The weather outside might be
cooling off, but we have been busy inside.
If you’ve been following our
schedule you already know our meeting on December 7th was busy. Starting with a pizza dinner, 19 members
enjoyed an active meeting of fellowship, degree work, and a celebration of
Masonic service.
Assisted by RWB Willard
Fissell and Brothers from the 10th Masonic District, our most recent
Master Mason had an excellent experience.
It was a double blessing for us, as it also served as preparation for
our MM Inspection February 11th (see calendar below).
An additional highlight of
the evening was celebration of our Masonic Service Awards. Many of us have attended these functions
elsewhere, where the person to be recognized is expected to appreciate
receiving a certificate without even mentioning their name. That’s not the way we do things in La
Rue. This year we were blessed to have
in attendance a 65-year member, a 50-year member, a 40-year member, and a
35-year member. In the photos above you will see (1) WB Gene McMahan flanked by RWB Willard Fissell, DDGM of
the 15th District, and WB Brian Lightfoot, WM, (2) RWB Richard Spracklen flanked by RWB
Willard Fissell, DDGM of the 15th District, and WB Brian Lightfoot, WM, and (3) RWB Spracklen, WB McMahan, WB Sigrist,
and WB Mathew. Each had an opportunity
to share recollections of their Masonic journey, and each received a Grand
Master’s pin from RWB Fissell.
It is worth noting that
these Brothers have not taken their membership lightly. RWB Spracklen continues to serve as Tyler and
Trustee. WB Sigrist continues to serve
as Treasurer, Trustee, and Lodge Education Officer. WB Mathew continues to serve as Secretary.
WB McMahan merits special
mention, and not just for his 65 years of membership. Utilizing skills learned as a former
restaurant owner, WB McMahan has been responsible for more Masonic Dinners than
anyone can remember. He has also served
as Junior Warden for more years than anyone remember, with best estimates
exceeding 30 years. This November, at
the age of 93, WB McMahan decided to step down as Junior Warden to be able to
spend more time with his wife, who is experiencing medical issues. Any Lodge would feel fortunate to have
members such as this. We know we do.
Below is our adjusted calendar
of events. One significant adjustment is
for our next meeting, December 21st. That evening will start with dinner at
6:30pm, consisting of chili and cornbread. Bro. Mike Wells will be preparing the meal, and frequent attendees
will know to come early.
We’d like to remind you of a
special local event. La Rue’s Christmas in the Village celebration will be on
Thursday, December 15th. The
family-friendly celebration has a number of attractions. Keeping with tradition, the parade starts
things off at 5pm. The event continues with performances by the Elgin band and show choir, local church choirs, the
Marionaires, carriage rides, train rides, live reindeer, food, and visits with
the Big Guy – Santa! And did we mention this was all free? This is truly an event that only a small
community could do right.
With that in mind, below is
our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016, and what is known for
2017. Adjustments will be made as
necessary, so check back often.
December 15,
2016 La Rue’s Christmas in the
Village. From 5 – 8 pm.
December 21,
2016 Chili and cornbread dinner at 6:30pm. Stated
Meeting.
December
25, 2016 Christmas.
December 31, 2016 New Year’s Eve. Be sure to pick a designated driver!
Reminder: 8:30pm, OSU v. Clemson. Go Bucks!
January
1, 2017 New Year’s Day.
January 2,
2017 This is the day most of us
decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen. Or not.
January 9,
2017 College
Football Championship Game
January 14,
2017 15th District Work
Day, 9am, held at East Liberty #247.
January
16, 2017 Martin Luther King Day
January 18,
2017 Stated Meeting.
Pre-Inspection
Visit by RWB Willard Fissell.
January 28,
2017 Inspection Season Starts, with Mt. Gilead Lodge #206.
Full schedule available at the 15th District web site link on
the left.
February 11,
2017 Inspection of La Rue Lodge in
the MM degree. Lodge opens at 11am, lunch at noon,
resuming degree work following lunch.
February
20, 2017 Presidents’
Day
March 25, 2017 Grand Master’s One Day Class, 9am, at Palestine #158.
March 31, 2017 15th District Grand Master’s Reception,
7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.
June 24, 2017 300th
Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry
15th
District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.
That’s what we know for
now. See you at Lodge!
.
