Masters Newsletter 4/26/2021

Dear Brethren,

We had a wonderful social evening last Tuesday.  Was nice to get a chance to sit around and relax and catch up with some of the Brothers I haven’t seen in a while.  I even had a chance to sit and play some cards after dinner though I think we need to buy some new decks.  I suspect the ones we have now are marked in some way.  Speaking of new items, it seems our current pool cues are a tad warped and we don’t have a proper rack to store them.  Having them just leaning against the wall is what causes the warping issues.  We will be looking to correct this and getting some decent sticks again.

Up this week is our Education Night and our own Brent Williamson will be presenting his Forget-Me-Not presentation.  I myself am looking forward to this one as I have not seen it yet.  I have heard it is a very good topic and is presented very well.  Make sure to mark your calendars and join us that evening.  After the educational presentation we will be heading up to the Lodge for Craft Guild to continue honing our skills on the 2nd half of the Master Mason Degree.  We are in need of new Brothers to step up and take the plunge and get their feet wet helping to put on this degree.  As of late we have had to double tap a few Brothers and that should not be the case.  Craft Guild is very fun and informal and quite informative and you don’t need to be a Master Ritualist to attend. We welcome one and all and are willing to work with anyone.

As you all know, we were not able to have our Annual Fish Fry last year.  WB Ron was working to revamp the Fish Fry and make it a Community Day Event.  We are attempting to give that another shot again this year.  WB Ron is the Chairmen for this event and he is in need of some extra help to make this a successful event.  Attached to the end of this newsletter is message from WB Ron.  Please read it over and respond to him about any questions you may have or if you are able to help out with this.

Another thing we were unable to accomplish last year is presenting 50 year Awards of Gold to our distinguished members who have reached that milestone.  I have begun reaching out to the members who reached this mark last year as well as the few who have already reached that mark this year.  It looks like we will have to have two ceremonies in order to get caught up.  The first will be on May 25th and the second will be sometime in late June.  Be sure to watch for further information on this and mark your calendars.  This is an historic milestone in a Brothers Masonic life and we should all be there to witness it and congratulate those Brothers who have reached it.

Last year because of Covid-19 we suspended the delivery of flowers to our Masonic widows out of safety for them and us, however we are back at it again this year and are in need of Brothers to step up and volunteer for this very important task.  You could even say it is part of your Masonic obligation to look after our widows.  You don’t have to worry about going alone if you do not wish, as you can be teamed up with another Brother.  At most it will take just 1-2 hours of your time and will help bring smiles and joy to the widows who are the recipients.  To add to this, here is a message from the Chairmen of our Family, Widows and Orphans Committee, David Clingan.  “The flowers will be available for pick up at the lodge on Tuesday, May 4th.  Brothers will be provided with the widow’s contact information and they should call the widow to set up a time for the drop off.  You are encouraged to take another brother along with you for the deliveries.  Many of our brothers have been doing these deliveries for many years and the widows always look forward to it.  As always, we need some new brothers to help with this very special project.  If you would like to volunteer this year, please contact David Clingan at dwclingan@gmail.com or 317-730-6545”.

I have spoken with the Eastern Star and we have agreed to our Lodge Building and grounds cleanup to take place on May 1st, 2021 after the OES Breakfast.  Come on out that day to support your OES and having breakfast with your fellow Lodge Brothers.  We will then head outside to clean up around the Lodge building.  Please bring rakes, shovels, gloves, etc for cleaning up of the grounds around the Lodge.  Start time will be approximately 10:30am for those who can’t attend the breakfast but would still like to help with the cleanup.

We have had a few Brothers step up and state their interest in the officer line but we are always looking for more.  Some have asked what are the requirements we are looking for so here are just the beginning steps.  Be active in Craft Guild as well as start learning the CrossFires and volunteer with the Junior Warden to do one during an actual degree.  We really need to see that you can get over the “stage fright” and are willing to put the time in to learn and rehearse with the officers.

