Happy 200th birthday to Mississippi Masons on 200th anniversary of the founding of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi in Natchez on this date, July 27, 1818.

To celebrate the event Masons are converging at the Natchez Convention Center today to mark the occasion.

The public is invited to see a reenactment of the historic founding, based on the recorded history of the day, starting at 1 p.m. today in the Natchez Convention Center, 211 Main St., Natchez. The reenactment is free.

Later, at 6 tonight, a time capsule estimated to be at least 100 years old will be opened following a celebratory banquet for the Masons.

The public will later be invited to the Mississippi River banks along the bluff in Natchez and in Vidalia for fireworks show starting between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. to rival the recent Fourth of July show on the Mississippi River. Fireworks will be viewable from both sides of the river.

The Masons are somewhat secretive about the organization’s charitable work, but members strive to do good deeds without recognition in their communities, including a scholarship program and they donate to the Shriners hospitals and orphanages throughout the state.

“We try to be as unseen as we can to help important organizations succeed,” said Tyler Blalock, master of Harmony Lodge No. 1 in Natchez. “Our goal is to be a good member of the community … without necessarily receiving any glory from it.”

We commend the Masons for their good deeds, welcome them to Natchez and thank them for letting the community share in the celebration.