May History Fact of the Month

Hope Lodge # 20

For decades, MESH Charities of DC has provided and continues to provide invaluable welfare and care of needy Sisters and Brothers, as well as their spouses and dependent children.  The Masonic community is forever indebted to MESH for its work. Nearly, 50 years ago, however, MESH was in turmoil and Hope Lodge No. 20 sought to help.

In February of 1972, the employees at the MESH Home went on strike.  The situation had become so problematic that police were called to remove an employee who was conducting a sit down strike at the MESH home.

In response, Hope Lodge's Worshipful Master, George Worth, called on the Brethren to provide "all kinds of help to care for the elderly guests at the home."  Eastern Star members had provided some help, but more was needed.  WM Worth also sought to help the home through the 1972 Association of Worshipful Masters by raising funding and fixing problems with the MESH home.  

Ultimately, the National Labor Relations Board found that the officers of MESH had violated the labor rights of the MESH employees and required that MESH offer the employees full reinstatement.