By Jack Evans The Intelligencer When Lawrence A. Kells came to Belleville as principal of King George Public School in 1929, the city obtained far more than a principal. Kells retired in 1970 as superinten- dent of public schools with the then-new Hast- ings County Board of Educa- tion following a widely-respected career in many ar- eas of education. Along with his professional du- ties, there were Kells the Ki- wanian, Kells the Masonic Lodge member and Kells the commu- In one sense, in his many years as inspector of city schools, Kells could claim that virtually every public school student in Belleville during those years was on his pupils. nity-minded individual. Nearing 90 but still active in several activities, Kells describes his commu- nity involvements as "too many to re- member." In Kiwanis alone, he found time to serve as president for a term, and also as district lieutenant-governor. He also -- served as secretary for the Kiwanis Club of Belleville for at least 15 con- secutive years be- fore retiring from that position a few years ago. He re- mains an honorary member of the club, and continues serv- ice with Kiwanis through the Kiwa- nis Club of Sago- naska for retired men. As a Mason, Where are they NOW? Kells recently was honored with a 60- year membership certificate, although he has been a member for well over 60 years, initiated Dec. 4, 1930. He also served as master of Belleville Lodge 123 in 1938. He remains a regular attender at those things he is still actively involved with, and continues to carry many happy memories of his career and ac- tivities, often recollecting that many of his former pupils went on to outstand- ing achievements, such as Howard Bur- ley, who served as term as Masonic dis- trict deputy grand master about two years ago. He can also rhyme off many other of his students who went on to outstanding careers, or senior political or service club offices. In one sense, in his many years as inspector of city schools, Kells could claim that virtually every public school student in Belleville during those years was one of his pupils. He has also been a steadfast and long-time member of St. Thomas Angli- can Church. Since retirement, Kells admits his pace has slowed. Many of his activities and even his hobbies have given way to graceful relaxation and keeping up the attractive family home on MacDonald Avenue. But he still drives himself around town to various meetings and destinations and remains a source of advice and experience to many long- time associates. <