Willis Stewart Lodge No. 224, F. & A. M.
Annual Report of the Secretary
December 1, 2009

 

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Willis Stewart Lodge No. 224, F. & A. M.:

My Dear Brethren,

I begin this report with a tribute to our Worshipful Master John D. Pickard, the 159th Master of Willis Stewart Lodge. His leadership has led us to another successful year in which we earned the Grand Master’s Lodge of Excellence Award.

Installation
Our annual Installation of Officers was held on December 16, 2008. John D. Pickard was installed as the 159th Master of Willis Stewart Lodge No. 224 by Past Master Kenneth L. Meredith with Past Master Charles M. Cissell acting as Marshal. The ladies, guests and brethren were treated to a splendid meal prepared by the Middletown Chapter, O.E.S. Social Club.
 

Necrology
The Supreme Architect, in his infinite wisdom, called the following brethren to the Celestial Lodge above since our last annual communication: Frank Riley Fain, Jr. (5/26/09), Charles Henry Wilt, Jr. (9/28/09), and Frederick Leslie Zeh (6/09/09).

 

Pinotti Past Master’s Award Fund
Past Master Donald C. Pinotti purchased a life insurance policy from the Paul Revere Life Insurance Company on April 25, 1980, with the stipulation that upon his death the proceeds from the policy establish the Donald C. Pinotti Past Master’s Award Fund and the interest from said fund be used to purchase a suitable jewel for the outgoing Master for services rendered to the Lodge. Past Master Donald C. Pinotti survives and the policy remains in the custody of the Board of Trustees.
 

Membership
During this year we initiated 9, passed 1, raised 1, demitted 1, suspended 12 and 3 Brothers died.
 

Widows Program
Our Widows Program continues to be a blessing to all our Widows and a model for other Lodges. Under the leadership of Brother Tom O’Bryan, PM, our Officers and Brothers have established strong links with each of our Widows. The Widow’s many letters, notes and phone calls to Brother Tom and other Officers continue to evidence their appreciation to the Lodge for continuing to “help aid and assist”.


Upton Foundation
The Upton Foundation, Inc. provided four, one thousand dollar scholarship grants to deserving students working to advance their education at a Kentucky College or University. The Annual Upton Foundation Golf Scramble was a great success due to the efforts of Brothers Jerry Ward and Tom O’Bryan, and the many Brethren who both assisted and participated in this event.
 

Conclusion
This completes eighteen years serving as your Secretary. I deeply appreciate the many fraternal courtesies extended by each of you and all the Brethren of Willis Stewart Lodge over these years. I have strived to uphold the dignity of this Office, and to always remember that I am a servant of the Lodge, and the Fraternity. God has blessed me with the love of a wonderful woman who cares deeply about our Fraternity. Bonnie comes from a Masonic Family and has a keen understanding of the importance of our Mission. Thank you my dear for becoming my Wife, and providing the love and support that you give to me, and our Lodge.

I congratulate our Worshipful Master John D. Pickard on an outstanding year. He and his Officers enabled us to continue the 158 year tradition of excellence here at Willis Stewart Lodge. To our incoming Master, Brother Charles H. Blanford, I pledge my solid support in the days ahead.

May God continue to bless our Lodge, our gentle Fraternity, our beloved Commonwealth and our great Nation, the United States of America.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kenneth L. Meredith, Ph.D., PM
Secretary