Several members of the McAllister Masonic Lodge in Whaleyville met with the Ivor Ruritans at the Ivor Baptist Church on Oct. 20.

Worshipful Master Phillip Maybery presented the Masonic “Community Builders Award” to a surprised Barbara Rayburn for her volunteer contributions to the city of Suffolk for several decades.

Mayberry read a proclamation and described some of the ways Rayburn has contributed to the community. She has worked for about 20 years with the Nanosecond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, has put in 20 years of work with the Ruritans, and has contributed more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service with the Western Tidewater Free Clinic, among other acts of service.

The candidate for this award, along with his or her credentials, is presented to the Grand Lodge in Richmond for consideration. Not all who are presented for consideration receive the award.

Members of the McAllister Lodge decided to present this award to her in front of her peers at the Ivor Ruritan Club’s 85th anniversary celebration.

That celebration included a visit from 2015 Ruritan National President Bobby Burton and Wally Hudson, the national director assigned to the Holland District.

The two Ruritan leaders presented Ivor Club President Vernon Teall with a framed certificate to celebrate the occasion.

Burton also installed the 2016 Ivor club officers: President Raymond Clark, Vice President Vernon Teall, Secretary Barbara Rayburn, Treasurer Jimmy Copeland and Directors Jean Barker, Bob Felts and David Thompson.

Curvy Girls Catering provided the meal.  Music was provided by Randy Maybery, organist and choir director at Magnolia United Methodist Church in Suffolk.