From the East:
To use a baseball metaphor we were down 4 players, but the Degree team managed to knock it out of the park, and we completed the Degree in its entirety. Brothers of the Lodge, and our visiting Brethren including the Past M.'.W:.Grand Master of the State of Connecticut George S. Greytak and our own R.'.W:.District Deputy Grand Master John Walker Robinson had nothing but high praise for the entire Degree team and our newly raised Brothers. To our newest Master Masons, including our visiting Brother, I say congratulations. To the Degree team and our last-minute pinch-hitters, I say thank you for a job well done. I would also like to thank our guests from St. Peter's Lodge #21 in Connecticut who graciously joined us.
As this will be my final communication as master of Harry S Truman Lodge #1066, I state without hesitation that I am not only proud to have been Master for the past year, but that due to the unfailing support of my elected and appointed Officers, our past-Masters, the 8th Manhattan District, and all the Brothers of the Lodge, the year was a terrific one.
We conferred a total of 6 Degrees, Masonic education was at the forefront, the picnic was a resounding success, the Festive Board was a blast, we had a highly enlightening "Alchemy Eve" with the Rosicrucians, we've reached out to other Lodges and have welcomed delegations and Brothers from Lodges in our District, from other states of the US, Canada, and Europe, and most importantly - we came together as Brothers in support of our Lodge and enjoyed each other's company.
Wisdom - Strength - Beauty
To my Senior Warden, Steve Siegel - You have my sincere appreciation for taking the reins on the Degree teams and getting it all together. In your year as Senior Warden, none have gone away dissatisfied!
To my Junior Warden, Leonard Gottlieb - What can I say? Even on nights that we played musical-stewards the pre-meeting dinners and collations we're alwaysn ready to go. Perverted to intemperance and excess? Not on your watch!
Steve and Len, we were Entered Apprentices together and sitting in the East with the two of you in the West and South made my year as Master particularly meaningful to me. And as my year as Master comes to a close, I offer you my continued support.
To our Treasurer, Secretary, and Chaplain - R.'.W.'.Joseph Ruiz, R.'.W.'.Marty Dashevsky and R.'.W.'.Joseph N. Mandel (aka "The Three Wise Men"). You are the true anchors of Harry S Truman Lodge, and your vast knowledge of Freemasonry and the bylaws of our Lodge is something I can only aspire to achieve. Thank you for being my mentors and guides, I owe you all a true debt of gratitude.
| Freedom - Fervency - Zeal
To our Tiler, W.'.Donald Pisany - No health issue or bad weather can keep you from performing your duty as Tiler. You are an inspiration and true example of what it means to be a Mason. Your dedication is unsurpassed, and I would like to say thank you to you, and also to the lovely Mrs. Pisany for helping us set up the Lodge!
To my appointed officers from Marshal on up to Senior Deacon, you Brothers are the ones who truly make the Lodge run. From Degree work, to collations, to set up, and everything else it takes to make Harry S Truman Lodge run, you are the backbone of the Lodge. I am proud of all of you, and I couldn't have done it without you!
Our next meeting will be on Thursday May 5th. "Masonic show-n-tell" followed by Election of Officers. What is "Masonic show-n-tell" you might ask? Each of us has something Masonic that we got from our fathers, grandfathers, e-bay, etc, like a Masonic coin, sword, book, or something rarer. Even something engraved with the name and number of a Lodge that no longer exists. Bring it in! And share with us your knowledge of the item, what it means to you, and how it came to be in your possession. We will also be Electing our officers for 2011 - 2012.
This meeting is mandatory for all officers of the Lodge for the current year (regardless of whether or not you are serving in the ensuing year).
There will be a Dutch-treat pre-meeting dinner at Outback beginning at 5:45pm. Lodge opens promptly at 7:30. (I say 5:45 because Outback sometimes has an issue getting us our checks in a timely manner).
Our next meeting after that will be on Thursday May 19th when we will have Installation of Officers for the ensuing year. Dutch-treat pre-meeting dinner will be at the Lodge beginning at 6:00pm. Lodge will open at 7:30. Brothers, I ask that you please do your best to attend these meetings. Both in support of the Officers who served this year, and who will serve in the ensuing year. In closing I would like to express my gratitude to the Brothers of Harry S Truman Lodge #1066. To EACH and EVERY Brother, from those we see at every meeting, to those we see now and again, and to those living out of state. You are the very heart of the Lodge! It was my distinct pleasure and a privilege to serve you. And please rest assured that with your ongoing support of our incoming Master, Harry S Truman Lodge will continue to bestow Masonic Light far into the future.
May the Great Architect of the Universe Bless and protect you and your families all my Brothers!
Fraternally,
W.'.Frank L. Parker
Master, Harry S Truman Lodge #1066 |
