DeKalb Lodge Earns Grand Masters Award of Excellence
Again!
The Members of DeKalb Lodge can
be justifiably proud of receiving the Grand Masters Award of Excellence for a
third year! In addition, we were
awarded the Golden Trowel Award for having the highest score in the 8th Northern. This is the result of many brothers working
together to accomplish the goals set forth in the requirements. In addition, we were presented an award of
merit for the newsletter, thanks to the efforts of the editor, WB Jay Elliott.
The awards were received at Grand Lodge in October, and presented to DeKalb
Lodge at the stated meeting of Oct. 9 by WB Al Johnson, District
Deputy Grand Master. The requirements for this year have been changed, with
less time to complete them.
WB Jay Elliott has again agreed
to handle the paperwork needed to keep us on track to accomplish the
goals. Not all Lodges participate in
this program. Some may think it is too much
work. Others, for whatever reason, just
do not choose to participate. All
members of DeKalb Lodge can be proud of their brethren who put forth the time
and effort to compete for this honor.
Special Meeting
Ken
Gregory, a law student at Rutgers University, returned to DeKalb for the
Thanksgiving school break. The DeKalb Lodge #144 held a special meeting Friday
morning at 9a.m. when Ken was initiated into the Lodge. He will continue the
degree work later this year during the summer school break.
Note from Ken and Beryl
A note was received from Ken and Beryl Richardson regarding the
DeKalb Lodge Christmas Party and the work being done by the lodge members. Nice
hearing from the Richardsons. The editor had the privilege of visiting the
Richardsons in their Florida home last winter. Its obvious they do enjoy their
winter home.
State
Lodge Flag
Brother Robert Boyd reported that the Most Worshipful Grand
Master has asked him to make a state lodge flag. Robert said that he would like
help with the project, and will bring some examples to the next meeting.
Web
Site Is Up
The
DeKalb Lodge Web site is up and running and can be reached at mastermason.com/dekalblodge144.
This is much appreciated, especially after several previous attempts have
faltered.
Sickness
Louis Meinerts wife Shirley has
been in the hospital for hip surgery.
Slim Kittleson was briefly in the hospital. He is home now.
Bill Minnihans wife Shirley is in the Swedish American Hospital
for heart surgery. She will temporarily enter a nursing home when released from
the hospital.
Gladys Prestegaard is recovering from knee replacement surgery.
We wish a speedy recovery to one and all!
Obituaries
Brother George Thomas Burch,
DeKalb, passed away Sept. 28, 2001. Tom was raised to Master Mason at DeKalb
Lodge Sept. 29, 1955. Burial was in Fairview Park Cemetery.
Brother Walter Raymond Hammett, DeKalb, passed away Sept. 30,
2001. He was raised to Master Mason on May 28, 1963. His burial was also in
Fairview Park Cemetery.
The brothers of DeKalb Lodge participated in Masonic Funeral
service for both brothers.
The Masonic bodies of DeKalb extend their sympathy to the
families of these long time Masons.
Masonic
Bowl
Ken White is working with Scott Williams at DeKalb High School
to coordinate the Masonic Bowl activities.
Orator
for Illinois Demolay Addressed the Lodge
At the Dec. 11th meeting of DeKalb Lodge #144, Senior
Deacon Greg Finnigan introduced John Haney of Rock Island Lodge #658, and the
State Orator for Illinois Demolay. John brought an update regarding the status
of Demolay activity in this area.
Kalin Majors of Rochelle Horicon Lodge was also introduced at
that time. Kalin also attended the January 8th meeting of DeKalb
Lodge #144.
DeKalb
County Shriners Presented 7th Degree at Scottish Rite Temple
Members of DeKalb Lodge #144 participated in presentation of the
7th degree at Scottish Rite Temple in Freeport recently. They were
John Birkett, Dean Quarnstrom, Don Hudson, Chuck Kross, Roger Palmer, Ken
White, Todd Metsker, and Curt Behrens. Other Masons taking part from Genoa
Lodge were: Gary Tewksbury, Bob Larson, Dave Burrows, Henry Lanan, and Jay
Johnston. From Sycamore Lodge were Tom Whitaker and Director Ross Niebergal.
New
Affiliate
DeKalb Lodge #144 welcomes Loren
Wilson from Malta. Loren affiliated with the DeKalb Lodge in October.
Donations
A donation to the Masonic Service Association Green Envelope
Appeal, the Masonic Childrens Home, and the Masonic Service Association of
Chicago were approved recently at regularly stated meetings.
A Thank You note from the New York Grand Lodge for DeKalb
Masonic Lodges contribution was read.
Christmas
Party
Junior Warden Todd Metsker chaired the Christmas Party
Committee. The party was a huge success, with 65 individuals attending. Those
assisting Todd were Ray Binkowski, Rich Spahn, Greg Finnigan, and Robert Boyd.
Ham and Turkey were served, and Santa made an appearance. All enjoyed the good
food, fun, and fellowship.
Dues
Invoice Charge
The printed invoice indicates our dues to be $28. Last year we
had a by-laws change, which sets our local dues at $25 over whatever the Grand
Lodge per capita charge may be. While this is a $10 jump in dues this year, the
Lodge has absorbed two past raises in Grand Lodge per capita without raising
dues. The lodge felt that in order to maintain a constant dues income level, we
would establish our dues at the $25 level, plus the per capita Grand Lodge fee.
