Madisonville Lodge 143

Letter From the Master

January 16th, 2011

Fellow Craftsmen,

First, let me begin by saying it is an honor for me to be elected as Master of Madisonville Lodge # 143 F&AM. I want to take a moment to outline what I feel are the key elements to continuing our success and growing our great fraternity.

In 2011, we must find ways to improve ourselves as well as improve our contributions to the community. While we may be restrained by financial aid to our charities, and active membership at our meetings lower than desired, We can begin new programs to bring back our brothers to our stated meetings and functions. In addition, we can make a presence in the community in non-financial aid areas. Finally we must continue our Masonic education within our own lodge to further our knowledge and pass on the history of our great fraternity.

Communications - We will find a way to reach out to all members. Paper, internet, mail, phone. Adopt a brother program.
Pass on the knowledge - Open lodge of instruction, every meeting if time allows. Open dialogue on who, what, why and practice degree work.
Family - Regular family events. Bingo nights. Picnics
Establish partnership with a charity. Food donations, work the soup kitchens, building projects.
Lamp Of Knowledge - Grand lodge program for new members. This is a great program for mentoring new candidates.
Ritualist Program - Goal is to have at least 1 member of our lodge recognized by Grand Lodge as ritualist.

I look forward to the upcoming year, already we have increased communication with our members. Reminders of meetings, special events were touching 8% of our members. With the new "Call Em All" program and our emailing's we are touching over 50% of our members and the list is growing almost daily. We have already established a "women's auxiliary" to help with meal planning and execution as well as family day functions. In addition to their help, it brings our families into our activities.

Fraternally Thine

Carl Snyder - Master, Madisonville Lodge # 143 F&AM