Brethren of Home Lodge#370, March 2009
Lodge News:
The month of February began as one filled with schools and degrees, a Blood Drive and of course our February Stated Business meeting, what a good position to be in, as all Lodges are not in these trying times.
On the 5th of February the Lodge performed the first Degree for Brother Kevin Mears; the Degree was conferred by our Jr. Past Master Worshipful Brother David Minor. Welcome to Home Lodge Kevin, we look forward to completing your 2nd and 3rd Degrees in the very near future.
On the 12th of February we had our Stated Meeting; the evening began with a very fine meal of Home Made Stew, prepared by our Junior Warden’s wife Mary Hicks. After our meal we adjourned to our Lodge Room to have our meeting where Three petitions were read for the Mysteries and “Two” 50 Year certificates were given to Brother James Welch and Brother Flash Weatherly . Congratulations Gentlemen may you have many more years to serve in this Fine Fraternity of Masonry. We had several items to vote upon and all were resolved, with Peace and Harmony Prevailing.
On Friday the 13th I received the news that Worshipful Brother Deane N. Nelson (PM 1984) had laid down his working tools of life, as per Brother Nelson’s request, we held his Masonic Funeral Service at Home Lodge #370, on February 17, 2009 conducted by Worshipful Brother Daryl Barnard in true Masonic Form. After the service, Brother Nelson was laid to rest in the Masonic Cemetery, and the family and friends returned to Home Lodge for a light meal, I would like to again Thank All the appendant bodies for their generous donation of food items, salads, and desserts.
February 14th we had our first Blood Drive of the year, even the cold and snowy weather could not keep us from having a very successful day. We Had 29 Donors,” Five” first time givers,16 whole blood units, and 10 double red cell units, for a total of “36”units of blood. Our goal was 31, Outstanding!!!! I might add that these 36 units of Blood helped save the lives of (68) Iowa Hospital Patients. Also Thanks to all who helped cook, set-up, tear down and clean afterwards. Without all this help this would not have been the Success it was.
On the 24th of Feb; I received the news that Worshipful Brother John Shepherd (PM 2006) had a stroke and was in ICU at Methodist Hospital in grave condition, I have been in constant touch with John’s wife Darlene, and as of Feb. 28th his condition has not improved much if any, he remains paralyzed in his left hand, and arm, and has lost the sight in his left eye. Darlene told me that the next 72 hours would be the most critical if John is to recover from this major stroke that he has had. Please keep Brother John and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
The 26th of Feb. Brother Greg Ilse received his 2nd Degree, and was conferred by Worshipful Master Mel Moore and the 2009 Lodge Officer’s, with the assistance of Worshipful Brother Dick Tharp as Senior Deacon in the 2nd section. Congratulations Greg, we know you will be a great asset to Home Lodge and as you travel on your journey to become a Master Mason please attend as many Lodge functions and events as you can, You are always Welcome At Home.
Home Lodge Dues:
Brothers, our Lodge Secretary has asked me to remind you that your 2009 dues of $70.00 was to be in on January 1, if you have not paid them, Please stop by the Lodge and drop your check off, or mail them to Bud Erickson 4423 SW Caulder Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50321-1821. If for some reason you are unable to pay Please contact Bud or myself (Mel Moore) and we will try to help in any way we can.
Dates to Remember Top Priority:
March 30th Re-Obligation night- Please let us know if you plan to attend this event, we need a count.
April 4th – Grand Lodge Reception Party/ Dinner for our Jr Past Master David Minor to Honor him as Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Iowa 2008-2009 term. This meal will be $12.00, and you will have your choice of Steak or Chicken Breast. Please RSVP to Bud Erickson by the 23rd of March, you can reply by phone 285-0880, or e-mail to reric78387@aol.com this will be the Cut-off date.
March and April Dates:
Mar.12th –Stated Meeting- Dinner 6:30pm Meeting 7:30pm—Cornedbeef and Cabbage is on the menu
Mar.19th- 3rd Degree Brother Greg Ilse—Meal at 6:00pm Degree at 7:00pm
Mar.26th- 3rd Degree Brother Kevin Mears—Meal at 6:00pm Degree at 7:00pm
Mar. 30th- Re-Obligation Night, all Lodges in Iowa--- Light Meal at 6:00pm Re-Obligation at 7:00pm
Note: All Mondays in March and April will be School of Instruction nights
Apr.2nd – Grand Lodge practice night--- 6:30pm
Apr.4th - Grand Lodge Reception Dinner for Senior Grand Steward David Minor, our Jr. Past Master
Apr.9th -Stated Meeting- Dinner 6:30pm Meeting 7:30pm--- Easter Ham is on the menu
Apr.16th – First Fish Fry and Prospect night---- Ladies welcome!!!!
Apr.23rd – Possible-- Two 1st Degrees
Apr.30th – 1st Degree
Fraternally, Mel Moore
Worshipful Master