S for South

Tidings From The South

Tidings From The South !

Brethren:

Thank you for your vote of confidence in electing me to the office of Junior Warden of Tyrian Lodge. I’m both humbled and excited at the prospect of being of service to you and the lodge this year.

First, allow me a word or two about the refreshments for this year. My plan is to provide a full meal on degree nights. On stated meeting and fellowship nights, we will also be having food in the nature of soups, sandwiches, chips, pretzels and so forth. Generally, food will be ready to serve about 6:15. If you have any ideas or suggestions on meals that you would like to receive, please let me know.

I want to thank Leon Webb, Tom MacDonald and Dallas Robbins in particular for their capable and welcome assistance in the kitchen and dining room.

Second, we have a multitude of opportunities at Tyrian this year for the advancement of Masonry and the continued growth of our fraternity. Your new officers have been rehearsing for the presentation of degree work and the dedication of the members of the line in maintaining the excellent ritual work at Tyrian is apparent. Keep those membership petitions coming in.

Third, come to the meetings and the performance of the degrees. Better yet, learn a lecture, a charge or a presentation talk. Volunteer for an investigative committee. No better circumstance exists to advance or refresh your Masonic education than to dig in and take part.

Fourth, give a call to a brother that hasn’t been seen at lodge in a while. Offer to pick him up for a meeting. Encourage his growth and participation in Masonry. One doesn’t happen without the other. Let him know about the fun and fellowship that we enjoy and desire to share with him.

Fifth, and finally, it is my hope that our lodge becomes a place where our families feel as welcome to attend public events as do we members. We can accomplish this by means of providing the events that can and should include our families and doing all that we can to encourage our family members to attend these events with us. Two of the younger members expressed an interest in forming a lodge sponsored softball team to play in the Elkhart city league. What a great idea and a wonderful way to put our name before the public, provide a venue for family to see Masonry outside the lodge room and get a little exercise at the same time. Think about the prospects: dances, family outings, summer picnics, fall hayrides, parade units, community service……. Bring your wives or girlfriends; they are the future of Eastern Star. Bring your children. Our sons are the future of our fraternity and the associated Masonic youth organizations of DeMolay. Our daughters have wonderful opportunities in Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls. Let’s give a loving fatherly nudge to the kids.

Again, your suggestions as to the types of events and social gatherings that you would like to see the lodge sponsor will be greatly appreciated.

We are off to a great start to our year. Hats off to you all and thanks again.

Fraternally,

Tom Hamilton, Junior Warden