Christmas!

It has already been a wonderful time of the year, and we haven’t even gotten to the big day!  We were just calming down from an action-packed week when the Buckeyes met Wisconsin in Indianapolis.  After that we kind of lost focus for a while, but we’re back.

The Masonic Service Awards program at our last meeting was an excellent experience.  MWB Steven E. Cokonougher, accompanied by RWBs P. Pat Davis - Grand Tyler, RWB Frank Carson - Grand Chaplain, and Charles Buck - DDGM, made the evening special for each of the Award recipients.  A delicious dinner, prepared by Bro. Mike Wells, set the mood for the evening.  Of course the highlight of the evening was the Award presentations.  A 25-year Award was presented to WM Brian Lightfoot, and a 70-year Award to Bro. Joseph F. Spitzer.  Photos were taken, and with any luck appear below this column.

Following the Award presentations, MWB Cokonougher entertained those present with two personal stories that describe commitment to the fraternity.  One involved a chance meeting with an elderly member making his way up the stairs at a Lodge in Massachusetts.  MWB Cokonougher noticed the Brother wore a Masonic Service Award pin with four diamonds and one other stone, and asked about its significance.  The Brother responded that it was specially designed by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for him, and was a 90-year pin.  MWB Cokonougher asked his age, and the Brother responded he was 111.  Despite his age and the stairs, he was maintaining his streak of 72 years of perfect attendance in his Lodge.

As a follow-up, the Grand Master explained that there are many reasons why a member might stay home instead of attend meetings, but when motivated, there are just as many reasons to attend.  He shared that at one Lodge he visited, a member told him since he lived 30 miles away, it wasn’t realistic to expect him to make every meeting.  The Grand Master’s response was that although he lived in Bradenton, Florida for a time, he still maintained perfect attendance at Linden Lodge #637, around 1,100 miles away.  While that is only one member’s response, it provides reason to rethink priorities for all of us.

December is a month of parties, events, and festivities. It is hard to resist being included in gatherings at work, with family, and within our social groups. Culminating with New Year’s Eve celebrations, December is probably the brightest month of the year. Each community has special displays and programs, Nativity scenes and services. Even if you enjoy the bustle of the season, these are a great way to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the things most meaningful during the holidays. Don’t know where any of these might be? Just ask your family or neighbors! Chances are they will point you in the right direction.

We feel one celebration merits special mention.  La Rue’s Christmas in the Village celebration will be on Thursday, December 18th.  A stroll through town reveals that preparations have already begun.  Downtown decorations are already up, window displays are receiving last minute touchups, and areas are being prepared for location specific activities.  The family-friendly celebration has a number of attractions.  Keeping with tradition, the parade starts things off.  The event continues with performances by the Elgin band and show choir, local church choirs, 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.

Our Lodge focus is now on Inspection, scheduled for January 17, 2015.  Toward that end, our DDGM, RWB Charles Buck, will be reviewing our books and procedures at our meeting on December 17^th.  We will also be practicing the EA degree, with a focus on the introduction procedures.

As usual there are a number of calendar listings to note. 

December 17, 2014            Pre-Inspection visitation by RWB Charles Buck, and practice in the EA degree.

December 18, 2014            La Rue’s Christmas in the Village, from 5-8pm.

December 25, 2014            Christmas. 

Please remember the reason for the season.

December 31, 2014            New Year’s Eve.  Please select a Designated Driver!

January 1, 2015                  New Year’s Day.  Your first opportunity to stick to those resolutions, or not.

January 10, 2015                Leadership Training event at Palestine #158, at 9am.  Advance registration is required.

January 17, 2015                Annual Inspection in the EA degree.  Dinner, catered by Coonie’s, will be served at 6:30pm.  Lodge opens at 7:30pm.

March 27, 2015                    Grand Master’s Reception at 7pm. 

Location to be announced.

Along the way we will add more dates and information.  Check back often.

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

See you in Lodge!

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 Photo #1:  WB Milton Lightfoot, WM Brian Lightfoot, and RWB Charles Buck 

Photo #2:  MWB Steven E. Cokonougher, WM Brian Lightfoot, Bro. Joseph F. Spitzer, 

and RWB Charles Buck

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