As everyone will recall, this year’s Master Mason class is dedicated to the memory of WB Mark Griffin.  The rocks glasses commissioned to honor the memory of WB Mark Griffin are in and can be purchased from your officers.  These glasses look incredible and are American made!  The price for a single glass will be $10.00, two for $18.00 and a set of 4 will be $35.00.    Make sure to get your glass(es) early to remember the life of such a dedicated Mason and Veteran.

 

Quote of the Week:

 

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”

Leonardo da Vinci
Polymath

 

Brothers my hope is that your hearts remain firm in the lessons you have learned in your Masonic journey.  Never let your minds shrink, but rather keep striving to obtain more and more light.  Our search for Light is only ended when we have passed into that Celestial Lodge above and enter the presence of him who is the way, the truth and the life.

Millersville 126 News / Dates:

Apr. 27 – Masonic Education/Craft Guild

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Masonic Education 6:30pm (Forget-Me-Not, Brent Williamson)
  • Craft Guild 7:00pm

 May 1 – OES Community Breakfast

  • 8:00am – 10:30am
  • Lodge Cleanup Day (After Breakfast)

May 4 – Stated Meeting

  • Executive Committee Meeting 5:15pm
  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Lodge 7:00pm

May 11 – FellowCraft Degree (Seth Meyer)

  • 6:00pm Dinner
  • 7:00pm Lodge

 This Week’s Birthdays

John Marker (4/26), William Updike (4/26), John Lude (4/27), Siafa Massaley (4/27), Jeffery Rieth (4/27), Greg Lawrence (4/29), Norman Park (5/2)

 This Week’s Raisings

Robert King (4/26), Michael Palmer (4/26), Jesse Viehe (4/26), Milton Brooks (4/27), James Strauss (4/27), Robert Anderson (4/28), Jerry Collins (4/28), Steven Arnold (4/28), Chandler Stone (4/28), Gary Fresch (4/29), Maurice McClung (4/30), Sean Eley (5/1)

 Master’s Travels

If anyone is planning to travel or visit another Lodge or has been asked to come assist with a degree, please reach out to me and let me know so we can get a few more Brothers to go and make a visit out of it.  Below is the travel opportunities site I go to.  If you see anything there that interests you make sure to let me know.  This is also a great opportunity for Mentors to take their mentees to see some extra degree work to aid in their learning.

We are sitting at 8 different Lodges visited for a total of 483 round trip miles.  We need at least 2 more visits to Lodges we haven’t already been too as well as 17 more miles.  Excellent progress in travel through the first quarter of the year.

http://masoniccalendar.blogspot.com/

Brian Bates

Worshipful Master

Millersville Lodge #126

Mobile: 260-615-8013

Email: tazmanfw@gmail.com

Hello Brethren:

As some of you may know, Worshipful Master Brian has asked me to chair our fundraiser (fish fry) this year which will be held Friday and Saturday, September 24th and 25th. Friday evening 4-8PM will be the typical fish fry dinner with seating inside or under the tent outside. On Saturday we hope to make Millersville Lodge a destination point for the community by having a Millersville Community Day from 10AM to 8PM. This will be a festival atmosphere with great food, open outdoor market, live music, children’s activities, and open house for our historic building. The event will be well promoted in the community. We are hoping for a wonderful day of celebration and unity, not just for the growth of our Lodge, but for the community at large as well.

That being said, please put these dates on your calendar and plan to commit for the year, at least these two days to your Lodge. Your participation and more importantly your assistance in making this a great event is most appreciated. This is way too much for just a few to pull off so the assistance of Brothers for a successful event is greatly needed in the following areas:

  • Thursday afternoon/evening set-up.
  • Tent Food Preparation –both days.
  • Passing out sponsorship brochures – these will be available very soon.
  • Parking – Mostly Sat.
  • Open house guides – Sat.
  • Millersville Lodge info table – Sat.
  • Band equipment move – Sat. AM and PM
  • Clean up – Sunday the 26th
  • Help with Coordination of above areas.

I look forward receiving emails from the Brethren who are willing and able to help with this event in any of the above areas, so please contact there or call me. I will also have sign up sheets at the Lodge for members to make their willingness to help known. Thank you, Brethren, and let’s have a great year.

