As the saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun."

In the case of Gaffney Commandery No. 18 of Knights Templar, every passing year means another chance to make a difference, something that none of the organization's members take lightly.

"We try to do as much as we can to help out here locally," said Todd Humphries, Junior Warden of Gaffney Masonic Lodge 186. "Our belief is if there's a need, we do our best to do something about it."

While the organization spends a lot of its time making its impact known in the community, certain moments are to be shared among themselves enjoying each other's company.

One of those occasions came in November as the group celebrated its golden anniversary.

"We're still relatively young compared to other (Masonic) groups," Humphries said, "but we try to make up for it with our devotion to the community."

The local commandery has been meeting on a monthly basis since 1957. Beneficiaries of the group's charitable contributions include The Gaffney Ledger's annual Christmas Is For Kids campaign in addition to its own Knights Templar Eye Foundation, which provides assistance to those who are in danger of losing their sight.

"This helps provide for those in need of surgical treatment if they are unable to pay for it or do not receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources," Humphries said.

The foundation also provides funds for research in curing diseases of the eye.

Meals on Wheels of Cherokee County has also found a friend in the local commandery, with proceeds from the organization's annual Labor Day hash and barbecue sale going to help the nonprofit group.

"We put that event on with our own money and it goes to help a local organization," Humprhies said, "anything we can do to help."