Monte Bello Lodge #10, Florence Alabama
Subordinate Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Alabama
We congratulate Brother General Jim Noles who has been inducted into the Florence Walk of Fame at the Marriott Convention Center. He joins our Brother Lt.Colonel Ed Yeilding in this distinguished honor.
Thank you for visiting the Monte Bello Lodge in Florence, Alabama. This lodge has been active since about 1874. There have been many influential people from the community that have participated in this lodge, and this practice continues today. There have been at least three Alabama Governor’s that were part of this lodge; Edward O’Neal Jr, his son Emmitt O’Neal and R.L. Patton.
Veteran of the Year
We unanimously voted to make Brother Ed Cheney our Veteran of the Year 2019 for the third year in a row for his service to our country and for his great speaking tour during this year's Veterans Day.
Who are the Members?
Today’s membership includes a former Florence City Mayor, a former Florence City Councilman, a former Lauderdale County Circuit Judge, and the current Lauderdale County Commissioner of Revenue. Many of our members are veterans including a retired Army Brigadier General, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who has flown a plane faster than any other human being, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who has written several books and has acted as a Historian for the University of North Alabama and the City of Florence, and a retired veteran of the Vietnam War who was severely wounded during his tour of duty. We have an academian who severed in several high ranking positions in Louisiana, Indiana, Arkansas, as well as at the University of North Alabama. We have retired law enforcement officers, business people, farmers, and others that have made significant contributions to their communities, state, and country.
What do the Members Do?
This lodge is the most active in Alabama and probably one of the more active lodges in the country. Members of this lodge are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a Memorial Garden at Veterans Park in the City. This park includes a very nice Memorial with war artifacts including a Phantom F-4 Jet, a military helicopter and various other weapons as well as plaques that recognize those Lauderdale residents who have given their lives while serving our country in war. Two of the lodge brothers, a father and son have been volunteering and giving their time at this memorial for over seventeen years and much of what is on display at this park is because of their efforts. Several of our lodge members were responsible for a veteran’s memorial at the University of North Alabama where Alumni who have served in our military with a distinguished career or given their life while fighting for this country are honored. On and around Memorial Day and Veterans Day Brothers of this lodge provide programs for the general public, as well as school-age children, to honor and recognize the veterans who have served our nation and to remind everyone of their sacrifices.
One of our Brothers was responsible for overseeing the cleanup and repair of a local cemetery that contains the remains of the family of one of the founding fathers of Florence, John Coffee. Through our Brother’s efforts, the Cemetery is now a local historic park and is being maintained by persons’ contracted by the city. General Coffee served under the command of General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812. Another of our Brothers is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of the mascot lions at the University of North Alabama. This includes maintaining and cleaning their habitat. This Brother and his wife have been doing this project as volunteers since the birth of these mascots and even before they went on view to the public.
Every year the Lodge supports a child in the Shoals area that has Cerebral Palsy and some of its members work with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in a local telethon. The Lodge provides scholarships to student-athletes whose eligibility to play sports has expired and without the financial support will not be able to complete their degree program. A roadway in Florence is kept clean of litter by members of this lodge. Brothers work soup kitchens in the area to help feed the homeless and those needing meals. The Lodge supports a local high school band and provides labor to assist in getting band equipment to the venues of play while providing financial support to meet their goals.
Our Brothers are involved in many charitable causes through both labor and monetary contributions. These contributions and donations are done without a lot of fanfare or call for recognition. We aim to be part of the community and make a difference while remaining in the background.
What Our Lodge Represents
Our values are no different than those of the Supreme Lodge and Grand Lodge. We place God and our family, above all else. We strongly support our community, state, and nation. We support the spirit of humility, cooperation, and friendship. We know that service to mankind and our community is an essential part of our role. We know that Friendship, Benevolence, Kindness, Tolerance, and Charity are expected traits. We work with and team with people of like interests and talents in hopes of better serving people in our community. We support our nation, veterans, and flag. We realize that everyone has their own point of view and beliefs, but we believe we can all agree to disagree but remain friends, and learn to compromise for the sake of our country, communities, and children.
What it Takes to be a Member
A Pythian Knight feels strongly about assisting the community and fellow knights. Lodges raise funds and wisely select community betterment projects. We recruit others who strive to make a difference. All members must fulfill the following criteria:
- An adult male of at least 18 years of age
- Not a professional gambler
- Not involved with illegal drugs or alcohol
- Belief in a Supreme Being
Attend our meetings and share your vision for a better tomorrow. Members have a vote in how the lodge spends time and funds. Be the change you wish to see in the community and the world!
If you would like to become a member, you can simply email us at montebellolodge10@gmail.com or join us at one of our meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month, at the Mongolian Grill, 121 Cox Creek Parkway S., Florence. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at noon. You can also check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Knights-of-Pythias-Monte-Bello-Lodge-10-Florence-Alabama-877327359327271/.