original slate roof has served its lifespan," said Jerry Meek, secretary of La Fayette Masonic Lodge #34. "We've been trying to raise the money to replace the roof through do- nations and fundraisers, but it simply was taking too long to raise enough, and the cost was increasing nearly as fast as our funds.”
Meek said that with an improved cooling system, upgraded insulation, and a new roof, the organization envisions the building could be used for everything from children's activities during the summer to weddings and parties. It also could house fire and law enforcement agencies as they plan and coordinate disaster responses.
Meek said with the com- pletion of the project, the orga - nization can continue focusing on the needs of the community.
"A new roof, insulation and HVAC system could produce savings of nearly $1,000 a year, which would be put right back into the community," Meek said. “La Fayette Ma-
sonic Lodge has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to La
Grange High School students
over the last 10 years. We can now expand that amount with these new cost savings. We can also work with the local food pantry, county women's shelter and children's health and educational services to provide meaningful support that directly benefits individu als and families in need.”
Jeffrey L. Messer, junior warden of La Fayette Mason- ic Lodge #34, said the group is thankful for the grant and looks forward to working with organizations like LCRA in the years to come.
"As masons, we help the distressed and support the education of youth with the majority of our charitable efforts," Messer said. "This grant, generously awarded
by LCRA and the City of La Grange, will allow us to con - tinue to focus on the external needs of others and keep us working long into the future.”
