The Official Publication of the Audubon Park Lodge #272

 

October 2005
Volume 7, Number 9

From the East ...

I don't want to be too presumptuous, but this is probably my last column as Master of Audubon Park Lodge. I purchased my Past Master's Apron and have already worn it once. I can hardly believe the year is nearly gone and by the time you are reading this we will probably have held elections and you will have elected Brother Bill Wilson to the East at Audubon Park Lodge.

It has been a very interesting year. We have initiated several new Masons and are planning to raise Brother Cliff Miller to the Sublime Degree on October 5, if all goes as planned. There has been a lot of work done in and around the Lodge and I'm sure you will agree the building looks better than it has in many years. To the many Brothers who were able to give their time and effort to help with the cleaning and painting I say Thank You. There is still much more to do.

Many have asked about the condition of the lawn at the Lodge. It got "burned" several weeks ago when it was fertilized and was not watered properly because the sprinkler system wasn't working. The sprinklers are now working and thanks to Brother Bob McVicker they are working well. He had to repair and replace a number of sprinkler heads but the system is working. We are hopeful the lawn will recover and in the spring will come back. We may need to do a little over seeding to help it along.

I am excited to sit in Lodge with Brother Bill Wilson in the East. As he has reminded me, he has already spent quite a bit of time in the East and I know he is well prepared to assume the Master's responsibilities. Brother Bill Queen is ready to move into the West and Brother Allan Jones is anxious to move into the South. These leaders of our Lodge will depend heavily on our support as they lead us for this next year.

Our challenge will continue to be to grow the Lodge. We have a number of new Masons. Our challenge is to help them grow as Masons to "be the best they can be" to borrow a phrase. I'm sure many of us have friends and relations who would be pleased to know more about Masonry. How about inviting them to one of our Family Night Potlucks? That way they can meet the members of our Lodge and their Ladies. When they see who we are and learn a bit about what we do many of them I'm sure will be ready to submit a petition. We will be initiating another new Mason sometime in the next few weeks. We want to get Brother Cliff raised first and then will initiate our newest member.

Brothers - it has been truly a privilege to serve all of you as Master of Audubon Park Lodge. I appreciate all of your support during this year. Even thought I am stepping down from the East it is my intent to continue in an active role in the Lodge and if the new Master sees fit, also on the Temple Association Board. See you in Lodge!"

Chuck Young
Worshipful Master

From the West...

Well, we all managed to stumble through the "Step Up Night" and I would like to say Thank You to all that were on the sidelines (peanut gallery) and persevered with us. We will be better the next time we are in those seats, and there won't be as much "coaching" from the sidelines needed. If I am elected to the East, I am still looking for a Junior Deacon, and a Tyler. Any volunteers? If so, please contact me as time is growing short. That's about all I can think of, so I look forward to seeing you at the next stated meeting.

Bill Wilson
Senior Warden

From the South...

Fall is here!! Our summer months have come to a close, but not our work and stewardship for our fellow Brothers and Lodges. I am looking forward to serving you as your Senior Warden and all the upcoming activities of this coming year. First and foremost, I want to thank my Brothers for your prayers, concerns and well wishes of this past year. Between Lib and I and all your prayers we have managed to get the "upper hand" on our cancer and we plan to continue that way!! Just know that your Fellowship and support has been greatly appreciated.

Our next and "our last" potluck to host will be on the 26th of October. Needless to say, it will have a Halloween theme. Lib & I could not resist that one!! So bring your "Best Gouhlfriend" and join us for a "Spooktacular" time at our "Monster Goodies" potluck!! Lib & I will be serving baked potatoes with chili, if you would bring salads or deserts....that would be wonderful. It has been so much fun planning and decorating for the potlucks. Thanks to each of you for coming out and enjoying our fun with us.

"Remember to share your smiles as you never know who might need one".

Bill Queen

Junior Warden

In Other News...

Temple Board Report

I hope you have all enjoyed your summer as much I have. Your Temple Board has been busy this summer. We identified a number of projects we wanted to complete. With our Worship Master Brother Chuck encouraging us along, and with the considerable help of many of our brethren, we have been cleaning, painting and repairing our lodge. I hope you notice the improvements.

The next time you come to lodge you will see the lawn is in poor shape. Immediately after fertilizing the lawn, the breaker tripped on the circuit the sprinkler system is plugged into. We think it took about three weeks during the hottest part of the summer to identify the electricity was out to the sprinkler controller. The board is considering our options for repairing the lawn.

With the election of new officers we will have changes on the Temple Board. If you are interested in serving on this interesting and important board please let Brother Chet Echelbarger, our chairman, Brother Bob McVicker, our vice-chairman, or WM Chuck know you are interested. I'm looking forward to seeing you all in October.

Just a reminder: to learn more about what is happening in our Lodge visit our webpage at www.audubonpark272.com. The current schedule of activities is posted there.

