Freemasons from 13 Masonic lodges in Georgia and South Carolina united Dec. 31 to present the Treutlen House with an $11,318 donation.

“We feel Treutlen House is an ennobling institution that should be preserved in our community, and we would like to encourage the good people of Effingham to continue in their charitable generosity toward Treutlen House,” said James W. Bell, an Effingham County resident and past master.

Bell added that one of the great objects of Masons is to exercise charity by helping those who are less fortunate.

Treutlen House is named for Gov. John Adam Treutlen, an orphan and a member of the Masonic Order in 1774.

The lodges represented were: Frank F. Baker Lodge; Roger Lacey Lodge, No. 722; Guyton Lodge, No. 428, Thunderbolt Lodge, No. 693; Landrum Lodge, No. 48; Clinton Lodge, No. 54; Estill Lodge; Clyo Lodge, No. 280; Zerubbabel Lodge, No. 15; Hardeeville Lodge, No. 348; Richard T. Turner Lodge, No. 116; Springfield Lodge, No. 440; and Solomon’s Lodge, No. 1, F&AM at Savannah.