Brethren of Home Lodge#370,

Lodge News: 
                                                                                                                                                                             April 2009

The Month of March surely came in like a Lamb, but we began the month like a Lion after its prey. On the 5th of March we had a 2nd Degree for Brother Kevin Mears, his Degree was conferred by our own ” Herbbie The Love Bug” Worshipful Brother Herb Ramsey, not bad for a Young Man of 88. Congratulations Brother Kevin, and to Brother Herb.

On the 6th of March about nine people assembled at Home Lodge for the purpose of preparing all the items needed for our Chicken/Beef Noodle Dinner; well this is how many people I thought were going to be there. I had to leave for a Dr’s appointment and when I returned the parking lot was full of cars, and the kitchen and dining room were full of people who came to help, about 28 total, WOW what a turnout. This Day was not to be out done by any means. On the 7th, Sat. the day of the dinner we had at least 18 Brothers working in the kitchen, and about 20 Sisters of our Appendant Bodies serving in the dining hall. Needless to say this was a Very Successful Dinner, not only did we raise the money for the Scholarships, we were able to keep a nice tidy sum for Home Lodge, and this was all for the Good Of Masonry. Again Many Thanks to All who Helped, Sold tickets, or just bought a Meal. Without your assistance this could not have been accomplished.

On the 12th of March, the Two Students and their Families were at our Stated Meeting Meal, where they were introduced to the attending Members and their Ladies. After dinner we opened Lodge and were at recess, at which time I had the two students and their parents escorted to the East, where they (Miss Linsey Kain and Mr. Eric Feldmann) received a mock-up check in the amount of $500.00 each, to be used for their college expenses. I’m pleased to announce that Linsey, and Eric will be enrolled at Iowa State University in the fall of 2009.Our Congratulations to Miss Kain and Mr. Feldmann, Well Done!!!!

On the 19th of March a 3rd Degree was given to Mr. Greg Ilse, this Degree was conferred by Worshipful Brother Jerry Mellor, the 2nd section as King Solomon, was Most Worshipful Brother  Charles Brinkerhoff who Raised Brother Greg to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. Congratulations Greg, the members of Home Lodge are indeed fortunate to have men of your caliber as a member of the finest Fraternity known to man.

On the 26th of March a 3rd Degree was given to Mr. Kevin Mears, this Degree was conferred by Worshipful Brother John Clearman, the 2nd section as King Solomon, was Worshipful Brother Bill Freeman Sr; who Raised Brother Kevin to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. Congratulations Kevin, you too are the caliber of a man that makes our Fraternity what it is today. I might add that both Greg’s and Kevin’s degree’s were well attended by Home Lodge members as well as many visiting Brothers from our neighboring Lodges, who took an active part in Raising our “Two” new Brothers. Thank You all for being there for the New Brothers of Home Lodge.

And now for some really Good news, as you all know Worshipful Brother John Shepherd suffered a Major Stroke just a month ago, well Brethren as of this writing of the Trestle Board John is doing Great. His motor skills are coming back; he is no longer paralyzed in his leg, arm, or hand and continues to improve on a daily basis. He is at “On With Life” in Ankeny, where he will remain for another 85 days or so. Please continue to Pray for Brother John and his family during this difficult time in their lives.

Dues Reminder:
If you have not paid your Lodge Dues for 2009, Please send them to Home Lodge 5201 Maple Dr. Pleasant Hill, Iowa 50327 or send them to Bud Erickson at, 4423 SW Caulder Ave, Des Moines Iowa 50321-1821.
Dates to Remember in April and May:
April 9th- Stated Meeting—Dinner at 6:30pm   Meeting at 7:30pm—Ron says “Ham” for our Easter Dinner
April 16th – First Fish Fry and Prospect night 6:00pm----8:00pm    LADIES AND GUESTS WELCOME
April 19th – Daughters of the Nile Open Installation at 2:00pm    In the Lodge
April 23rd – “Two” 1st Degrees: Michael Corcoran and David Constable Meal at 6:00pm    Degrees to begin at 7:00pm
April 24th –Prep day for White Shrine Chicken Noodle dinner   Start time TBA
April 25th – White Shrine Chicken Noodle Dinner     11am----6pm   PLEASE HELP AND SUPPORT THESE “TWO” DAYS
April 30th – 2nd Degree: Brother to Be Decided     Light Refreshments at-- 6:15pm            Degree at 7:00pm    
Note: All Mondays in April will be School of Instruction Nights---Round Table or in the Lodge Room
May 2nd – Grand Lodge Library Trip to Cedar Rapids   Exact Time TBA
May 4th – First Home Lodge/Consistory Golf Night at Toad Valley       Contact Person—Greg Spooner
May 7th – 2Nd Degree:  Brother to be Decided    Light Refreshments—6:15pm              Degree at 7:00pm
May 14th – Stated Meeting--- Dinner at 6:30pm   Meeting at 7:30pm   JW tells me Pork Loin Roast and Fixings
May 21st – 3rd Degree: Brother to be Decided      Meal at 6:00pm       Degree at 7:00pm
May 22nd – Prep day for OES Fundraiser Dinner      Start Time TBA
May 23rd – OES Fundraiser Dinner “Minute Steak”    11am----6pm PLEASE HELP AND SUPPORT THESE “TWO” DAYS
May 28th – 3rd Degree:  Brother to be Decided       Meal at 6:00pm      Degree at 7:00pm

Fraternally, Mel Moore Worshipful Master