Im not sure this explains it succinctly, but if anyone want to talk to me
(Chuck Kross, Secretary) about it, they can call me at 815-758-1772, and I will
be happy to discuss it. If there are brethren who cannot pay their dues due to
any circumstances, they should also call me and we can work something out.
Ralph
Seats Suffered Stroke
Brother Ralph Seats was hospitalized in November with a stroke.
He has not returned to work at this writing, but is home doing well.
Mike
Salva Attended Meeting
Lt. Mike Salva attended the first Lodge meeting in January. He
has been in Marine Corps Training since leaving DeKalb last summer. He is
enjoying his time in the East, learning lots of history in the
Washington-Virginia area, and is anxiously anticipating continued training at
Camp Pendleton, California, later this year.
DeKalb
Officers to Assist in Rochelle
Plans are in progress for officers of DeKalb Lodge #144 to
assist Horicon Lodge in Rochelle on Tuesday, March 5 with 3rd degree work. The
Worshipful Master will determine at which stations they need assistance. Other
lodge members are welcome to attend and enjoy the evening with fellow Masons.
The
DeKalb White Shrine
At our
November meeting everyone brought non-perishable food items, which were donated
to the food pantry at Sycamore Methodist Church.
At the December
meeting Sojourner Ruth Johnson was honored for her 50 years in the order. She
was presented a corsage and her 50 year pin and card. A brief history of her
many years of service was read. Ruth is our Worthy Treasurer.
We met in
January. Everyone seemed rested after the holidays. We were saddened by the
death of Sojourner Helen Ebright.
Our next
meeting will be Feb 14. Hope to see everyone there.
Betty
Richardson
Worthy High
Priest
Eastern
Star Officers
for
2002 Installed
The Officers of Normal Chapter #357, Order
of the Eastern Star for 2002 are: Kathie Schmitt Worthy Matron; Bill Schmitt
Worthy Patron; Anna Bryson Assoc. Matron; Lou Meinert Assoc. Patron; Dorothy
Bierman Secretary; Connie Klopp, Treasurer; Bev Evensen, Conductress; Bill
Bryson, Chaplain; Dave Klopp, Marshall;
Lois Seitzinger, Ruth; Kandis Emmert,
Esther; Julie Emberson, Martha; Michelle Zibrun, Electa; Rick Emmert,
Warder; and Jim Lofftus Sentinel.
Installation of Officers was held on
December 1st.
The 2002 calendar and directory will be
mailed to all members in January.
Sycamore
Commandery Hosts Annual Inspection
Participating on November 24th were eight current and
past Grand Officers of the Knights Templar. This year saw several changes,
including the opening at 10:30am, and a luncheon meal in place of a dinner. The
Ladies Auxiliary did an excellent job of preparing and serving the food.
Thanks to Arlene Johnson, Connie Klopp and Kathie Schmitt for
their dedication and hard work.
Next years inspection is tentatively set for Sept. 21.
Our thanks to Bill Ferris, EC of Crusader #17 for his work as
acting Commander, and all Sir Knights
and their Ladies who attended.
Santa
pays a visit to DeKalb Lodge
After
an absence of almost 10 years, a Christmas party was held at the DeKalb Masonic
Temple on Dec.9th. Todd and Sherri Metsker, Robert and Pam Boyd,
Greg and Karon Finnigan, Rich Spahn and Ray Binkowski did an outstanding job of
preparing turkey, ham and all the trimmings.
More than 65 men, women and children enjoyed the meal.
After desert, Santa Claus distributed toys and goodies to the
children. All adjourned to the lodge
room for some Christmas music provided by Frank Biletzky at the organ.
Todd and his great crew deserve much credit for a delightful
evening of food, fellowship and fun.
Potpourri, etc.
DeKalb Lodge #144 will host a school of instruction on January 24,
with the emphasis on rod work.
A schedule will be out shortly with information on practice
sessions leading up to the Lodge Officers competition for 2002. This includes
opening 1-2-3, receiving the DD, and closing 3 short.
Sycamore Lodge #134 had their Installation of Officers Nov. 28th with Dale McBride as Worshipful Master. Dual
members Todd Metsker is Sr. Warden, Rick Emmert is Sr. Steward and Bill Schmitt
is Secretary.
A reminder from the Temple Board:
After your meeting, please see that the kitchen is cleaned and ready for
the next use. This includes putting dishes and utensils where they belong, and
taking the towels for laundering. Lowering the thermostat to 65 degrees will
help save on the gas bill. Your
cooperation is appreciated.
Lost at Masonic Temple
funeral reception: candlewick candy dish, two section, clear glass. If anyone
has seen it, contact: Bernice Hammett, 756-6049.
Educational Meetings
The Standard Club met at DeKalb Lodge on Thursday, Nov. 15th,
and Officers School met on Thursday, Nov. 29th.
Coming Events
Feb.
26th
There will be a Presidents Day dinner at the DeKalb Masonic
Temple at 6:30 p.m.
Mar.
12th
There will be an official visit of the District Deputy Grand
Master at the regular meeting.
Mar.
26th
DeKalb Lodge #144 will hold a St. Patricks Day dinner at 6:30
p.m. at the DeKalb Masonic Temple.
Apr.
9th
There will be a 2nd degree for DeKalb Lodge #144
during the scheduled meeting.
June
24th
St. Marys Catholic Church will hold services at 7:00 a.m. Mon.
morning in memory of Saint John the Baptist. The church is located at the
corner of Fisk and 4th streets.