Fraternally,

Ron Featherston, PM

Rfeatherston1@aol.com

317-625-5095

 

Masters Newsletter 4/19/2021

Dear Brethren,

Congratulations to our newest Master Mason Horlston.  Thank you to everyone who turned out for this degree and help make it a special day for our Brother.  Coming up this Tuesday we have a bit of a break from degree work and will be having a Social evening.  Come on out for dinner as usual and then stick around to catch up with old friends or head up to the Parlor for a game of Euchre or Backgammon  or just sit and watch some Hulu and socializing.  We also have the pool table and Library upstairs for your use as well so come on out and hang out with your Brothers and unwind a little.

Since there is no degree this week, rest assured, if you would still like to see one, our very own Worshipful Brother Bruce Frazer will be on hand at Calvin Prather Lodge #717 on Thursday, April 22nd to assist them by performing the Middle Chamber Lecture for their FellowCraft Degree this week.  Come on out to support a fellow Lodge and our fellow WB.  Dinner will be at 6:00pm and Degree will start at 7:00pm

The following week we will have our Education Night and our own Brent Williamson will be presenting his Forget-Me-Not presentation.  I myself am looking forward to this one as I have not seen it yet.  I have heard it is a very good topic and is presented very well.  Make sure to mark your calendars and join us that evening.  After the educational presentation we will be heading up to the Lodge for Craft Guild to continue honing our skills on the 2nd half of the Master Mason Degree.  We are in need of new Brothers to step up and take the plunge and get their feet wet helping to put on this degree.  As of late we have had to double tap a few Brothers and that should not be the case.  Craft Guild is very fun and informal and quite informative and you don’t need to be a Master Ritualist to attend. We welcome one and all and are willing to work with anyone.

Last year because of Covid-19 we suspended the delivery of flowers to our Masonic widows out of safety for them and us, however we are back at it again this year and are in need of Brothers to step up and volunteer for this very important task.  You could even say it is part of your Masonic obligation to look after our widows.  You don’t have to worry about going alone if you do not wish, as you can be teamed up with another Brother.  At most it will take just 1-2 hours of your time and will help bring smiles and joy to the widows who are the recipients.  To add to this, here is a message from the Chairmen of our Family, Widows and Orphans Committee, David Clingan.  “The flowers will be available for pick up at the lodge on Tuesday, May 4th.  Brothers will be provided with the widow’s contact information and they should call the widow to set up a time for the drop off.  You are encouraged to take another brother along with you for the deliveries.  Many of our brothers have been doing these deliveries for many years and the widows always look forward to it.  As always, we need some new brothers to help with this very special project.  If you would like to volunteer this year, please contact David Clingan at dwclingan@gmail.com or 317-730-6545”.

I have spoken with the Eastern Star and we have agreed to our Lodge Building and grounds cleanup to take place on May 1st, 2021 after the OES Breakfast.  Come on out that day to support your OES and having breakfast with your fellow Lodge Brothers.  We will then head outside to clean up around the Lodge building.  Please bring rakes, shovels, gloves, etc for cleaning up of the grounds around the Lodge.  Start time will be approximately 10:30am for those who can’t attend the breakfast but would still like to help with the cleanup.

We have had a few Brothers step up and state their interest in the officer line but we are always looking for more.  Some have asked what are the requirements we are looking for so here are just the beginning steps.  Be active in Craft Guild as well as start learning the CrossFires and volunteer with the Junior Warden to do one during an actual degree.  We really need to see that you can get over the “stage fright” and are willing to put the time in to learn and rehearse with the officers.

As everyone will recall, this year’s Master Mason class is dedicated to the memory of WB Mark Griffin.  The rocks glasses commissioned to honor the memory of WB Mark Griffin are in and can be purchased from your officers.  These glasses look incredible and are American made!  The price for a single glass will be $10.00, two for $18.00 and a set of 4 will be $35.00.    Make sure to get your glass(es) early to remember the life of such a dedicated Mason and Veteran.

