Former Carroll County judge receives Freemason Grand Lodge award
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Former Carroll County judge John Reed Smock was presented a 75-year service pin, another pin which read "proud to be a freemason" and a homemade cane at the March 22 Freemason meeting at Mt. Zion Lodge #211 in Camden.

Indiana Freemason Grand Master John Barkdull gave a history of Smock's service to the organization when he presented the gifts.

"This is a rare occurrence indeed," Barkdull, who had never presented a 75-year pin before, said. "This is a very prestigious event we get to be a part of. All we can ask is that we never forget."

The cane was made by Freemason Fred Hartman, who said he made it after he heard from Smock's daughter the 77- year member could still walk.

Smock, a member of the organization since June 4, 1929, practiced law for a short time before he joined the FBI during WWII.

He said when he attended Indiana University to study law at age 19, the only person he knew on campus was attorney Ralph Hanna, who lived at Acacia Fraternity, a Freemason establishment on campus. He ate with Hanna and other members for two years until he was old enough to join the fraternity.

Smock joined Mt. Olive Lodge in Delphi June 4, 1929, was named a Freemason apprentice in July that year, then attained his fellow craft degree the next month. In September, he reached the degree of Master Mason. He joined Acacia in October 1929.

By 1936, he had risen through deacon and warden positions to become Master of Mt. Olive lodge. He was presented his 50- year pin at Mt. Olive on Feb. 5, 1980. Mt. Olive lodge eventually consolidated with Mt. Zion lodge in Camden.

As an attorney, Smock joined the FBI at the beginning of WWII. He moved around during that time, but settled back in the Lafayette area. When Carroll Circuit Court Judge Watson Mc- Cormick died unexpectedly in 1972, Gov. Bowen appointed Smock to the position. Following the interim appointment, Smock was elected to another term.

Lodge secretary Bill Veach said Smock's achievement was scarce but one he was glad to see.

"We were tickled to death John could be there," Veach said. "It is a rarity and we were glad to honor him."