By Donald Norton

Local attorney and a lifelong member of Somerville’s business community, Philip Privitera, was honored last week at one of his final meetings to preside over the Mystic Valley Lodge in Arlington.

Privitera was recognized for his work and dedication to Freemasonry in both Arlington and Somerville. He presided over his lodge for the past three years and on this, one of his last meetings before stepping down, was congratulated and visited by three present and past Grand Masters of Freemasonry.

Pictured above, left to right, is WM Phil Privitera, next to him is the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge Yves-R Maignan, then Most Worshipful Paul Fulton Gleason Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and the Most Worshipful Jean Reed Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Quebec/La Grande Loge du Quebec.

Also attending were many dignitaries from around Massachusetts as well as locally here in Arlington and Somerville.

Privitera was presented with many gifts as gestures of gratitude from the three GMs. Philip, on behalf of the Privitera Family charity, donated many thousands of dollars to his guests the three GMs.

It is not often that three Grand Masters, both present and past, are together. The Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts Most Worshipful Paul F. Gleason is himself from Winchester. Wor. Phil Privitera and his father Frank Sr. have done a lot for local charities, in particular here in Somerville, over these past many years.

Privitera, who grew up in the Ten Hills in Somerville, has his office in Union Square, along with his Father Frank Sr. He will leave office as presiding Master in a short two months from now, after some great years where he and his lodge members have seen prosperous times in Freemasonry both in Arlington and Somerville.

Massachusetts Freemasonry is flourishing and has recently seen a resurgence in membership, many tens of thousands here in Massachusetts and millions worldwide in just about every country. If you are interested or want to inquire, you can go online to www.massfreemasonry.org.