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60 years of service: Abingdon Ruritan Club marks anniversary

Nearly 60 years to the day since it was first chartered, club members—along with friends and community supporters—gathered at the Abingdon Ruritan Club building in Bena to celebrate the anniversary of the organization that has become such an integral part of the Gloucester community.

From humble beginnings with 29 charter members who began the club on Oct. 8, 1956, the Abingdon Ruritan Club has grown into the third largest of all Ruritan clubs in the nation with 120+ members, giving $5 million in charitable donations over the past 60 years—from college scholarships and supporting area veterans to the club’s annual Christmas party for children.

Abingdon also boasts a past Ruritan National president in its ranks. Elliott Hogge, who served in that post from 2013-2014, and his wife, Sandra, were on hand as Hogge presented his presidential gavel to his local club.

Sunday afternoon’s program was emceed by past president Pete Shepherd, who said that attendance...

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