Quote of the Week:

 “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Martin Luther King Jr.
Minister

How will you be remembered Brothers?  Will the memory of your friendship be one of action or one of silence?

Millersville 126 News / Dates:

Apr. 20 – Social Evening

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • After dinner, head to the parlor for some Euchre or a game of Backgammon or just simply hangout and catch up with your Brothers. Or head up to the top floor for a game of pool or to peruse the Library.

Apr. 27 – Masonic Education/Craft Guild

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Masonic Education 6:30pm (Forget-Me-Not, Brent Williamson)
  • Craft Guild 7:00pm

 May 1 – OES Community Breakfast

  • 8:00am – 10:30am
  • Lodge Cleanup Day (After Breakfast)

 This Week’s Birthdays

Matthew Holley (4/19), Frederick Carey (4/20), Darrin Turner (4/21), William Patterson, Jr. (4/22), Stanford Ohms (4/25)

 This Week’s Raisings

David Hillery (4/19), Timothy Hunter (4/20), John Wertz (4/20), Eric Krall (4/21), Edward Davidson (4/22), John Herder (4/23), John Nielsen (4//23), Eric Stouder (4/23), Kevin McPherson (4/23), Henry Schull (4/24), Laverne Wilkerson (4/24), Philip Young (4/24), John Marker (4/24), Kevin Dolen (4/24)

 Master’s Travels

If anyone is planning to travel or visit another Lodge or has been asked to come assist with a degree, please reach out to me and let me know so we can get a few more Brothers to go and make a visit out of it.  Below is the travel opportunities site I go to.  If you see anything there that interests you make sure to let me know.  This is also a great opportunity for Mentors to take their mentees to see some extra degree work to aid in their learning.

We are travelling to Calvin Prather #717 this Thursday, April 22nd for a FellowCraft Degree.  Dinner 6:00pm, Lodge 7:00pm

We are sitting at 7 different Lodges visited for a total of 477 round trip miles.  We need at least 3 more visits to Lodges we haven’t already been too as well as 23 more miles.  Excellent progress in travel through the first quarter of the year.

http://masoniccalendar.blogspot.com/

 

Brian Bates

Worshipful Master

Millersville Lodge #126

Mobile: 260-615-8013

Email: tazmanfw@gmail.com

 

Masters Newsletter 4/12/2021

Dear Brethren,

Last Tuesday we held our monthly Stated Meeting.  We continue to see very nice turnouts for our meetings and it is a very encouraging sign but we still have plenty of room for others to come join us.  One thing missing from our Stated Meetings is the reading of new petitions and reports from Investigating Committees.  Spreading the word about Masonry and growing our Lodge membership comes down to all of us a whole.  We really encourage you all to talk to family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. about Masonry and tell them how it has helped you in your life.  Invite them on a Tuesday for dinner to meet some of the Brothers and to get a tour of our historic building.  You could also invite them the OES Breakfast held on the first Saturday of each month (except July and August).  I am usually there as are several other Brothers.  I would also be more than happy to meet with them on any other given night as well to show them the building and talk with them about Masonry.

Coming up this week we will be having a Master Mason Degree for Brother Horlston.  This being the pinnacle of a Brother’s Blue Lodge experience, I hope we have a record turnout for this Degree night.  Come on out and help make this experience a memorable one for this Brother.  I have had a few people mention they would like to get back to Lodge but that “it has been awhile and I forget what to do”.  That is ok, come to Lodge anyhow.  Anyone would be willing to work with you and help you out.  I can say if you have not been in Lodge in a while though, it is a good idea to bring your Dues card with you as our Tyler may not know who you are and that is the fastest way to show you are a Mason.  Also, if you would like to attend Lodge but can’t because you are not comfortable driving or are just unable to drive now, please reach out to me and let me know.  We will work to find you transportation to and from the Lodge.

