Potunk Masonic Lodge No. 1071 in Westhampton marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration honoring a century of brotherhood, service, and community leadership.
“For a hundred years, men came together to build themselves and build their community. They improved themselves and improved the world,” said New York State Grand Master Steven Rubin.
The milestone commemorates a journey that began in the early 1900s, when local Masons first sought to establish a lodge on the South Shore. In 1924, a group of dedicated brothers formed the Westhampton Square Club to raise funds and build support. By 1926, the Grand Lodge of New York issued a charter, formally establishing Potunk Lodge No. 1071 and setting the foundation for generations to follow.
Early members traveled difficult winter roads to attend meetings in Riverhead, underscoring the determination that would define the lodge’s legacy. From handcrafted furnishings forged in local shops to large community banquets and gatherings, the lodge quickly became a cornerstone of civic life.
A highlight of the centennial celebration was special recognition of the Rumph family, whose decades of service helped shape the lodge’s identity. Lodge Master William Arnold called them the “glue that held the lodge together for the last 80 years.” Raymond, Robert, and Arthur Rumph each served as Master during the 1960s and were instrumental in establishing the current lodge building, now a Montauk Highway landmark.
Family members and lodge representatives, including Michael and David Newins, Tim Rumph, and David Borrell, were present to honor that legacy.
Tim Rumph, son of Raymond Rumph and himself a Master in the 1990s, reflected on the family’s deep ties to the lodge. “This place was like a second home growing up,” he said. “My father taught us that being a Mason meant showing up—for your brothers, for your neighbors, and for your community. That’s something that stays with you for life.”
Arnold, who has served as Master five times, said the lodge’s enduring strength lies in its membership. “The dedication of the members is what drew me to the Masons, and it’s what keeps me going,” he said. “It’s one of the best things about the lodge.”
From its founding to its modern role, Potunk Lodge continues to stand as a symbol of tradition, service, and community on Long Island.