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Greetings Brethren
Staying brief is going to be challenge but, I'll try in spite of lots to talk about.....
Let me start out by congratulating Brother Joel Fox on receiving our Master Mason of the Year award.
His dedication and creativity in helping the Lodge with its' recent building modernization efforts are indeed commendable. He was recognized at a well attended dinner at Mariners Harbor and appeared completely surprised and genuinely humble. Think about it. That's what Masonic generosity is all about, contributing as best one can and
not always expecting to be publicly recognized.
I need to mention that this years' Brotherhood Fund drive is roughly tracking the same as last year.
Meaning, our Lodge has about 50% of our Brothers contributing. Not bad... but not good. It's not the $ amount that is important, it's your participation. Give a buck, five bucks or whatever. I've asked Brother Hollis Cochran to send a reminder to those that have forgotten to participate and hope you'll take it to heart. Remember, please send whatever you can to Brother Cochran instead of Grand Lodge. He'll do the forwarding.
Baptism in fire occurred for me at our last communication. We ended up balloting on another
new candidate (which is terrific) and conferring the Fellowcraft Degree on two Brothers while I sat in the East for the first time. I'm sincerely grateful to the Brothers who helped me learn the ropes (and tolerated my screw-ups}. Why am I mentioning this? Some of our newer Brothers have told me they are intimidated about moving up in the chairs because it seems overwhelming. Well, to be honest, it can be if you've never done anything like this before. The good news is, there are so many Brothers in our Lodge that go out of their way to help learn, assist and teach in order to reduce the uncomfortable feelings. In the dictionary, the definition of Fraternity includes the phrase, "those who help each other". It really applies at our Lodge.
Something to think about... imagine, if you will, going to a revival of a great Broadway play such as Arthur Miller's
"Death of a Salesman" down in the City.
Also, imagine it's opening night and Brian Dennehy, now the star, is trying to be as good as Jason Robards was in the lead role years ago, and he's not had the opportunity of rehearsing with many of the former cast members and supporting technicians. They've done it before and don't have time. Opening night, and the rest of the players show up stumbling over their lines and trying to remember their moves. Sound like the show should get good reviews and respect from the audience??? That's what it's like when the Officers and conductors
don't show up to rehearse a Degree. It can become a flop in the Lodge just as easily as a show can on Broadway. And, it's far more important in the Lodge than down on Broadway!
At our last meeting, Brother Charlie Schaefer mentioned the "Morgan Affair" which drastically decimated membership in
Masonic Lodges in the Northeast years ago.
Several Brothers, including myself, really don't know the details behind this "scandal" and have an interest in learning more. Brother Schaefer has agreed to enlighten us at an upcoming communication with an overview of what it was all about. With our degree work coming up and the end of our year approaching, it'll be tough but we'll try to fit it in our schedule.
A reminder that the Dutchess District Golf Day is on 6/14/99 and is being held at the Carvel Country Club.
This year we are focusing on raising funds to send at least one or more additional children to Camp Turk. The contact for duffers (and those just wanting to help out) is RW Fred Grieve at 758-6028.
Many thanks to the OES for the excellent dinner they provided at the Grand Lecturers Convention held at our Lodge in April.
Also thanks to those who turned out for an interesting evening of instruction. It wasn't bland. It was quite interesting and worthy of greater attendance.
At our first communication in May (the 12th), we, along with Triune-Obed Lodge, will be conferring a Dedicated Service
Award to a worthy Brother of our respective Lodges. Remember, this is an Apron for those who have already earned it and is worthy of our respect.
Additionally, we are electing officers for next year. It's important that you attend for both reasons. Dinner, once again provided by the OES, will be at 6:15 with Lodge opening around 7 PM.
Please contact Brother Mike Scott, 757-3403, so that we can get a number of who's planning to be at the dinner.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- 5/3
Fellowcraft degree for Brother John Dalton at Rondout Lodge in Kingston. Meet at Lodge at 6:30 to convoy over.
- 5/11 Building Committee meeting at 7 PM. All are invited!
- 5/12 Lodge Elections and Dedicated Service Awards conferred.
Dinner by OES at 6:15. Lodge opens at 7 PM.
- 5/14 Roast Pork Dinner 4:30 - 7:00. SELL THOSE TICKETS!
- 5/23 Rehearsal for 1st Degree at 7 PM
- 5/25 Rehearsal for 1st Degree at 7 PM
- 5/26 Stated Communication with conferral of 1st Degree
- 5/27 Investiture at Poughkeepsie Lodge
REMINDER
Officers... you are required to attend not only the conferring of degrees but also all of the rehearsals.
Jules Riedel, Senior Warden
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