Click here to view the original PDF version of the newsletter.
Batavia Lodge 404
Trestleboard
September 2003
From
the East...
Well, this year is almost over. October 10th & 11th marks the dates for Grand
Lodge sessions in Springfield. It is always a pleasure, even a thrill, to meet
and see so many Brother Masons congregated in one spot. There are many ideas put
forth of which some will be controversial to the majority, but . everyone in
attendance will have the good of our fraternity at heart.
Then, on October 13th we will hold our annual business
meeting. On this date we begin the process of .Passing the Top Hat. so to speak,
new officers and new ideas. I've seen Brother Curt Morrison's projected slate .
and if all accept his appointments, we are going to have a talented group. The
officers to be elected will also continue 404's traditions of loyalty and
service.
Another date to put on your calendar is September 22nd - our
last stated meeting of September. On that date we will have a cast of players
from the York Rite College present Hirum, The Word.. Once again, we hope this
presentation will help us all receive more light in Masonry. Dinner will be
served at 6:00 p.m. Please attend this very important meeting. As I close, I
think that this has been a good year as we explored the hidden mysteries of our
craft. The journey is far from over, however. I feel that .the temple not built
with hands. is deep within our individual hearts. It remains for each one of us
to explore, search for, and find those hidden mysteries and secrets held within.
Wayne
Funk
Worshipful Master
P.S. I want to thank Dawn Hoehn of Sunrise Creations for the help she gave in putting together our Trestleboard publications.
From
the Past Master...
Just a note to thank everyone who came to the Masonic-Star picnic. We had about
60 people join us for lots of fun, food, friendship, and games. We are growing
every year. The weather wasn't too bad either!
I want to pass on a thank you from Eastern Star to all who
came out and supported their Ice Cream Social. It was a success. They had enough
money for 1 defibrillator for the Batavia Police Department. Hope to see
everyone at meetings this year and at the Pancake Breakfasts!
Thank
you.
Daniel F. Jones Sr.
Past Master
From
the West...
Hello Brethren! I hope you had a nice summer! We still have a little summer left
but not much. It was a nice summer for me, busy of course. I always want to slow
it down a little, but it never happens.
We have Fall and Winter and Christmas to look forward to.
Also we have a new slate of officers coming in this Fall in the lodge with me as
Master. It's going to be exciting as we all learn more about Masonry. Brethren,
I challenge you to think why you became a Mason. I'm sure your reasons have
changed over the years.
Being a Mason is a great privilege! We take that for granted.
Our founding Fathers and inventors and other great people were Masons. I think
we should hold our heads high and be proud that we are Masons. We should try to
make this world a better place. It definitely needs our help now more than ever.
I hope you'll come to some of our meetings and learn more
about Masonry! We have installation of new officers November 2nd and our first
breakfast is the end of September. I look forward to seeing you there!
Curt
Morrison
Senior Warden
From
the South...
Hello Brethren!
Greetings from the South! Boy, has it been hot! Star did
their part to cool it down with an Ice Cream Social, which, I might add, was a
smashing success! Thank you ladies! Coming up on our calendar is a very special
dinner and meeting, September 22nd. We will have a special meal to honor those
brethren who gave of their time to help with our breakfasts and in the tiled
meeting. We will have a play entitled .Hirum, the Word.. This is being put on by
the York Rite College for us. So please come out September 22nd and help us
honor our volunteers and enjoy .Hirum, the Word.. Happy Trails from the South,
Edward
Steffy
Junior Warden
From
the Secretary...
There are still 2 members that owe 2002 & 2003 dues please remit as soon as
possible or let us know if you need some help. In my 30 years + there has never
been a year that all dues have been paid. Please make this the first one.
Thanks to those that donated to the swim party. We received
$940.00 and spent $650.00, there were 37 kids and adults. They all had a good
time and everyone thanked the Lodge.
We also need ideas to increase our Endowment Fund. The Lodge
is just keeping its head above water. If you are changing your will, please
think of the Lodge. A dues increase is not the answer. We have 127 members of
which 50 are Life members. Life Members produce about $1,000.00+ each year on
the interest we receive on the Life Member fee the Grand Lodge is holding and 2
or 3 are 50-year members who pay no dues. That leaves 74 dues paying members.
This means each $10.00 increase will only produce $740.00 and that probably
won't cover the rent we pay to the Temple Association next year. Brethren we
have a beautiful Lodge Hall and we need your support.
One way is to purchase King Solomon's Pass for $20.00 at our
Vance Scholarship Fund Breakfast. This entitles you to eat at 6 breakfasts this
year or use it for a donation. You can purchase all you want.
We are still looking for someone to be Secretary. We are
looking for other appointed Officers too. October 13th is our Annual Meeting,
please mark your calendars and come, you are important.
Harold A.
Hall
Secretary