Huguenot Lodge No. 46 Celebrates 230th Anniversary
Huguenot Lodge No. 46, Free and Accepted Masons, one of Westchester County’s oldest civic institutions, will commemorate its 230th anniversary by honoring the Friends of the Ward House, Inc. and Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins during the lodge’s 230th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, September 19, from 6 PM to 8 PM, at the Mount Kisco Masonic Hall, 11 Carpenter Avenue.
To commemorate the milestone, Huguenot Lodge No. 46 has established the Jonathan Ward Heritage Award, an annual recognition honoring individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, public service and stewardship have made enduring contributions to the history, heritage and quality of life of Westchester County. The award is named in honor of Jonathan Ward, son of famed Westchester Patriot Stephen Ward, and founding member of Huguenot Lodge No. 46, who served as sheriff of Westchester County, as a member of the New York State Senate, and in the U.S. House of Representatives. His legacy of service to both Freemasonry and the people of Westchester County continue to embody the principles the award is intended to recognize.
“For 230 years, Huguenot Lodge No. 46 has quietly served Westchester County through the principles of Freemasonry and a commitment to community,” said Lee Justo, Master of Huguenot Lodge No. 46 and Deputy Grand Historian Emeritus of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. “The Jonathan Ward Heritage Award will ensure that each year we recognize individuals and organizations whose service has enriched our county and whose legacy deserves to be celebrated. We are honored to present the inaugural awards to County Executive Kenneth Jenkins and the Friends of the Ward House.”
“It is a privilege to be recognized by Huguenot Lodge No. 46 during this historic milestone,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “Westchester’s history belongs to all of us, and preserving places like the Ward House helps ensure future generations understand the people and events that shaped our County and our nation. I am grateful for this recognition and applaud everyone whose commitment keeps our history alive.”
“The Friends of the Ward House is deeply honored to receive the inaugural Jonathan Ward Heritage Award as Huguenot Lodge No. 46 celebrates its remarkable 230th anniversary,” said Sal Provenzano, President and Chair of the Friends of the Ward House. “Receiving this recognition during the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence makes it especially meaningful. We are proud to help preserve Jonathan Ward’s legacy and grateful for Huguenot Lodge’s longstanding friendship and commitment to protecting our shared history.”
County Executive Jenkins will receive the inaugural award in recognition of his distinguished career in public service and his steadfast commitment to preserving Westchester County’s history while strengthening its communities. Among his many accomplishments, Jenkins played a pivotal leadership role in helping secure the future of the historic Ward House, which was razed during the war by British troops and rebuilt by Jonathan Ward in the 1790s after the war. Jenkins actions ensure that one of the county’s most significant colonial landmarks will continue to educate and inspire future generations.