Nonagenarerian recognized for 70 years in Freemasonry
March 26. By Bill Russell. Williams Lodge No. 176 in Cornelius honored Richard Inman Slaton with a 70-Year Recognition Pin and Certificate at a special reception held March 12. The award, presented by Steve Hamlin, District Deputy Grand Master for the 31st District, was an honor from The Grand Lodge of Louisiana where Slaton served as a Mason for 70 years.
Slaton, who is 95, is a member of Trinity Union Lodge No. 372 in Baton Rouge, La., but is currently residing in Huntersville with family.
He served in the United States Navy on the USS Hornet CV 12 during World War II. Later he worked for Standard Oil (now Exxon) in Baton Rouge. He set state and national records in outboard boat racing.
His wife of 70 years passed away in 2018.
His grandson, Mike Cummings accompanied Slaton and said his grandfather has maintained his sharp wit and keen sense of humor.
—Bill Russell, CEO of the Lake Norman Chamber, is a member of Williams Lodge.
PHOTO: Steve Hamlin, District Deputy Grand Master for the 31st District, presents Richard Inman Slaton with his 70-Year Recognition Pin and Certificate.
Photo By Dan Wilson, Chaplain, Williams Lodge
What an honor to be able to witness the recognition of 70 years of service to the oldest fraternal organization in the world! Bro. Slaton is the only 70 year Mason I have known. Certainly there are others, but they are few and very far between. In a time when service to others is not “en vogue”, it is refreshing to recognize witnesses like Bro. Slaton. Congratulations Brother … and may your light long shine! thx, bob