Lift chairs installed at Masonic Hall

The DeQuincy Masonic Lodge has purchased a battery operated lift chair for use in their building. The chair has a 350-pound rating and has a battery back-up. If power is lost, the chair will still operate.

The current building was constructed in 1969 to replace the old two-story wooden Lodge building that had been in use for many years. Access to the upper floor where the lodge was located was provided by steep stairs which have banisters on each side for safe access.

However, over the years, the steep stairs have proven a hindrance to elderly and handicapped Lodge members and visitors to such programs as the Lodge’s annual Honesty and Integrity awards given to area high school students. The chair was purchased by the Lodge to meet the needs of all of the Lodge Members and Members of the Eastern Star.

The bottom floor is leased to the U.S. Postal Service for use as the DeQuincy Post Office. The long-term lease has provided for the retirement of the debt on the building.