Last year because of Covid-19 we suspended the delivery of flowers to our Masonic widows out of safety for them and us, however we are back at it again this year and are in need of Brothers to step up and volunteer for this very important task.  You could even say it is part of your Masonic obligation to look after our widows.  You don’t have to worry about going alone if you do not wish, as you can be teamed up with another Brother.  At most it will take just 1-2 hours of your time and will help bring smiles and joy to the widows who are the recipients.  To add to this, here is a message from the Chairmen of our Family, Widows and Orphans Committee, David Clingan.  “The flowers will be available for pick up at the lodge on Tuesday, May 4th.  Brothers will be provided with the widow’s contact information and they should call the widow to set up a time for the drop off.  You are encouraged to take another brother along with you for the deliveries.  Many of our brothers have been doing these deliveries for many years and the widows always look forward to it.  As always, we need some new brothers to help with this very special project.  If you would like to volunteer this year, please contact David Clingan at dwclingan@gmail.com or 317-730-6545”.

One way we as a Lodge want to get our name out to the community is by being more involved with the local community around us.  WB Ron Featherston is working to change our normal Fish Fry into a Community Day event instead with vendors, kid’s activities, fish fry, etc.  We also would like to help with cleanup events in the community which focus a lot on the Fall Creek Trail that runs through the Millersville Community.  This cleanup happens on the third Saturday of every month but the big spring cleanup is this month on April 17th.  It is only a few hours from 10:00am until noon and there is free coffee and donuts as well as gloves and trash bags provided.  I would suggest bringing a grabber stick of you have one to avoid having to bend over so much.  There is an office building next to the Starbucks on Emerson and 56th which is the meeting point.  I really hope we can get some Lodge Brothers to show up for that.  I know it is competing with the shotgun shoot at Sugar Creek as well.  I myself will not be able to attend this event as I am taking my brother in for surgery on the Friday before so will be out of town for that.

I have spoken with the Eastern Star and we have agreed to our Lodge Building and grounds cleanup to take place on May 1st, 2021 after the OES Breakfast.  Come on out that day to support your OES and having breakfast with your fellow Lodge Brothers.  We will then head outside to clean up around the Lodge building.  Please bring rakes, shovels, gloves, etc for cleaning up of the grounds around the Lodge.  Start time will be approximately 10:30am for those who can’t attend the breakfast but would still like to help with the cleanup.

We have had a few Brothers step up and state their interest in the officer line but we are always looking for more.  Some have asked what are the requirements we are looking for so here are just the beginning steps.  Be active in Craft Guild as well as start learning the CrossFires and volunteer with the Junior Warden to do one during an actual degree.  We really need to see that you can get over the “stage fright” and are willing to put the time in to learn and rehearse with the officers.

As everyone will recall, this year’s Master Mason class is dedicated to the memory of WB Mark Griffin.  The rocks glasses commissioned to honor the memory of WB Mark Griffin are in and can be purchased from your officers.  These glasses look incredible and are American made!  The price for a single glass will be $10.00, two for $18.00 and a set of 4 will be $35.00.    Make sure to get your glass(es) early to remember the life of such a dedicated Mason and Veteran.

Last but not least, calling all sportsmen; there is a fundraiser shotgun shoot being held at Sugar Creek on Saturday, April 17th.  This is open to anyone; they do not have to be a Mason and it is a good opportunity to bring someone who may be interested in Masonry.  Contact WB Michael Kinder if you are interested in this event and/or are in need of a team.

Quote of the Week:

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

Edmund Burke
Philosopher

Edmund Burke was thought to be a member of Jerusalem Lodge No. 44, Clerkenwell, London which was sometimes referred to as “Burke’s Lodge”.  It is now Jerusalem Lodge No. 197.  If all of us were to do nothing or to not take part in some way simply because we didn’t think we could contribute much, then nothing would ever get done.  It doesn’t matter if you can do a lot or a little, we each have a part to play in some way, shape or form and it is all of us coming together, each doing our little part, that makes us all succeed in the end.  It doesn’t matter how much or little you can do, it matters that you just do what you can.  Sometimes your just being there and offering your support and words of encouragement is that little or small part we need to accomplish our goal.

