From the East
Brethren,
Greetings from the East! December is upon us and 2017 will soon be behind us. The start of winter is only a couple weeks away. The days are getting shorter and the darkness longer. The days seem gloomier. We reflect over the past year – those we have lost, the goals we didn’t complete, the things we should have said or done as well as those we shouldn’t have.
But for all of that negative description, this is only the end of the year. The end of one cycle and the beginning of the next. As we end this year, remember what someone once said – Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.
How will we use that present? Freemasonry’s goal is to take good men and make them better. We work as brothers because we can’t and shouldn’t do it alone.
In order to accomplish the goals of Freemasonry, we have to become better and help those around us to become better men.
I think far too often we forget the this easiest way to accomplish that goal – by being a VISIBLE role model for our brethren. One way to become VISIBLE is to attend lodge and degrees. If you have been away for a while, the first time or two may be awkward as you get to know your new brethren, but I assure you, it IS worth the effort.
I look forward to seeing you in lodge.
Fraternally,
Bill Stout – Master
From the West
Hello My Brothers,
Where, oh where has 2017 gone? It seems we have flown through this year and no sooner did Halloween roll by, that Christmas music hit the airwaves, decorations glittered forth in the malls and stores, and the end of the year is in sight. The Scottish Rite, York Rite and Oasis Shriners have all completed their membership events for the year, the Grand Master has been ‘roasted’ for the first time in Greensboro, and we have a new Entered Apprentice on his Masonic journey. Meantime, I hope everyone reading this is current on his annual dues – if NOT, give us a call and let us know why. We have options.
We move forward now toward choosing our leadership for next year, so we want to see you in lodge!
Fraternally,
John Harder, SW, PM
From the South
Brothers,
Thank you Brothers. Thank you for the confidence you have put in me these last few years to include me in the line of officers. Thank you for your support and encouragement and for all the wonderful advice you have given. It has been a real privilege to serve our amazing lodge and I look forward to many years of continued fellowship with all of you. We are fortunate to have some of the strongest leaders a lodge could ever ask for, and even better is the fact that we have some outstanding brothers in line already. We also have several waiting in the wings that I expect to see great things from in the coming years. Our lodge is in a good place and I know the future is bright. Thank you again for these past 10 years as an officer and I look forward to seeing you in lodge soon.
All the best,
Jim Lofton – JW, PM
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 2018:
Mike Hamrick – Secretary
WB Bill Stout – Master
Bro. Jeffrey Ordonio – Sr. Deacon
WB Glenn Sigmon – Senior Warden
Bro. Nick Voelker – Jr. Deacon
Bro. Chris Lueck – Junior Warden
Bro. Ryan Jones – Sr. Steward
WB John Harder – Treasurer
Bro. – Jr. Steward
WB Mike Hamrick – Secretary
WB Dave Morgan – Chaplain
WB’s John Harder and Peter Schuetz – Trustees
WB Mack Wilson – Tyler
We’ve scheduled the Installation of the 2018 officers for Tuesday, Dec. 19. As this does 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 2018 dues notices have been sent (emailed on Thu, Nov. 30 or included with this Trestleboard). If you have not received your dues notice as one of these, please contact me as soon as possible. Dues payments are due by January 1.
Fraternally,
Mike Hamrick, PM
Fraternally,
Mike Hamrick, PM
Secretary
As we close the Lodge of Sorrow at the December Stated Communication, we remember our Brothers
IN MEMORIUM
| Brother Donald Alton Gilmore Born – March 7, 1934 Raised – February 18, 1977 Died – February 2, 2017 | Brother Bernard William Manton Born – March 10, 1926 Raised – July 27, 1955 Died – April 28, 2017 |
| Brother Robert Duane Elf Born – August 1, 1925 Raised – March 21, 1951 Died – March 3, 2017 | Brother Robert Kirkley Born – May 2, 1935 Raised – April, 4, 1963 Died – June 30, 2017 |
| Brother John Meyers Dwelle Born – June 5, 1914 Raised – April 20, 1970 Died – April 22, 2017 | Brother Willie Cecil Brumbalow Born – April 3, 1935 Raised – June 30, 1964 Died – July 2, 2017 |
