March 2020 Trestle Board
We have another busy month ahead of us. And I really need to count on your support. So let’s get to it.
MEETING:
Our next stated meeting is Monday, March 9th. Our OES sisters are planning an Irish theme for dinner of corned beef and cabbage at 6:30.
I’m pleased to tell you that the Past Grand Patron of the Eastern Star in VA, Rt. Wor. Bro. Lee Sloppy, will be our special guest speaker. He will be discussing the Eastern Star from the rare perspective of a Grand Patron.
To “sweeten the deal,” Bro. Lee will be bringing a load of Ashland Chapter’s chocolate Easter eggs. Brethren, let’s talk serious for a minute: These are 1 POUND, handmade, chocolate eggs filled with a bunch of different creams. I buy about 6 of these a year. That’s how I keep this svelte figure. So bring your checkbooks or cash.
For our educational discussion, Wor. Bro Beal will be presenting his thoughts on when Masonry actually began. As always, we’ll open it up to the floor for discussion and debate, so think about it, do some research, and be ready to discuss.
I’ve heard that Bro. Jeff Martin is planning to return his Master Mason’s catechism. So please come and support him as well.
BUSINESS:
Our most important business right now is the Lodge heating system. I’ve appointed a committee of Rt. Wor. Bro. Chuck DeRemer, Wor. Bro. Mark Bissoon, and Bro. Ted Lambert to get bids. Also, our current District Deputy Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Dan Ford, is also pricing out equipment.
Here’s the deal: The second floor heater needs a full replacement. The first floor heater is following right behind it. The A/C still works upstairs, but we’ve never had A/C downstairs. As much as I would have loved for all of this to hold on until someone else’s year, the truth is we’re going to need to replace both system now.
So I need your help. You’ll be receiving a letter from me in the next few days, basically begging you for money. We’ve had one member already donate $500, and another member has offer to match the first $1,000 donated by members of this Lodge. Every dollar you donate to the building fund will be doubled.
DEGREES:
We will be performing a Fellowcraft Degree on Monday, March 16th at 7:00. We’ll be examining the brother on the EA degree on the same night. I suppose we’ll cancel the FC if he fails at the catechism. So no pressure, Jim.
Also, we need help with this FC. There are officers out of town this week, so please attend practice this Monday night at 7:00, if you can help out.
CHARITY:
Our contact at the middle school reports that they’ve already given away at least a half-dozen pairs of our shoes with a few other kids on the way. They are so appreciative of this Lodge. There’s a special request for a pretty large size for one kid. I’m working on getting the details, so we can get this child straight.
The Secretary was able to find out the current lunch debt at Bowling Green Elementary is around $680. That’s probably going to shift a bit as the school year continues, so I’ve decided to hold off on any decision till we get an update in May. As a side note, another Masonic body is discussing picking up the middle school. No promises yet, but we might be at the start of something big here. Thank you for being a part of this.
FRATERNAL VISITS:
The District Deputy Grand Master has three more official visits: Hudson Morris is Tuesday, March 10th. Fredericksburg is Friday, March 13th. And Edward H. Cann is March 25th. I plan on attending all three of these, so it would be nice to have company.
Finally, I’d like to thank all the brethren who are actively participating in this Lodge. We are making a difference. That’s all any of us can hope for. And if you’re not currently active, you’re missing out, brother. But we’d love to welcome you back and find a place for you to help out.
