By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
Mecca Temple #43 and Daughters of Mecca Court #73 donated free bikes to local children as part of their annual Bike Give-Away outside of the Grenadier Club Saturday, June 16. This is a decades long tradition of the local masonic order that corresponds with their annual Shrine Day Celebration.
There were a lot of celebrations this weekend in Toledo!
At the corner of Avondale and Junction Avenue 38 children chose their favorite bicycle to take home with them Saturday afternoon. During the day the children enjoyed free food, face painting, bounces houses and crafts from Home Depot in an all-day block party. The giveaway is an annual tradition of the local masonic order that has been ongoing for over 25 years.
Mecca Temple #43 is a Prince Hall Masonic Order headquartered in Toledo, OH. The Prince Hall Masons are the oldest and largest black fraternal organization in the nation dating back to 1784. Mecca Temple #43 was founded in Toledo in 1965.
The Grenadier (now called ‘Club Thirteen 43’) located at 1343 Avondale Avenue has been the lodge of Mecca Temple #43 since 1973. “Shrine Day” according to Mark McBee, the Imperial Deputy of the Oasis, is a celebration of the Shriners’ presence in Toledo and a day to give back to the community.
