Our Meeting Place

As I understand it from Brother Boyd Butz, PM J. Simpson Africa Lodge originally met at 95 Crystal Street, East Stroudsburg, above the Security Bank (now LizTech/Citizen's Bank) across from Dansbury Depot. I must admit I always liked the look of this building and thought it looked like a Masonic lodge with the columns and all. As soon as I can scare up some details I will concerning our (and the buildings) history. The occupants of the space today is still a bank and LizTech. They make handmade jewelry designed by Jill Elizabeth that are inspired by the American Southwest, Egyptian and Indian mythology; also recycles old costume jewelry. Liztech has been displaying its unique jewelry, furniture, and home decor for the past 21 years. Visit the Web site www.Liztech.com, which has each piece on exhibit along with a tour of the gallery and it's home-made designs.
	J. Simpson Africa Lodge built and met in this building at the corner of Main and Washington streets in East Stroudsburg, PA The building was sold in 1983 due to the need of major repairs and unreliable rental income at the time. It still stands today looking much like this photo housing it's new owner: Frazetta's Fantasy Corner. Owner Bill Frazetta opened up Frazetta's Fantasy Corner twenty-three years ago. Enjoying entertaining people since an early age and always having a love of Halloween, Frazetta seemed to be a natural in this type of business. Frazetta also credits his father, famous fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta for inspiring him. His father had a documentary recently released on the Independent Film Channel. Growing up with these influences at an early age is what encouraged Bill Frazetta's visions of this specialty store. Frank Frazetta (born February 9, 1928) is one of the world's most influential fantasy and science fiction artists. He is one of the most emulated artists of these genres in the world. Some of his works are: Conan the Barbarian, Dark Kingdom , The Death Dealer, Egyptian Queen, Man Spider, The Silver Warrior, and Snow Giants.
After the sale of the building JSA moved into this building at 585 Main Street in Stroudsburg, owned by longtime rival Barger Lodge #325. In 1998 this building was sold and a resolution was drawn for both lodges to attend to the needs of our older members who should not be climbing so many stairs. To build a new ADA compliant building on donated land at 900 Rimrock road in Bartonsville, PA. With a Stroudsburg Mailing address. It is to have central heat, and Air conditioning. Like the building that inspires it, (King Solomon's Temple) it would be the show piece of the town. The building it to be named The Rimrock Masonic Center, and be run democratically in the spirit of cooperation that surround all Masons. Like the Washington street building it still stands today much like it did when we occupied it, proudly housing its new owner: Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter. They started as a one man shop on North 6th Street in Stroudsburg, PA, February, 18, 1972. Jere Dunkelberger offered the local (and not so local) anglers and hunters the necessities that they needed. As the business developed, Dunkelbergers acquired many brand named products that in the region, and are exclusive to the store. Two moves and many years later Dunkelberger’s set up shop in the former Barger building, where they currently remain. Here is a recent close up shot by Bro Kenny Foulkes Secretary showing the brickwork and the Masonic emblem still there.
	Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., R.W. Senior Grand Warden (second from left) pours the wine during the ceremonial cornerstone-laying ceremony for the new Rimrock Masonic Center and the dedication of the lodge room June 19 by R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette (left at lectern) and the officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. There was a large attendance by members of the lodges, appendant bodies, and ladies' organizations who meet in the new building. The Center is home for Barger Lodge No. 325; J. Simpson Africa Lodge No. 628; Gideon Lodge No. 145, Prince Hall Affiliate; Monroe Royal Arch Chapter No. 281; Samuel S. Yohe Commandery No. 81; Pocono Forest No. 124, Tall Cedars of Lebanon; The Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 99; and Dorothy Lim Memorial Court No. 110, Order of the Amaranth. It also houses the 50th Masonic District School of instruction, and for a while The Pocono Mountain DeMolay Chapter (Now closed) It is to be a very busy building indeed.
Our new home completed in 1998 offers spacious and easy access meeting space for a host of Masonic purposes. it's dining room can easily seat 100 people and at least 175 between its two meeting rooms. The building is home to a buzz of activities and is proud to host the 50th Masonic district School of instruction meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month.