Millersville 126 News / Dates:

Apr. 13 – MM Degree (Horlston Jean Francois)

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Lodge 7:00pm

Apr. 17 – Great Millersville Community Cleanup

  • 10:00am – Noon (Meet at Office BLDG next to Starbucks)
  • Free Donuts and Coffee
  • Garbage Bag and Gloves Provided (Bring your own Grabber stick if you have one)

Apr. 20 – Social Evening

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • After dinner, head to the parlor for some Euchre or a game of Backgammon or just simply hangout and catch up with your Brothers. Or head up to the top floor for a game of pool or to peruse the Library

Apr. 27 – Masonic Education/Craft Guild

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Masonic Education 6:30pm (Forget-Me-Not, Brent Williamson)
  • Craft Guild 7:00pm

May 1 – OES Community Breakfast

  • 8:00am – 10:30am
  • Lodge Cleanup Day (After Breakfast)

This Week’s Birthdays

Randy Snyder (4/12), Kenneth Smith (4/13), Justin Hunter, Sr (4/15), Deshane Caldwell (4/16), Robert Stephens (4/16), Martin McAfee (4/17), Michael Gasser (4/18)

This Week’s Raisings

William Guffey (4/12), Evan Smith (4/12), Rodney Mann (4/15), Eric Brown (4/15), Samuel Massaley, II (4/15), Roy Williams (4/16), Mahougbe Sagbo (4/17), Mark Roberts (4/18)

Master’s Travels

If anyone is planning to travel or visit another Lodge or has been asked to come assist with a degree, please reach out to me and let me know so we can get a few more Brothers to go and make a visit out of it.  Below is the travel opportunities site I go to.  If you see anything there that interests you make sure to let me know.  This is also a great opportunity for Mentors to take their mentees to see some extra degree work to aid in their learning.

We are sitting at 7 different Lodges visited for a total of 477 round trip miles.  We need at least 3 more visits to Lodges we haven’t already been too as well as 23 more miles.  Excellent progress in travel through the first quarter of the year.

http://masoniccalendar.blogspot.com/

Brian Bates

Worshipful Master

Millersville Lodge #126

Mobile: 260-615-8013

Email: tazmanfw@gmail.com

Masters Newsletter 4/5/2021

Dear Brethren,

Congratulations to Dylan Shiffler on becoming our newest FellowCraft.  Our Senior Warden was once again on fire with his ritual work leading this degree from the East.  I really hope everyone gets a chance at least once during this year to see your officers in action as they are doing incredible degree work.  You also get to see Masonry in action as we also have Brothers from the sidelines stepping in to help out and fill in when unexpected circumstances keep the officers from the Lodge on a given Tuesday.  We really appreciate all those who have been willing to step in and help out, sometimes on short notice.

Up this week is our Stated Meeting for April.  On a positive note, the rocks glasses commissioned to honor the memory of WB Mark Griffin are in and will be at Lodge on Tuesday.  These glasses look incredible and are American made!  The price for a single glass will be $10.00, two for $18.00 and a set of 4 will be $35.00.    Make sure to get your glass(es) early to remember the life of such a dedicated Mason and Veteran.

One thing missing from our Stated Meetings is the reading of new petitions and reports from Investigating Committees.  Spreading the word about Masonry and growing our Lodge membership comes down to all of us a whole.  We really encourage you all to talk to family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. about Masonry and tell them how it has helped you in your life.  Invite them on a Tuesday for dinner to meet some of the Brothers and to get a tour of our historic building.  I would also be more than happy to meet with them on any other given night as well to show them the building and talk with them about Masonry.

One way we as a Lodge want to get our name out to the community is by being more involved with the local community around us.  WB Ron Featherston is working to change our normal Fish Fry into a Community Day event instead with vendors, kids activities, fish fry, etc.  We also would like to help with cleanup events in the community which focus a lot on the Fall Creek Trail that runs through the Millersville Community.  This cleanup happens on the third Saturday of every month but the big spring cleanup is this month on April 17th.  It is only a few hours from 10:00am until noon and there is free coffee and donuts as well as gloves and trash bags provided.  I would suggest bringing a grabber stick of you have one to avoid having to bend over so much.  There is an office building next to the Starbucks on Emerson and 56th which is the meeting point.  I really hope we can get some Lodge Brothers to show up for that.  I know it is competing with the shotgun shoot at Sugar Creek as well.  I myself will not be able to attend this event as I am taking my brother in for surgery on the Friday before so will be out of town for that.  We will also be having a Lodge Spring Cleanup day coming up as well.  More to come on that.

