Antietam Lodge 197, Keedysville, honors Hammond for 50 years in Masons

April 06, 2008

Antietam Lodge 197, Keedysville, presented a 50-year Masonic award to Jerry Hammond on March 18.

Hammond was born in Keedysville, the son of Roscoe and Shirla Hammond.

He attended Keedysville Elementary School and graduated as the valedictorian from the Boonsboro High School Class of 1952.

He graduated from the University of Maryland, where he was a percussionist and drum major for the University of Maryland Band and was a member of the University of Maryland choir.

He served in the U.S. Army in 1957 and 1958 before he began teaching at North Hagerstown High School from 1958 to 1963.

He developed the first graphic arts curriculum for Washington County. From 1963 to 1986, he served as a high school administrator and retired as principal of Smithsburg High School.

After retiring from education, Hammond worked in real estate until 2003. In Masonic work, Hammond is a former master counselor, Jacques DeMolay, a member of Antietam Lodge 197, AF&AM, a former member of the Royal Arch Masons and a former member of the Knights Templar.

As an avocation, Jerry performed magic acts, appearing as "The Great Zourani," including performances along the East Coast and on television in Washington, D.C. Jerry is married to the former LaRue Schwearing of Frederick, Md.

They are the parents of Jeffrey Hammond and wife, Kathy of Ardmore, Pa., and Dr. Scott Hammond and wife, Kelly, of Olney, Md. They are grandparents to Brynn and Nicholas of Olney.

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