Submitted Photo Pictured in the photo with Griffith Jones are John Haslam, Senior, Deputy Grand Marshall, Larry Kania, Richard Kessler, Deputy Grand Master, and his wife Joann, Dave Howard from the Local Mount Moriah Lodge, Griffith Jones III and his wife, Carol, and Peter Stein.

Griffith Jones, Junior, a family member at The Homestead, a Heritage senior living community in Gerry, was recently awarded a certificate for 65 membership years in the Masons.

Deputy Grand Master, Rich Kessler and his wife, Joann, shared, “It was an extreme pleasure to be able to present a 65 year award to Griff Jones, Jr. It is always great to connect with those who have laid the path before us and to honor them is a great honor and privilege.”

Jones is also a World War II veteran who served from 1943-1946 in the Pacific theatre as a Technician, 3rd grade. During his time in the United States Army, he worked to build airstrips, roads and pathways for military use, as well as working as a radio operator, decoding Morse Code messages. He received an Arrowhead badge for his service and participation in the second invasion of Lingayen in the Phillippines.

Heritage Ministries was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY, to six locations in New York with additional affiliations in the states of Washington, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members, and serving over 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. The Homestead Stables provides intergenerational equestrian opportunities as well as boarding, training, and lessons. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses, allowing for intergenerational programs. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org.