We have had a few Brothers step up and state their interest in the officer line but we are always looking for more.  Some have asked what are the requirements we are looking for so here are just the beginning steps.  Be active in Craft Guild as well as start learning the CrossFires and volunteer with the Junior Warden to do one during an actual degree.  We really need to see that you can get over the “stage fright” and are willing to put the time in to learn and rehearse with the officers.

Last but not least, calling all sportsmen; there is a fundraiser shotgun shoot being held at Sugar Creek on Saturday, April 17th.  This is open to anyone; they do not have to be a Mason and it is a good opportunity to bring someone who may be interested in Masonry.  Contact WB Michael Kinder if you are interested in this event and/or are in need of a team.

Quote of the Week:

 

“I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well.”

Johann Sebastian Bach
Composer

Just reading this quote it screamed Beehive (9 Masonic Emblems) Lecture to me.  I couldn’t find any evidence that J.S. Bach was a Mason, however, his son Johann Christian Bach appears to have been a member of the Lodge of Nine Muses #235 in London.  I have spoken to this part of that lecture before but it bears repeating.  We ought to be industrious creatures, looking to improve ourselves and society, adding to the common stock of knowledge.  Don’t get caught lying around being a useless drone in the hive of nature.

Millersville 126 News / Dates:

Apr. 6 – Stated Meeting

  • Executive Committee Meeting – 5:15pm
  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Lodge 7:00pm

Apr. 13 – MM Degree (Horlston Jean Francois)

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Lodge 7:00pm

Apr. 17 – Great Millersville Community Cleanup

  • 10:00am – Noon (Meet at Office BLDG next to Starbucks)
  • Free Donuts and Coffee
  • Garbage Bag and Gloves Provided (Bring your own Grabber stick if you have one)

Apr. 27 – Masonic Education/Craft Guild

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Masonic Education 6:30pm (Forget-Me-Not, Brent Williamson)
  • Craft Guild 7:00pm

 May 1 – OES Community Breakfast

  • 8:00am – 10:30am

 This Week’s Birthdays

Steve Mech (4/5), Waldir Vellani (4/5), Jonathan Holden (4/7), Gene Alderson (4/10, William Murchie (4/10), Maurice McClung (4/11)

 This Week’s Raisings

Richard Roberts (4/8), David Clingan (4/9), Chris Littrell (4/10), Randy Snyder (4/10), Waldir Vellani (4/10), Bertram Shirley (4/11)

 Master’s Travels

If anyone is planning to travel or visit another Lodge or has been asked to come assist with a degree, please reach out to me and let me know so we can get a few more Brothers to go and make a visit out of it.  Below is the travel opportunities site I go to.  If you see anything there that interests you make sure to let me know.  This is also a great opportunity for Mentors to take their mentees to see some extra degree work to aid in their learning.

We are sitting at 7 different Lodges visited for a total of 477 round trip miles.  We need at least 3 more visits to Lodges we haven’t already been too as well as 23 more miles.  Excellent progress in travel through the first quarter of the year.

http://masoniccalendar.blogspot.com/

 

Brian Bates

Worshipful Master

Millersville Lodge #126

Mobile: 260-615-8013

Email: tazmanfw@gmail.com

Masters Newsletter 3/29/202

Dear Brethren,

Another Masonic Education in the books as they say and another really good turnout.  Thanks to everyone who came out and made it a successful evening.  I hope those in attendance enjoyed the presentation.  For those who missed it you can watch it here:

https://www.facebook.com/MillersvilleLodge/videos/1825584094273412

If anyone has an education topic they would like to present or knows someone who they can get to come and give one, please let me or our Education Chairman WB Martin McAfee know.

