I never got to know Brother Wally, but while I was Secretary for Hempstead Masonic Lodge #808 for six years, I knew his brother George G. Wallingford who was raised a couple of month before Wally in 1947. I had heard the name all my life however, as my mother was friends with the Wallingford family in Pine Island when she was growing up in the early 1900's.

I recently received the following email from Brother John Hale, the Treasurer of Planters Masonic Lodge #147 AF & AM in Plantersville, Texas. It's another Small Town Texas Masonic Lodge.

W. L. Wallingford of Planters Lodge #147 has earned his Class A Certificate for 60 consecutive years. On Feb. 13th Planters Lodge celebrated this unbelievable achievement with a banquet and presentation in Wally's honor. I think that this warrants inclusion in the small town magazine. According to Grand Lodge there are very few to achieve this.

From Brother Randal Smallwood, Secretary Planters Masonic Lodge #147

...Wally was Master of Planters Lodge twice. We elected him as Master for our 150th celebration because he means so much to our Lodge. The Wally award was created to honor him and to recognize anyone in the Lodge who shows a similar devotion to the Lodge as he does. Because of his commitment, this Lodge is flourishing when others are having difficult times.

If you need more, I will be happy to provide whatever I can. You can come visit Wally at Planters Lodge on the Third Friday of any Month.

Brother Wally Receiving the award.