The James and Amelia Hopkins - Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. No. 176 Educational Fund was established due to a generous gift to support students in Chippewa County. James was a Freemason who ascribed to the organization's commitment to improve the lives of individuals, families, and the community.

Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. It began centuries ago with skilled stonemasons and continues today as a brotherhood focused on strong values, personal growth, and service to others. Masons are committed to living by the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. In simple terms, they work to become better men and to make their communities better places.

Even though James and Amelia Hopkins passed away in the early 1950's, their legacy continues through this fund, which has provided scholarships to local students and continues to support educational opportunities for many.

As a designated fund, it will provide ongoing funding to support education in Chippewa County. This means keeping with the spirit and intent of James Hopkins. The fund is carefully managed by the Community Foundation, so it can continue helping students not just today, but for generations to come.

According to Tom Stevens, a secretary/treasurer of the local Chippewa Falls Freemasons, the growth of this fund is a wonderful complement to other Freemason programs that benefit our local community beyond scholarships. These include the donations of AEDs and fire suppression tools, Masonic Care Bear Program, which provides stuffed teddy bears for law enforcement to give to child victims of domestic abuse, and contributions to Fierce Freedom to support victims of human trafficking, to name a few.

"This lodge was created and was giving generously to the community before Chippewa Falls was incorporated as a city," Tom said, adding that they are still supporting current education-specific projects.