The city's oldest
Masonic Lodge is hosting a blood drive in conjunction with the
American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to support members
of the military. And as an added incentive, it's offering tours of
its Springfield mansion.
Samuel Bennett, senior warden of the Solomon Lodge, said the
drive is an opportunity for Jacksonville residents to show their
support.
The lodge at 25 E. First St. used to be home to William Barnett,
founder of the Barnett Bank chain. It is considered the benchmark of
colonial revival style in Springfield. The Barnett family sold the
home in 1941 to the city's oldest Masonic Lodge.
The event coincides with the Springfield Tour of Homes this
weekend, which costs $10. The Solomon Lodge will be free to tour and
will provide refreshments for those donating blood.
"We're doing this to honor those wounded in action and to support
their families," Bennett said.
Henry Herr, past master of the lodge, said representatives from
the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines will be on hand, along with
actors portraying Confederate and Union soldiers. Also,
representatives from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and
the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will be present.
"We are expecting 800 to 1,000 people on Saturday," Bennett said.
"It should be exciting to see the results."
Bennett said those who donate blood will be given a card to fill
out that will be mailed to a wounded soldier to show support and
gratitude.
"Soldiers are out there sacrificing their life," Bennett said.
"This blood drive is a wonderful opportunity to give something
back."
