McIntosh Honored for Fifty Years

History and heritage converged on Saturday, December 20, 2025, as the local Masonic community and family members gathered for a momentous occasion: the celebration of Philip V. McIntosh’s 50th year of Masonic service.

The atmosphere was one of profound respect as Brother McIntosh was presented with his 50-year Masonic Membership gold card and service pin, marking a milestone that few achieve and even fewer serve with such tireless consistency.

Philip’s journey in the craft began half a century ago. He was first initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason on November 10, 1975. Demonstrating a swift dedication to the fraternity’s teachings, he was Passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft on December 8, 1975, and ultimately Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on February 21, 1976.

His leadership capabilities were recognized early by his peers. Just four years after becoming a Master Mason, he was elected to lead the lodge as Lodge Master on December 8, 1980.

While many Masons contribute to their lodges, McIntosh’s tenure as an officer is nearly unparalleled. On December 10, 1984, he was elected to the office of Secretary, a role he would hold for 41 consecutive years, only stepping down on December 8, 2025.

To honor this extraordinary service, members of Booneville Lodge 939 presented Philip with a special commemorative gift: his Masonic apron and Secretary’s jewel, beautifully framed as a permanent reminder of his four decades behind the desk.

Philip’s Masonic life extended well beyond the doors of the Booneville Masonic Lodge. His resume within the fraternity is as broad as it is deep: Philip was Exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason on July 8, 1980, at Jackson Royal Arch Chapter 160. He is a charter member of the Henry Bannister Grant Lodge of Research and a member of the Booneville Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 446.

The evening concluded with heartfelt tributes from fellow Masons, who spoke of Philip’s "faithfulness" and "unwavering dedication." For the members of Lodge 939, Philip McIntosh represents more than just a name on a roster; he is the institutional memory and the heartbeat of the fraternity in Booneville.

As he begins his 51st year in the craft, the community comes together to thank Brother Philip V. McIntosh for his lifetime of labor, mentorship, friendship, and leadership.