Moving Day - August 10, 2026

As Yogi Berra once said, "It's never over 'til it's over".  The same thing can be said for the consolidation process.  

 

Phase #1 should probably be classified as "Paperwork - Dotting I's and Crossing T's".  

At the time that seemed like a long and arduous process.  Multiple discussions led to multiple notifications.  Those notifications led to multiple discussions at multiple meetings.  Those discussions and meetings led to multiple votes.  Those votes led to generating additional paperwork to (and for) our DDGM and the Grand Secretary's Office.  With one swoop of the computer mouse the consolidation process was approved.  End of story, or so we thought.

 

Phase #2 should probably be classified as "Actually Consolidating".    

To borrow a concept from other activities, this is where the rubber actually hit the road.  Over were the days of sitting comfortably while discussing the concept(s) of what needs done.  This was the time to actually do it.

The day was selected as being convenient for those whose whose schedule revolves around school systems.  Sadly, that left out many of the young(er) and strong(er) members who might have been otherwise willing to assist.  Undeterred, eight of us proceeded to move the worldly belongings of La Rue Lodge to Mt. Carmel Lodge.  Although separated by just a few miles, anyone who has moved desks, tables, chairs, and cabinets knows the effort required to pull off this feat.  Something we had not contemplated was the weight of our 3 "fire-proof" filing cabinets.  Even without the drawers, each proved more than 2 people could handle.  Saving the day was a 2-wheeled contraption more commonly used to move marble monuments.  That worked well for moving the cabinets over level surfaces, but was of little utility going up stairs.  

In the end, moving each cabinet required the majority of our work crew.  That happens even under the best of circumstances.

 

The good news is two-fold:

1 - There were no significant injuries sustained during the move.

2 - This was a "One and Done" project, meaning we don't have to do it again.

 

The remaining news is that this will most likely be the last entry on this site, as "La Rue Lodge #463 F&AM" is no longer an active Lodge.  To end things with a "bang", below are photos from the moving process.

 

 

eof.