Columbia F.&A.M., Lodge No. 286, returned to Columbia late in 2022. Its activities are now housed in its newly constructed Lodge room in the Cimarron Building, 430 Walnut St., Columbia.

The Columbia Masons have been a part of the community since 1854 and previously were located on Locust Street prior to moving to Wrightsville Lodge for over 10 years. Scott Zeamer, past master and worshipful master for 2022, noted that the move to Wrightsville was always viewed as temporary, and the group aimed to return to Columbia.

The Lodge has had a rejuvenation of membership within the past year, gaining more than 30 new members. The members of the Columbia Lodge seek to grow their fraternal bonds and their involvement within the community, with a focus on aiding children and youths.

The officers for the 2023 year are past master Jason A. Martin, worshipful master; Jared Hughes, senior deacon; Trenton Mann, junior deacon; past master Gerald Fretwell, senior warden; David Zeamer, junior warden; Austin Peters, senior master of ceremonies; Keary Smith, junior master of ceremonies; Steven Henry Jr., secretary; Thomas Heisler III, treasurer; Serhat Cakmak, pursuivant; Brett Nease, tyler, and Raymond Groff, chaplain. Clair Knight, past master, serves as the Grand Lodge representative. The trustees are past masters Mark Zeamer, Scott Zeamer, and Andrew Zeamer.

Columbia Lodge will hold a lodge dedication ceremony on Saturday, April 1, with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania representatives and officers present. Organizers anticipate an attendance of over 300 people. More information is forthcoming.

For more information about the Columbia Lodge, email secretary Steven Henry Jr. at secy0286@pagrandlodge.org or search for "Columbia Masonic Lodge #286" on social media.