Purmort to speak on local Masonic groups

VW County Historical Society information

The Van Wert Historical Society announces that longtime local Mason Tim Purmort will speak this Sunday, November 8, at 2 p.m. in the Historical Museum Annex. Purmort will share his experiences in Van Wert’s Masonic Lodge 218, as well as talking about the Masonic world.

Purmort was born and raised in Van Wert and graduated from Van Wert High School in 1968. He graduated from Tri-State College (now Trine University) and has been active in the Delta Chi social fraternity there since he graduated.

He went to work at Purmort Brothers Insurance in 1972.  He married in 1971 and has three grown children and six grandchildren. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert and has been involved in several other community organizations.

Purmort, who semi-retired at Purmort Brothers at the end of 2012 after 40 years in business, joined Van Wert Masonic Lodge 218, where his father and older brother were also members — as well his late grandfathers — in October 1976.

He has been active in many of the Masonic organizations, including the York Rite in Van Wert, the Shrine in Toledo, the Scottish Rite in Toledo, and several other related groups.

Purmort served as master of the Van Wert Lodge in 1995 and 1996, and was appointed district deputy grand master of the fourth Masonic District, serving the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 2002, 2003, and 2004.  He also served as the head of Van Wert Chapter 71, Van Wert Council 73, and Ivanhoe Commandery 54, after which he was honored with the Knight York Cross of Honor designation.

He was also appointed division commander of the Ohio Commandery, First Division, in 2010-2011.