WoodmenLife Field Representative Ricky Pruitt applauds as his colleague Ernie Craven burns the loan note for the Woodmen lodge in Clarkesville.
On October 9, 2017, WoodmenLife Chapter 143 (formerly Woodmen of the World) held a note burning ceremony at the group’s lodge in Clarkesville. They celebrated paying off the loan that was used to buy the land and build the lodge in 1997. The loan note was burned twenty years to the day that the property and building were dedicated.
“I have attended many gatherings during that time at the Woodmen hall, but this was a real celebration,” says WoodmenLife representative Ricky Pruitt. Pruitt started his career with Woodmen of the World a little over 21 years ago. He knows just how much work has gone into building and maintaining the property on Hills Crossing Road.
Gerrin Construction built the lodge and Woodmen members finished the interior. They constructed and painted the walls, installed cabinets and wiring and, in general, made the single story, metal building a comfortable gathering spot for Woodmen members and their families. Pruitt says all members gave of their time and labor to finish the lodge but one, the late Gene Pardue, was “very instrumental in the planning and construction of the building.”
Since the day it was dedicated on October 9, 1997, the building has been used for WoodmenLife monthly meetings, community events and fellowship.
“I was honored to be a part of this event (the note burning),” says Pruitt, “knowing of all the hard work and effort to keep this property in the beautiful condition it is in and to to know that it will be used by many people in the coming years.” He adds, “With the debt paid, the Clarkesville Chapter will be able to provide more assistance and support to worthy causes in the community.”
WoodmenLife is a not-for-profit insurance company. The company gives back to the communities it serves through its local lodges. The Clarkesville lodge distributes funds annually to support local charitable and community causes.
