A Message from the East
12/13/2001

"Tidings from the East"

Brethren, As I come to the end of my year as Master, I find myself reflecting back to a year ago this December. I wonder where the time went. It seems like only yesterday that I assumed the East. Carmel Lodge has been extremely busy this past year and were it not for my brothers who graciously accepted chairs in line or those on the sidelines who would jump in and help when asked, I don't know how I could have done it... Wait, yes I do know, I couldn't.

Our fraternity survives because of all brothers, whether he be the Tyler of the Lodge, the brothers in the chairs or on the sideline or the Worshipful Master in the East working together to carry the message of the valuable tenants of our institution to all who wish to receive it.

Even though my year as Master has ended, I will continue to work for and with Carmel Lodge. There is a lot of work yet left to do and I am extremely glad that I can be a part of it.

Finally, my heartfelt thanks to all of you that have helped make my year a success. Fraternally, Robert R. Otten W.M.

Please join us we would love to see you.

Fraternally
Robert (Bob) Otten W.M.

A Message from the Immediate Past Master
01/2001

"Thank you for the Privilege"

It has been an eventful year and I wish to once again thank you for your support, and for the opportunity to serve you. We started some new things this past year, some of which were old ideas that had slipped by the wayside, and others were new for Carmel Lodge. We had three evenings out for members and their wives/guests at area eateries and a night out at Victory Field to watch an Indians baseball game. We returned to serving dinner on Master Mason degree nights, as prepared by our own award-winning chef, Bill Sanders Jr, PM. We had maintenance nights, and cleaned up and cleaned out the Lodge hall over the course of the year. Its not finished yet, but there is a very noticeable improvement. I would especially like to thank our trustee Bill Sanders Jr, PM for his extra efforts. He was instrumental in getting the windows replaced with glass blocks, striping the parking lot, and procuring the glass display cases for the Craft Club to sell Masonic items and a computer for the Secretary's station.

This past year we have seen several new brothers raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, and we welcome them among us. We have also seen several of our esteemed brothers called to the Celestial Lodge on High.  Most notable for me was the passing of Wilbur Klepinger, KYCH. Worshipful Brother Klepinger was the epitome of a Mason. His dedication and his proficiency inspired me not just in our lodge, but more especially in the York Rite. He obligated me through many of those degrees and presented me with a sword upon becoming a Knight Templar. That sword had been given to him many years before when he could ill afford one, and he was presenting it to me in the same spirit of brotherhood. Just this past year, I presented that sword to another newly obligated Knight Templar with the same joy and spirit that it had been invested to me. Brother Klepinger will be sorely missed.

This coming year promises to be another exciting year for our fraternity.  Changes will continue to make our craft more open to the public. I am also looking forward to the challenges that will always arise, and hope that you will join me in pledging support for our new Master, Bob Otten.

Sincerely and fraternally,
Robert Troutt, jPM

A Message from the South

This is a reminder that the second Saturday of each month is our pancake breakfast from 7:00am - 10:00am. Our menu consists of not only pancakes but we also serve eggs, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, milk, orange juice and coffee, all for the price of $4 for adults and $2 for children. Come out on Saturday morning and join us.

We need members to help with the degree work. If you know a part or would be willing to learn a part, please contact me. We will help you learn any part, large or small, if you would be willing to assist your lodge.