GRAND MASTER'S
WORK PROJECT
FRAMING THE HOUSE
updated 2/8/01
www.gmwp.org/2001/framing.html
Due to exceptionally dry and warm weather, construction of the 2001 GMWP house was begun in October 2000. The footings were dug by R. P. Beard and Son Inc. Brother Pittman Beard and his son Brother Ronnie Beard are both members of Union Lodge #38. Concrete was poured by a crew from Botkin Construction; Brother Gary Botkin, owner of the company, is an Entered Apprentice Mason of Union Lodge #38.
The Foundation was built by Brother Raymond Powers (Past Master of now defunct Oakdale Lodge and current member of Emerald Lodge #377 in Wartburg); Brother Powers is shown in the photo at right laying block.
On Friday November 24, GMWP Director Brother Tom Boduch led the future homeowners, the McElroy Family and other volunteers in building the sub-floor. In late October, Bro. Boduch and the McElroys had built the walls in 12 foot sections. On Saturday December 9, the walls were raised. Shown in the photo at left are (from left to Right), Paul, Darlene and Jeremy McElroy, Mr. Jonathan Brile, Union Lodge #38 Treasurer Bro. D. C. Martin, Andy McKissack and his father, Paint Rock Lodge #367 Worshipful Master Brother David McKissack. Standing in the doorway in the background is dedicated Roane HFH volunteer Mr. Ed Brinner; Ed had previously belonged to a DeMolay Chapter.
Also assisting was newly installed Union Lodge #38 Worshipful Master Brother Ross Hickey. Other Volunteers included Roane County HFH 2000 co-volunteer of the year Tad Tadlock, HFH Treasurer Franz Raetzer, Roane HFH homeowner Linda Schultz and her son Andrew (Linda's house is concurrently under construction, and is being built by all women). Representing the First Baptist Church of Kingston were Larry Billings, Bill Morton and Ron Eckstrom. In summer of 2000, the First Baptist Church sponsored and built Roane HFH's 22nd home. Their Mission Group also installs roof trusses on Roane HFH houses. Many Union Lodge members attend this Church and serve of committees, as deacons and ushers.
This day was truly a day of "Masonry in Motion--Ritual in Action," as the Roane County Scottish Rite Club hosted its annual Shoe Party at Union Lodge #38 just 2 HFH houses up from the building site. Nearly 200 needy school children were fitted with a pair of shoes, and also were provided with a small Christmas basket and a hot dog, chili and coke.
2 weeks later, on Saturday December 23, the roof trusses were set and decking installed by a crew from the 1st Baptist Church Mission Group and were led by Bill Morton. Brother Pittman Beard provided his crane (see photo at right) to set the trusses.
In 1999, Brother Richard Lamphere, a member of Union Lodge #38 and his wife Alice (now deceased), made a major donation to fund construction of this house. He visited the building site and is shown at the far left in the photo at left. Homeowner Paul McElroy is helping Brother Richard down the steps, while Union Lodge Secretary, Brother Henry Wattenbarger (back right) looks on.
Deputy Grand Master R. W. Brother Esco Owens also stopped by (photo at right) and lent a hand.
By 2 P.M. the trusses were set and decking nailed down. Roy Hill, his son Adam, Roane HFH volunteer Ed Brinner, Roane HFH Treasurer Franz Raetzer, and Brother Tom Boduch then installed roofing felt, while the McElroys took down temporary bracing and cleaned the interior of the house.
During the subsequent week, Union Lodge #38, Junior Warden, Brother Terry Jones and his son John (far left in the photo at left) completed the rough electrical wiring of the house
On Saturday January 27, the vinyl siding was installed by a crew from the Kingston Church of Christ, led by Larry Clark (see photo at right). The Rev. Doug Hall, pastor of the Church, is currently serving as Roane County HABITAT FOR HUMANITY's Vice-President, and Director of Church Relations. He also helped the crew, and is standing in the middle on the scaffold in the photo.
Joining the Church crew were 3 veterans of the first (1998 Grand Master's Work Project), Brothers David Williamson, Melvin Giles (both Past Masters of Rockford Lodge #459 and Brother Jerry Swaney, Past Master of Mountain View Lodge #519 and current president of the Blount Masonic Council. Shown in the photo at left (from left to right) are Bro. Swaney, Bro Giles and on the scaffold is Brother Williamson. Brothers Williamson and Giles have participated in every GMWP.
Late in the day, Deputy Grand Master R. W. Bro. Esco Owens, returning from a meeting at the Grand Lodge, stopped by the building site, and marveled at the work that had been done in just one day!
During the subsequent week, Brother Greg Ferguson (038) (see photo at right) dug utility trenches, installed water and sewer lines, electical conduit and backfilled the foundation.
On Saturday, February 3, the roof was shingled. Leading the crew was Laura Pierce (co-owner and operator
of PIERCE ROOFING Inc.--see photo at left).
Assisting (see photo at right) were Laura's daughter Marie, Bros. David Williamson, Melvin Giles and Tom Boduch. Also assisting were Roane HFH "regular" volunteers Rev. Doug Hall, Franz Raetzer, Ed Brinner, Houston Guettner, Mary Sykes, Tad Tadlock and (representing the 1st Baptist Church of Kingston) Larry Billings and Bill Morton
On Friday February 9 and Saturday February 10, West TN GMWP Task Force member Brother Bill Whisel, Brother Jimmy Turner and Brother James Hubbell (all members of Jackson's St. John's Lodge #332, traveled 6 hours on I-40 from Jackson to Kingston to rough-in the plumbing. Shown in the photo at left are (from left to right) Brother Turner, Betty Boduch, Brother Hubbell and Brother Whisel. Brother Turner brought a donation of faucets from Delta Faucet Inc. of Jackson. Brother s Turner and Whisel have plumbed every GMWP house; Brother Hubbell has assisted on all but the first (1998).