Pastor Lacquement and his wife, Connie, greet Bro. and Mrs. Carl Flohr after the special worship service in honor of Pastor Lacquement.

During a "Special Service of Rededication" on Aug. 29, the Masonic Homes community celebrated the enhancements made to the John S. Sell Memorial Chapel. The original cornerstone was laid for Sell Chapel on Dec. 5, 1925. Now, almost 74 years later, an addition on the east side of the Chapel is complete.

The new space includes a three-floor elevator and lobby, a parlor, rest rooms, memory garden, and a lobby. There also is a covered drop-off area from a new parking lot to the north of the existing Chapel and addition.

The elevator provides access from the basement tunnel level of the Chapel to the main floor and the balcony to improve the accessibility of these areas for residents. The new parking lot also provides much easier access along the Village Green area roadways.

The addition was constructed of stone matching the existing structure to complement the aesthetics of the Chapel. The memory garden is in the interior courtyard formed amidst the sanctuary, the parlor, elevator lobby, and main lobby.

Rev. Charles H. Lacquement, D.D., and Rev. A. Preston Van Deursen, the new Director of Pastoral Care presided over the rededication service. Pastor Lacquement delivered the sermon and the Men's Chorus performed.

"We have gathered as a family of God to celebrate with thanksgiving the new addition of this sanctuary and to rededicate this entire sanctuary to the glory of God," Pastor Van Deursen said. "Receive this house afresh for your glory," he continued, "as we dedicate it and ourselves to your service."

After the Chapel was formally rededicated, the Committee on Masonic Homes, residents, and employees attended an evening worship service in honor of Pastor Lacquement, when he was installed as Pastor Emeritus of the Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Rev. Kenneth A. Creitz, Associate Pastor, delivered the Call to Worship, and Pastor Van Deursen delivered the sermon. The Men's Chorus and Women's Chorus performed, and as a special touch Michelle Swope, Pastor Lacquement's daughter, performed the organ prelude and postlude.

Pastor Lacquement retired on Sept. 1, 1999, after 26 years of service to the Masonic Homes. He continues to serve as a Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Grand Pryor of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation of the Scottish Rite, and Chaplain of the High 12 Club in Elizabethtown.

Front and rear view of Sell Chapel, showing the new parking lot and covered drop-off area