Fifty-year Mason recognized at Albany Lodge

The Albany Masonic Lodge held a special ceremony on Saturday, November 15, to honor longtime member Sammy Joe Rippey for 50 years of service in Freemasonry. Family and local lodge members gathered at the Albany Lodge to celebrate the milestone. Rippey’s wife, Barbara, was also in attendance.

Rippey first joined Albany Lodge No. 482 in 1975, beginning a decades-long commitment to the fraternity. He was initiated on January 28, 1975, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on April 17, 1975, and raised a Master Mason on August 5, 1975. This past August marked his 50th year as a Master Mason.

Through the years, Rippey served the lodge in several capacities. His service began in 1977 as Senior Deacon, followed by roles as Junior Warden in 1978 and Treasurer in 1979. He later served as Junior Steward in 1982 and Tiler in 1985.

Members of the lodge thanked Rippey for his decades of dedication, noting his steady presence and longtime support of the Albany Masonic community.