R.W. Grand Master Dluge (left) and R.W.J.G.W. Aungst (right) express their appreciation to Bro. Douglas Hayhurst for his efforts in conceiving and designing the Bro. Carl E. Stotz memorial statue for sculpting and coordinating the placement of it.

Twenty months ago, a memorial statue of the late Bro. Carl E. Stotz was a vision. Today it is a monumental reality, due in a large part to the volunteer efforts and professional labors of Bro. Douglas Hayhurst, of Muncy Lodge No. 299.

He is credited by Ronald A. Aungst Sr., R.W.J.G.W. and coordinator of the memorial project, with being the person who took the vision of R.W. Grand Master Robert L. Dluge, Jr., interpreted it into a concept and design for sculpting, and then coordinated the placement of the statue at the entrance to the stadium complex of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport.

Bro. Hayhurst and his wife, Ruth, operate Hayhurst Rock of Ages, a monument business that has been family-owned in Muncy since 1928. Bro. Hayhurst was the direct contact with the crafter of the statue, Rock of Ages in Vermont, and its sculptor, John Hanna.

When asked about his involvement and dedication to this project, Bro. Hayhurst explained:

"When we learned of the wonderful project (that) the Grand Master of Pennsylvania was proposing, we immediately became inspired to become involved. Masonic Lodge and Little League! There could not be a better coming together of two fabulous organizations, both honoring the wonderful memory of Brother Carl E. Stotz. This splendid statue and the opportunity to be involved will long be recalled by me as another of the highlights of my life. I am deeply gratified and honored to have had the opportunity to serve.

"Little League always has been a heart-warming organization to me. What I truly admire most in Little League is the fantastic network of volunteerism. No other organization (that) I know, by far, operates with the unbelievable high percentage of volunteers to make it work."

This is the third monument about Little League with which the Hayhursts have been involved. They first offered their services in 1989 when they crafted and completed the "I Got It" memorial honoring Carl Stotz which was erected at the site of the first sanctioned Little League Series games in Williamsport's Bowman Field. Soon thereafter, they were called upon to design and craft the personal memorial for Carl E. Stotz in the park of Garden View, close to the late Bro. Stotz's home.

The Grand Lodge elected officers and members of the ceremonial team flank the members of the Stotz family after the unveiling of the statue.

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