Up this week is another FellowCraft Degree for Dylan Shiffler.  We hope to see another great turnout among the Brothers.  Also, as many of you have heard, the Governor is lifting the state’s mask mandate on April 6th, however, Mayor Hogsett has said Marion County will stick with the mask mandate.  With that said, masks are still required when attending Lodge.  While you are eating you can obviously remove it, however, when you have finished eating you need to place your mask back on.  We have managed to survive this for the past year, so we can get through another month or two of this.

Our Eastern Star Chapter is back at it on the first Saturday of the month serving all you can eat breakfast for $8.00.  Proceeds from these breakfasts go to supporting ICAN which trains service dogs for adults and children with disabilities.  The next breakfast will be this coming Saturday, April 3rd on Easter weekend.

We have had a few Brothers step up and state their interest in the officer line but we are always looking for more.  Some have asked what are the requirements we are looking for so here are just the beginning steps.  Be active in Craft Guild  as well as start learning the CrossFires and volunteer with the Junior Warden to do one during an actual degree.  We really need to see that you can get over the “stage fright” and are willing to put the time in to learn and rehearse with the officers.

Last but not least, calling all sportsmen; there is a fundraiser shotgun shoot being held at Sugar Creek on Saturday, April 17th.  This is open to anyone; they do not have to be a Mason and it is a good opportunity to bring someone who may be interested in Masonry.  Contact WB Michael Kinder if you are interested in this event and/or are in need of a team.

Quote of the Week:

 

“When you’re good at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re great at something, they’ll tell you.”

Walter Payton
Legendary running back for the Chicago Bears

After the visit to Englewood for their 100 year Re-Dedication celebration, this quote really stuck out to me.  It was definitely a moment of pride to have members of the Grand Lodge speak so highly of Millersville.  One even commented it is a Lodge they would like to model other Lodges in the state after.  It is a combination of our commitment to doing top notch ritual work and to the commitment of the membership to support your Lodge and making an effort to be there on degree nights.  Keep being great Brothers, it is being noticed.

Millersville 126 News / Dates:

Mar. 30 – FC Degree (Dylan Shiffler)

  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Lodge 7:00pm

Apr. 3 – OES Community Breakfast

  • 8:00am – 10:30am

Apr. 6 – Stated Meeting

  • Executive Committee Meeting – 5:15pm
  • Dinner 6:00pm
  • Lodge 7:00pm

 This Week’s Birthdays

Kevin Dolen (29), Eric Stouder (31), William Throgmartin (31), Rober Campbell (4/1), Les Meyer (4/1), Mahougbe Sagbo (4/1), Zaid Kurdi (4/2), Andy Hoffman (4/3), James McCoskey (4/4), Jason Saunders (4/4)

 This Week’s Raisings

Randal Cramer (29), Todd Geyer (29), Fred Schwomeyer (30), Michael Gasser (30), Stephen McClure (31), Brian Nearpass (31), Edward Hudgins (4/1), Virgil Baldwin (4/3)

 Master’s Travels

If anyone is planning to travel or visit another Lodge or has been asked to come assist with a degree, please reach out to me and let me know so we can get a few more Brothers to go and make a visit out of it.  Below is the travel opportunities site I go to.  If you see anything there that interests you make sure to let me know.  This is also a great opportunity for Mentors to take their mentees to see some extra degree work to aid in their learning.

Several of us traveled to Englewood Lode for their 100 year Re-Dedication celebration; very good time and a great day to be a Mason.  Also many of the Grand Lodge Officers had some very positive comments about Millersville.  Our reputation does indeed precede us and makes one very proud to be a part of Millersville.

We are sitting at 7 different Lodges visited for a total of 477 round trip miles.  We need at least 3 more visits to Lodges we haven’t already been too as well as 23 more miles.  Excellent progress in travel through the first quarter of the year.

http://masoniccalendar.blogspot.com/

Brian Bates

Worshipful Master

Millersville Lodge #126

Mobile: 260-615-8013

Email: tazmanfw@gmail.com