Submitted Photo The Thule Lodge held its Memorial Service to remember those members and associates who have died in the last year. Vice Chairman Susan Washington Sipos, in the background, read the list of names, and Chaplain Diane K. Shaw placed a carnation on the altar in memory.

BEMUS POINT — The Thule Lodge is the Swedish organization in the area, formed nearly 110 years ago. The organization, which is a part of the international Vasa organization, was formed to help Swedish immigrants settle and find employment when they arrived in the United States. Today, the organization serves to preserve Swedish heritage through events and activities. The lodge is located at 4123 Pancake Hill Road in Bemus Point.

Recently, the annual Memorial Service was held at the lodge to remember those members and associates who died in the last year. Chaplain of the lodge, Diane K. Shaw of Cassadaga, and Vice chairman Susan Washington Sipos, also of Cassadaga, conducted the special service. Members of the lodge attended, along with family and friends of the deceased.

Sipos read the list of names, and each time a carnation was placed on the altar by Shaw. Following the ceremony, family members introduced themselves and spoke of their family. Each family member was welcome to take a carnation in memory. Special Swedish music was played after several passages were read.

Following the service, all were welcome for refreshments, which included a large cake decorated with Swedish colors by Ranee Kaus of Cassadaga. Cake was served by lodge Historian John Sipos, and ice cream was served by Assistant Mistress of Ceremony Bernice Veights. Past Chairman Ralph Veights served the coffee.

The chairman of the lodge is Tom Eckberg, secretary is Lynne Meyers, and financial person is Loretta Smith. Thule Lodge always welcomes new members.