Officer & Activity Update

Things have settled down, for a while.  Our “best laid plans” referenced last month proved to be just a bump in the road.  Whew!

Since our last post we have had an excellent fish fry dinner, election of officers at our Annual Meeting, and Installation.  That might sound like we are ready for a rest, but our calendar indicates otherwise.

Here are the elected and appointed officers installed at our last meeting:

Worshipful Master              Brian Lightfoot

Senior Warden                    Greg Markley

Junior Warden                    John Dray

Treasurer                              Rick Sigrist

Secretary                              John Mathew

Lodge Education Officer  Rick Sigrist

Senior Deacon                    Mark Wamack

Junior Deacon                    Cedric Radcliffe

Senior Steward                   Pearl Gamble

Junior Steward                   Mike Wells

Chaplain                               Milton Lightfoot

Tyler                                       Richard Spracklen

Trustee                                  Pearl Gamble

Our next stated meeting is special in several ways.  As our calendar notes indicate for December 7, we will have a pizza dinner, a MM degree is scheduled, and our DDGM, RWB Willard Fissel, will be presenting our Masonic Service Awards.  This is always an interesting experience, but this year it promises to be extra special.  Two of our long-time members, WB Gene McMahan and WB O.M. Roux, will receive awards for 65-years of membership.  These Brothers have actively participated in our Lodge for many decades, well past their times sitting in the East.  Until last year WB Roux was the longest serving Chaplain in our Lodge, stepping down because he felt like taking a break.  Until this month WB McMahan served as Junior Warden, having served for so many years we’ll have to research when he wasn’t serving in that capacity.  Using skills learned as the former proprietor of one of La Rue’s best eateries, he also prepared and supervised more Lodge dinners than anyone can remember.  Come join us for a fun evening.

Taking a larger view of December, it 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 15th.  A stroll through town reveals that preparations have already begun – yes, even before Thanksgiving!  Downtown decorations are going up, window displays are being planned, and areas are being designated for location specific activities.  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.

November 19, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

November 24, 2016            Thanksgiving

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

December 7, 2016              Pizza dinner at 6:30pm.  Stated Meeting.  MM degree scheduled.  Presentation of Masonic Service Awards.

December 15, 2016            La Rue’s Christmas in the Village.  From 5 – 8 pm.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

December 31, 2016            New Year’s Eve.  Be sure to pick a designated driver!

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                15^th District Work Day, 9am, held at East Liberty #247.

January 16, 2017                Martin Luther King Day

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                    15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, 7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

15^th District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.

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

.