Greetings Brethren,
At our Stated Meeting on June 7, 2016, we had 36 brothers present including Grand Master Carey B. Carter. There were visitors from Waynedale, Jackson, Pennville, Montpelier, & Gas City.
After our meal, we opened the lodge on the Master Mason Degree.
We began with a presentation by Brother Stephen Kroman on the Executive Committee Program, which we will be discussing at the September meeting to see if we feel that this program is a good fit for our lodge.
The lodge thanked Past Master’s Doug Harris and Jan Henline for the new secretary and treasurer’s desks that they built for the lodge. These two brothers donated their time and all of the materials to build and then donated these desks, at no cost to cost to the lodge. If you haven’t had an opportunity to see, you should stop by the lodge and check them out.
The charter was draped for our recently departed Brother James Mossburg, who laid down his working tools on May 10, 2016.
We have one new petition that we will be voting on at our September Stated meeting. The investigating committee for the applicant will consist of Brothers Tom Doepker, Nate Moyer & Joshua Dunsmore.
Steve Skiles, Chairman of the Investment Committee, reported that our investments have been performing very well. I would like to personally thank all of the members of this committee for their efforts this year.
Next, was the presentation from the Ways & Means Committee regarding their recommendation regarding our dues for 2017. After discussion and exchange of ideas, it was unanimously voted upon by the lodge to raise our dues for 2017 to $115, which is an increase of $10 a year.
Brother Nate Moyer has been appointed to serve the remainder of 2016 as our Junior Deacon.
Please keep Brothers Edwin Hostetter and Alan Coldiron in your thoughts and prayers.
Edwin, who will celebrate his 99th birthday on August 1, continues to be in declining health.
Allan Coldiron recently fell and broke his arm in three places. He is also awaiting a decision from the doctors on how to treat a heart ailment.
Street Fair parking spots are now available. If you had a spot last year, you have the right to reserve that spot again for $20. Payment must be received by Larry Tschannen by August 15 or the spot will be opened up to the next person in line on the sign-up sheet.
We had four winners of a $1,375 scholarship from the Grand Lodge. Those winners are Bo Thompson, Reggie Garrett, Jake Garrett, & Kobie Lucabaugh.
We acknowledged PM Dunsmore and our lodge for receiving the Grand Master’s Award with High Distinction for 2015.
Our next monthly breakfast will be on Saturday, June 18 from 8 to 10:30.
After the breakfast at approximately 11:30, Past Master Fred Lucabaugh will be spearheading a group at the Murray Cemetery on 400N just east of Norwell Road that will be resetting headstones that were knocked over by vandals last fall. Please come on out and give them a hand if at all possible.
We will also be planning a cook-out similar to what we have had in recent years somewhere in the mid to late July timeframe. There will be more information sent out on that later as the plans are finalized.
Fraternally,
David Barton
Worshipful Master
Bluffton Lodge 145