We Passed!

OK, for those who are wondering, our 2014 MM Inspection was a success.  On January 18^th we were privileged to confer the MM degree on our most recent candidate.  RWB Charles Buck, DDGM, had many favorable things to say following the degree work, Lecture, and Charge.  WB Matt Pollock, DEO, added his congratulations to our Lodge Education Officer for his fine work throughout the year.  Best of all, our candidate received a quality degree presentation.

While we would love to claim that we “did this all on our own”, the opposite is true.  Assistance came from many directions.  Some of our own members stepped outside of their comfort zones, and zip codes, to assume speaking parts.  Several current officers shifted positions to cover the absences of others.  Some non-speaking roles were covered by our regular visitors.  To fill out the remainder, RWB Charles Wood recruited visiting brethren on the spot.  We were overwhelmed by the positive response.

Closing the chapter on this event would be premature without mentioning our dining arrangements.  Dinner was catered by Coonie’s Place, a local establishment known for quality food.  From comments received from our visitors, in person as well as on Face Book, they didn’t disappoint.  In addition, the wife of our SW contributed an assortment of cookies.  Next time we will probably have to plan on a larger number for dinner.

As we shift our focus away from our 2014 Inspection, we have information to share, and several dates to put on your calendar. 

Each year the Grand Master has multiple programs to recognize and reward those across the State who represent the qualities of leadership, character, and commitment, which are prized by the Masonic fraternity.  Two of these are the Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award, and the Community Service Award.  Both offer an opportunity to recognize individuals, both young and old(er), without reference to Masonic affiliation. 

Each community has excellent candidates to recommend for these awards, and over the years we have nominated many from our community.  What part can you play in this?  Tell us of the ones you know!  Give us the contact information, and the reason you feel they would make an excellent recommendation.  We can take it from there.  The deadline for submission to the DDGM is March 14^th.  The process takes some time, and needs final approval of the Lodge, so if you let us know in the next couple weeks, we should have everything submitted in time.

Here are the significant dates we know at this time:

 April 5, 2014                        Grand Master’s One Day Class, held at Marion #70, starting at 8am.  Helpers for each of the degrees are being solicited.  Contact the DDGMs to express an interest.

April 10, 2014                       EA Inspection at East Liberty #247.  The Grand Master will be attending, so get your dinner reservations in early.

April 25, 2014                       15^th District, Grand Master’s Reception, held at Bellefontaine #209. 

July 18, 2014                        Deputy Grand Master’s Rollout Program, held at Palestine 158, starting at 7:30pm. 

That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!

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