Hill honored for 50 years

AUSTINTOWN — James W. Hill of Austintown was recognized recently for his many years of faithful service and loyalty to Masonry in accordance with the order of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Florida.

On Dec. 13, Hill was presented with a 50-year pin from each state and a certificate for his 50 years of service. Due to Hill’s health, the presentation was made at his home by the following members of Wick Lodge 481: Dale E. Beckman, most worshipful master of F&AM in Youngstown; Dave Moss, senior warden; W.B. George A Vestal III, secretary; Matt Lydic, Wick Lodge member; along with W.B. James B. Parker IV, secretary of Poland Lodge 766.

Initially a member of Youngstown Lodge 615 F&AM in Youngstown, Hill is a member of Wick Lodge 481 of Youngstown and a charter member of The Villages Mason Lodge 394 of Lady Lake, Fla.

Hill was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on Nov. 14, 1957.

He was elected High Twelvian of the Year for 2007 for his service to Temple on the Hill High Twelve Club 720, and was also honored as the 2007 International High Twelvian of the Year.

He served in World War II as a technician fifth grade with the Engineer Combat Battalion, and retired after years of service in electronics. He and his wife, Winnie, have five children, 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and are members of Christ Church in Boardman.