Photos provided to the Times Observer

C. Donald Nelson has been recognized for 50 years of freemasonry. He was presented the 50 Year Award of Gold by his grandson, Ryan Knopf, district deputy Grand Master, 24th Masonic District, members of Northstar Lodge 241 and close family. The award recognized Nelson’s 50 years of continuous membership. Nelson joked that “all I had to do was live long enough” but he has been an active member since 1972 with many achievements among the fraternity such as the title of past District Deputy Grand Master, Past Master and Past Secretary.