The Dave Williamson Water Well

H2O - Do you use water? Of course, we all do! Water is so essential in our daily lives for all the most basic needs like hydration, cooking, and cleaning. But could you imagine having no access to water or having to walk long distances for even a small amount. The people of Umuezeokpala, Nise in Anambra state, Nigeria can because that is their daily situation.

After a full review and research into the initial startup cost and annual maintenance fees by our Charity Committee, Solomon Lodge Nr. 822, e.V. has commissioned a water well project to help the people of Umuezeokpala, Nigeria gain access to safe drinking water that is both sustainable and equitable. According to UNICEF (2021), "Although about 70 per cent of Nigerians are reported to have access to a basic water service, more than half of these water sources are contaminated. And although 73 per cent of the country's population have access to a water source, only nine liters of water on average is available to a Nigerian daily." The village of Umuezeokpala unfortunately has no direct source of water and therefore requires its inhabitants to walk an average of 2 to 3 km per day just to have water for their most basic needs. Furthermore, due to the lack of local access to fresh water, it is not uncommon for children who should be in school to be fetching water for the family.

Through the inspiration and life actions of Brother George David "Dave" Williamson, the Brethren of Solomon Lodge recognize that we as a world community must act. For this reason, we dedicate our water well project to Brother Dave.

Very Worshipful Brother George David Williamson was born on 12 January 1938 in Sullivan, Missouri. On 5 July 2000, at the age of 62, he joined Solomon Lodge in Ludwigsburg, Germany where he was a member until his passing on 27 June 2019. Brother Dave believed that his membership was a spiritual kinship with his fellow Brother to practice charity in word and deed; to forgive and forget the faults of his brethren; to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo; to care for the crippled, the hungry, and the Sick, and to be fair and just to all mankind. For this reason, his motto and theme in 2003 was "FORWARD THROUGH BROTHERLY LOVE".

In a 6 September 2003 speech before the Lodge, Brother Dave is quoted saying, "We must practice brotherly love not only with our brothers, but with our friends, neighbors and with strangers. Those persons that witness our acts of brotherly love might be impressed and may even ask, why you are so caring or why you are so helpful" You may ask, what is this Brotherly Love? According to Brother Dave, "It is being considerate of others, respecting their beliefs, forgiving faults that others may have, accepting the fact that others may have a different opinion than yours, not holding a grudge against another, and working together in harmony." He closes this address with a few words saying, "Let us all make an effort to see that Brotherly Love does prevail in Solomon and that it comes from the heart so as to lead us forward in the future."

In his honor, let's make the future of Umuezeokpala, Nigeria and its surrounding villages a little better. We ask for your help in making this dream a reality through your most gracious charitable donations in support of such a worthy cause.