Brethren and Friends,
I hope this message finds you all well and you all have enjoyed the Holiday with your family and friends.
There has been a lot happening within the First Masonic District and as each week passes, I find myself more and more proud to be a member of this District. I am looking forward to working together to ensure our Lodges, District, and Fraternity continues to achieve every goal we set out to accomplish.
I would like everyone to take a moment to think about the time and commitment that the Officers and Committees of your Blue Lodge or Appendant Bodies have made to you and your Lodge. They work very hard to ensure the meetings are successful and enjoyable and that your Lodge continues to grow. Brethren, their wages are paid by your attendance. I am asking all of you to put aside an evening or two to join your Brothers at Lodge and support the Officers. Your Lodge wants your attendance and your Officers deserve it. Please support them; I am quite sure that you will not be disappointed.
Our Lodges are approved by the Right Worshipful Grand Master to open our Stated Meetings in the Entered Apprentice Masons Degree to allow our Candidates to attend before they become Master Masons. I am encouraging the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Masons to attend the Stated Meetings of their Lodge. This helps achieve what is most important to all of us, fellowship. The only stipulation is that they cannot vote until they become a Master Mason. Please invite them to your Stated Meeting.
During the past three months, the 10 Worshipful Masters and I have been working on a new advancement program for our Candidates and we will need your help as we move forward with it. In order for a Candidate to be advanced to the next Degree, they will need to be educated on the Degree and truly understand the Oath and Obligation of a Freemason and appreciate its value. Degree proficiency and attendance at Mentoring sessions are requirements for advancement. No candidate will be advanced who have not met the requirements set forth by the Lodge and Mentoring Committee. Brethren, the main goal is to have our Candidates earn their next degree so that they may better understand how important this great Fraternity is to all of us. Please contact your mentoring committee for any questions.
A District Mentoring Session has been set up on the Fourth Monday, 7:00 pm, at Manheim Lodge No. 587 in the lower level. This is the same night as School of Instruction. Candidates will join us for opening of School and then go downstairs for mentoring in their current degree. Anyone who may feel like they may have missed something before is more than welcome to join us. This is a great way to get your Candidate to meet other Brethren, learn, and see a different part of Freemasonry. Please encourage this to your Candidates. Contact Brother Ivan Arnold, PM, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge, No. 682 for further details.
Enjoy the rest of the Newsletter and look at the upcoming dates and events, you can view and subscribe to the newsletter by clicking here.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you at Lodge.
Brother Ron, DDGM 01
Pictured: S. Eugene Herritt, RWGM, Christopher M. Gibson, PM, Ronald B. Carson DDGM 01 at Riverside Lodge No. 503 in Wrightsville, PA.
You must be logged in to post a comment.