From the East
Brethren,
Greetings from the East! 2018 is quickly coming to an end and 2019 will be upon us before we know it. It is once again that time of year when we look reflect on events in our lives and look forward to things to come.
The world today is not what I thought it would be as I was growing up. People are more divided today than I ever remember. It seems to me that the anger and hatred that are being expressed today don’t really have a rational basis. Something that is good and wonderful one day is hateful and ugly the next. A season that is meant to bring people together has become a way to amplify those things that separate us. But that is not what Masonry is about. Masonry teaches us to regard the whole human species … as one family; who, as created by one Almighty parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other.
Upcoming events for December are our Stated Communication on 12/11 and the Officer Installation and Service Awards on 12/18. In January we will be conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree on a new Brother.
My tenure as Worshipful Master of Phalanx Lodge #31 A.F.&A.M. is coming to an end. I remember vividly going through the EA and MM degrees. I will never forget being asked to deposit something of a metallic kind and the lesson it conveyed. I will never forget being escorted to the East wearing the Jewel of the Junior Grand Warden only to be told that my journey wasn’t ending, it was just getting started.
As I pass the gavel to WB Sigmon, I know that my journey in the lodge is not over, it is really just beginning. While I don’t know where it will lead, I am looking forward to the journey.
It has been my pleasure to serve our Lodge and the Brethren. I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to advance through the line and to serve as Master.
Fraternally,
Bill Stout – Master, PM
From the West
Brothers,
Thank you for the opportunity to lead our Lodge in the year 2019. I was Master of Meridian # 728 in 1987, ancient history for many of us. That said, I welcome your counsel and support. Believe me, I am not perfect! Please make a resolution to attend meetings this coming year. I hope to include short programs during the stated meetings
Fraternally,
Glenn Sigmon, PM, SW
From the Secretary
Brothers,
As we near the end of yet another year, I want to first wish you all a very Happy Holiday season.
I do want to note the results of the November election of Officers for those of you who were not able to be present. The following were elected/appointed to their respective stations and places for 2019:
WB Glenn Sigmon – Master
Bro. Nick Voelker – Sr. Deacon
Bro. Chris Lueck – Senior Warden
WB Bill Stout – Jr. Deacon
Bro. Jeffrey Ordonio – Junior Warden
Bro. Ryan Jones – Sr. Steward
WB John Harder – Treasurer
Bro. Jaffer Kovic – Jr. Steward
WB Mike Hamrick – Secretary
WB Mack Wilson – Tyler
WB Dave Morgan – Chaplain
B Peter Schuetz – Trustee
We’ve scheduled the Installation of the 2019 officers, in conjunction with presenting Service Awards, for Tuesday, Dec. 18. As these do not take place in a tiled lodge, this is a wonderful opportunity to invite family and friends, as well as perhaps a friend who you believe may both be a benefit to as well as benefit from Masonry.
Finally, the 2019 dues notices have either been emailed in early November or included with the November Tres-tleboard by mail. If you have not received your dues notice as one of these, please contact me as soon as possi-ble. Dues payments are due by January 1.
Fraternally,
Mike Hamrick, PM
Secretary
As we close the Lodge of Sorrow at the December Stated Communication, we remember our Brothers
IN MEMORIUM
| Brother Irwin Belk Born – April 4, 1922 Raised – February 8, 1944 Died – February 24, 2018 | Brother Dorsey Hamilton Hardy Born – April 22, 1923 Raised – June 21, 1957 Died – March 24, 2018 |
| Brother Phillip Raoul Kinmon Born – May 24, 1922 Raised – April 26, 1946 Died – January 27, 2018 | Brother Randolph Alexander Kiser Born – March 20, 1927 Raised – May 25, 1960 Died – June 6, 2018 |
| Brother Josie Leo Smith Born – August 14, 1921 Raised – June 20, 1963 Died – May 18, 2018 | Brother James A. Zell Born – January 20, 1918 Raised – April 29, 1955 Died – April 29, 2018 |