 

Brother Allan Jones

Happening at the Lodge

The September Stated meeting was move up night. The evening was a learning experience for all. Communications from Grand Lodge were read and many reports were presented. The proficiency report found a lot of progress had occurred over the summer. Br. Jerel Rowe has proved up his 3rd degree. Brothers Larry Neil and Jim Mathias completed the one day conferral and Br. Cliff Miller is ready for his 3rd degree. The sickness report stated WB Franz Adelquist is doing much better and is on the road to recovery. The foundation reported on their balance, the Thanksgiving raffle, and a dance planned for Valentines Day. The new bi-laws were approved by Grand Lodge. We balloted on 2 members to our lodge, Terry Fossum and Mel Frank, Jr. Both were approved. WM Young reported on the November 13, 2005 corner stone ceremony at the VA Medical Center. This special day starts at 10 a.m. at Audubon Park lodge. There was a discussion about the open installation on October 28, family and friends are invited. The Masonic education for the evening was presented by Br. Ken Ledger. He read a wonderful essay titled "Our Bloody Oath" written by WB Floyd Morse. There were 22 brothers in attendance, were you one of them? Come to the next Stated meeting, see what you are missing.



Audubon Park Masonic Foundation.

During our family monthly pot luck of 09/28 a question, which was very innocently asked, caught me by surprise. The Lady of one of our newer Masons observed the blue plaques inscribed with various names on the face of the window sills in our social hall. She asked about the plaques and the names on them and purpose. The Brother then asked one of our "seasoned Masons." In explaining the plaques several Brothers pointed to the plaque with their names inscribed and to other Brothers names as well. Being drawn into this conversation I pointed out the plaque with my name as well as the one to honor my father and mother. I explained Audubon Park Masonic Foundation took part in the fund raising effort; raising enough donations to pay for the replacement of the windows on the lower level including the social hall. The names on the plaques represent people who love our fraternity and building and voluntarily donated funds to pay for these windows.

During the past sixteen years some donations received were large, most were small. I am reminded of a story of the young man traveling with an older and wiser man. The young man commented on the insignificance of a single rain drop and of what little use it was. The wise man held out the hand of his companion. In a few moments the drops began to run together merging into a tiny pool. The wise man turned the young mans hand over and the little pool fell out of his hand and it and other little rivulets connected and flowed down the face of a rock into a larger pool. The wise man pointed out that pool then flowed into a larger collection of water forming a steady stream.

One little rain drop when added to others will make a difference. One small donation when added to others will make a difference. Pennies found, Serendipity Jars, Raffles, etc. brings in pennies and dollars. Each and every donation is acknowledged with a thank you letter. It is the principle of saying: "Thank You, your donation is important and appreciated". The accumulated effect is now an asset base of nearly $120,000. Audubon Park Masonic Foundation has made a difference in the quality of Audubon Park Lodge, the Temple building and youth programs. As our asset base grows, we will make an even greater difference because of our ability to financially support improvements or programs.

Currently we have a fund raising program "Sustaining Member Pledge" program under way. If you are able to and choose to donate, your donation will be greatly appreciated. Whether it is a small or large donation, a single donation or sustaining pledge, let me assure it will make a difference.

Fraternally Yours: WB Eric E. Berman, Sec-Treas. APMF
Email: eeberman@hotmail.com.

Special Notice:

TEMPLE BOARD - We will have one and potentially two vacancies on the Temple Board, Audubon Park Masonic Building Association in January. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please let Senior Warden Bill Wilson or VWB Chet Echelbarger know of your interest.

The Lodge has one too many refrigerators. If you need one, or a second one for your beer, or whatever, please contact WM Chuck Young or Brother Allan Jones. Make us an offer and you can "haul it away".

Brethren - I've been notified of a Masonic Workshop, Saturday, October 29 at the Masonic Temple downtown. Cost to pre-register is $10, at the door it's $12. Registration begins at 8:30 with the workshop to begin at 9:00. It should be over by 3:30 p.m, in time to leave for the Newport Lumberjack Feed! The registration covers workshop materials and lunch. Topics include: Resolution Development and Submission; Masonic History; Public Relations; Long Range Planning; Lodge Ritual, Protocol; Membership Development; New Mason Clubs/Programs; Lodge Meeting Planning; Lodge Management; Lodge Technology.

This looks like it will be a great way to learn a lot in a short time for a very reasonable cost. I am planning to attend and if you would also like to attend you may either give me your registration fee and I can send it in with mine. Or you can go to the Grand Lodge website and download the registration form. If you are going to attend they would like your registration at least a week before the event.

WM Chuck Young

Famous Masons' Corner
Richard "Red" Skelton, Comedian born in Indiana and started his acting career in a medicine show when 10 yr. old. He went on to minstrel, show boat, circus clown, Broadway, radio and movies. He was raised in Vincennes Lodge No.1, Indiana.

 

Officers 2004-2005

Worshipful Master        WB Chuck Young
Senior Warden               B Bill Wilson
Junior Warden               B Bill Queen
Treasurer                       VWB Douglas Tucker
Secretary                       WB Floyd Morse
Chaplain                        WB David Ferguson
Marshal                         B Robert McVicker
Senior Deacon               B Allan Jones
Junior Deacon               B Barry Rettkowski
Senior Steward              -------
Junior Steward              WB Eric Bermen
Tyler                              B Rob Queen
Grand Junior Warden   RWB Douglas Tucker

 

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