Plans and Changes

Our last two posts demonstrate that plans are not carved in stone, as might have pleased Operative Masons, but are fluid in nature.  And being fluid, they are subject to numerous changes and alterations.  Such is our situation - again.

Due to unforeseen events our two EA candidates have been unable to attend for their FC degree experiences.  At one point we had hoped to have their MM degree experiences behind them by now, but have had to revise those thoughts.  If either, or both, are able to complete their FC degrees prior to our summer break, a Special Meeting this fall could be scheduled to hold all three MM degrees in one day.  As noted before, this would not be a One Day Class situation as previous Grand Masters have authorized, nor the new procedure authorized by the current Grand Master to handle multiple candidates at once.  Instead, each candidate would receive the MM degree separately, with the lecture and charge being done collectively. 

We will post updates on how well our plans fit our experiences.

In other news, an interesting question was posed at a recent meeting, regarding our sideline seats.  A casual glance at the walls shows chair rails on the Masonic South, West, and North walls.  These rails are several inches above the seats, which are bolted to the floors.  Obviously these are theatre seats, but a Brother questioned where they might have originated.  Our Treasurer had occasion to present this question to our former Secretary, who presided as WM during our 100^th year ceremonies in 1972.  In preparation for that observance, he researched stories and minutes dating back to our beginning in 1872.  Despite his efforts, no mention or reference was found as to where the seats came from, or when.  The only indicator on the date of acquisition was in the 1920’s.  This was based on events surrounding the fire in 1925 and occupation of the present building in 1926.  The full text of the 1972 document can be accessed using the tab on the left, “LaRue Lodge – The First 100 Years”.

With the exceptions noted above, below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

May 4, 2016                          Stated meeting. 

May 8, 2016                          Mother’s Day.  Despite the title, this isn’t an occasion to honor only your mom, but all of them who have impacted your life.  Whether near or far, let them know how special they are.

May 18, 2016                        Pizza dinner at 6:30, Stated Meeting at 7:30. 

May 30, 2016                        Memorial Day.  Originally called Decoration Day, it is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America.

June 12, 2016                      Masonic Home Day, Springfield campus.

June 19, 2016                      Father’s Day.  Like noted above, this isn’t just a day to honor your Father, but all those men who have made a positive impact on your life. 

June 24, 2016                      Opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, Jesse Owens Sports Complex – OSU Campus, Columbus, Ohio.

July 4, 2016                          Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation!

September 5, 2016             Labor Day.  Although fun, this isn’t just a day for cookouts.  It is a day to celebrate those who made our country, and continue to do the heavy lifting necessary to keep it great.

September 7, 2016             Stated Meeting.

September 8-10, 2016       Marion Popcorn Festival

September 10, 2016           15^th District Annual Meeting, Indian Lake #722, at 9am.

September 11, 2016           15^th District Awards Dinner, Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, at 6pm.

October 10, 2016                Columbus Day.  Celebrate Christoforo Columbo, who “sailed the ocean blue in 1492”, and for years was identified as the person who discovered America.  History buffs generally recognize the land was named for Amerigo Vespucci, who apparently had a better PR Manager.  Both had better PR men than Leif Eriksson, credited with landing here 500+ years earlier than either of them.

October 14-15, 2016           Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at the Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio.

November 11, 2016            Veterans Day.  Originally called Armistice Day, it signified the end of WW1.  Renamed in 1954, it now celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. 

November 12, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

December 3, 2016              15^th District Past Masters Convocation, 9am, held at Chester #238.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

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