January 24, 2012
Greetings Brethren,
It was great to "see and be seen" at our January Stated communication as you turned out in fine fashion to welcome Right Worshipful David P. Clifton, our District Deputy Grand Master. Right Worshipful Clifton met with myself and our Secretary and reviewed our Lodge's minutes and overall structure for 2012 and found them satisfactory.
Our usual time of fellowship was enjoyed by members, visitors and guests prior to our meal. After opening Lodge, we were pleased to receive Right Worshipful Clifton, who would later bring us the Grand Master's message. Formal introductions of distinguished guest and visitors were made. Several Worshipful Masters of 2012, who came up through the ranks of their respective lodges with me, assisted us by filling chairs of No. 11's officers who were ill that evening. I wish to extend my personal thanks to the many Rt. Worshipfuls who served as escort and introduction committees for our distinguished guests and the fine remarks by the various spokespersons of each group. When these official introductions were concluded, we received another important "delegation". Right Worshipful (our own) Barrye Absher, Worshipful Master of Manchester "Possum" Lodge No. 14 and several of his representatives made an offering of possums, both cooked, canned and extra-large and live, as well as poetry and a custom made gavel in return for Metropolitan's St. John's Day visit and offering of Cornish game hen "doves" last December 27, 2011. I wish to thank the officers and members who, during the busy holiday season, were able to travel and make up the fine committee that continued the traditional exchange of gifts with our fellow lodge.
Along with our regular Lodge business, we were pleased to award an LMIP to Matthew Scott Bernhard, from his grandfather and father. Petitions were read, voted upon and called work scheduled from which we have three new Entered Apprentices. One additional prospective member is in the works for the Entered Apprentice degree. An acknowledgment by Melissa Ponce, Activities Director, of our gift to the Masonic Home was received on the day of our January stated.
Once regular business was concluded, Right Worshipful Clifton brought the message of Grand Master William Talbott "Terry" Ellison, Jr. to our Lodge. The Grand Master's theme of 'Spreading Masonic Light" and his points of emphasis for his year which included Mentoring , Membership and supporting many of our existing Masonic activities - MAHOA, Child ID, Scholarships, Grand Lodge Library and Museum and Masonic Relief were "forcefully recommended" and brought to our attention.
The Lodge was closed in fine fashion by Right Worshipful Clifton.
Courtesy of Right Worshipful Barrye Absher, at our January 19th called work, by way of Manchester No. 14, we have received the Traveling Gavel, which I plan to present to another lodge in our district at the earliest opportunity!
Our February Stated program in keeping with the recognition of Presidents' Day related material will be brought to us by Brother William G. "Greg" Burkett, Junior Warden of Westmoreland Lodge No. 212, who will speak about George Washington's "son" (yes, you read that correctly - be at February's meeting to learn more!)
Come out and support YOUR lodge! Let's continue "To See and be Seen" in 2012!
Brother Chris Loftus W.M.
