The Worshipful Master's Address of July 26, 2002

Brothers all,

Last evening, Century Lodge 764 set the plans to complete our 2002 Masonic year.  We had many members present and one Past Grand Master & Grand Treasurer, John Grein . Another petition was read and placed in an investigating committee.  That makes three petitions for a vote at our October Stated Meeting. Please attend. We are growing again.

I feel compelled to explain my thoughts as your Master.

“We are growing and evolving into our future”

   Just three or four short years ago we conceived the idea of a new styled Lodge that would meet 4 times a year to enjoy the fellowship of good friends, food, and speakers with much emphasis on Masonic Education and a good quality Masonic life.  The word Quality was spoken at every meeting. We never thought that our Grand Lodge would ask and request the set of Bylaws that we have at this time.  We never thought much about educating a new member because all of us had a long Masonic history and knew or were looking for something more out of our own Masonic quest. Most of us were looking for a Lodge to push the envelope of Indiana Freemasonry and have fun 4 times a year.  Along came a few petitions and we have new members to serve and educate.  Our Century Lodge world has evolved.

   Well as your Master, I have the responsibility to serve ALL of Century’s members.  With that thought I have tried to direct the planning of the lodge events for two purposes.

   The first, is to plan for those 4 high quality dinner meetings with an interesting speaker. This plan should fulfill the needs of our very busy Masonic members/Officers.  We should and do understand that we might see this member only 4 times a year. I feel that we are accomplishing that task.  I have discussed with our Grand Master, a new idea of moving the “Table Lodge &/or a Festive Board” around the city.  We have had two or three Table Lodges out of Freemason’s Hall.  The first Festive Board for Century Lodge is to be at the Capri Restaurant on August 29, 2002.  RSVP’s are a must by August 26^th to the Master. We will not need to open or close a Master Mason Lodge . Grand Master VanGorden is agreeable to work toward some new ideas with some restrictions.  I have assured him that we will be a credit to the future of our Indiana Freemasonry.

   The second purpose, is for the newer Century Lodge masons and others that wish to participate in regular lodge activities and education will have many events. August 15^th Century Lodge will host Masonry’s Door Program.  Please look around you and ask one, two or more of your friends or neighbors and bring them to this program.  The location will be announced soon. Let us have a good turn out.  

    The 1^st Annual Friends and Family Picnic is this Sunday at the Indiana Masonic Home at 1:30 pm .  Please join us for a $5.50 lunch and take a tour or just hang out and enjoy our IMH.

    The 3^rd Annual Century Lodge Picnic is going to be at the Master’s Home on August 18^th at 3:00 pm .  This will be a pitch in grilled steak or chicken dinner.  I will have the steaks/ chickens and drinks.  Please bring plates and your silverware.  I will need RSVP”S and your choice of steak (rib eye) or chicken (South side yard bird).  We do have the pool open so bring your swimsuit, that is, no tie required. See the inserted above maps to my home.

  To earn the Grand Master’s Award with high distinction we need the following:

Ø       Two members attending the Certified Leader Program

Ø       Two York Rite Sir Knight to visit Connersville on November 13^th for a Lodge/ Commandery Inspection at 6:00 pm

Ø       Two appendant bodies presentations at any meeting

Ø       Two Masonic Education at Stated Meetings

Ø       An increase in membership

Ø       Donation to Masonic Charity from the Lodge

Ø       Participate in a community cause or program

These requirements have been place in the Century Lodge plan for the rest of the year.  I will have another “Newsletter” out soon with the yearly schedule.

I hope you will continue to support Century Lodge.  We need YOU for this success; this is your year.

Best summer wishes,

Andrew R. Jackson , WM