Masonic News from Garner Lodge No. 701

October, 2001

Brethren,

Tidings from the East. We have enjoyed two wonderful Stated Communications since the last newsletter, and if you missed them, I hope you will make every effort to be at our next one. During our August 27^th Communication we discussed the proposed amendments to the Code, which will be presented at the Grand Lodge later this month. We had some fine discussion related to the proposed changes and the three principle officers received a good deal of input from the members present, which will help us better vote the Lodge’s will.

Also at that Communication I asked Brothers Wendell Haire and Charlie Jones to serve as a committee to investigate the possibility of rebinding and repairing our Bible. Brother Wendell reports that several individuals have been contacted and we are now waiting for an estimate. Thanks to Brothers Charlie and Wendell for their prompt attention to this matter.

Our September 10^th Stated Communication was one of the busiest meetings we have had all year. We were honored to be visited by our District Deputy Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Bill Hare, and our District Deputy Grand Lecturer, Worshipful Brother Walter Highsmith, as well as the distinguished Worshipful Brother Woody Kennedy. W\B\ Hare will make an official visit to our Lodge on the 24^th of September, so let’s have a really big turnout that night. W\B\Highsmith reminded us of the upcoming School of Instruction to be held at Vandora Lodge on the 8^th of November and Green Level Lodge on the 10^th of November. Please mark those dates on your calendar and plan to attend.

Our September 10^th Communication also provided for our first initiation of the year. Brother Ken Hartman led a First Degree Team that did a tremendous job! Every member of Garner 701 can be proud of the work done by the degree team that evening. Their dedication and practice was obvious.

By the time you read this, our fund raising project will be completed. As soon as all the figures are tallied, I will report the amount that was raised for our Masonic charities. A very special thank you is more than due to Brothers Jim Talaska and Ken Hartman for the untold hours they have put into this project. I would also like to thank everyone who sold tickets, table sponsorships, and collected items to be raffled. Those who bought sponsorships, tickets, and merchandize are also deserving of our appreciation. It took a lot of people to make this most worthy project successful. Thank you all so very much!

Finally, brethren, on a personal note, I will out of state from the 14^th of September through the 24^th. I am most confidently leaving the Lodge in the very capable hands of our Senior Warden, Brother Ricky Marcum. Please contact him just as you would me, during my absence. Our next Stated Communication is September 24^th at 7:30. Please try to be there, it’s just not the same without YOU!

Jimmy Stevens, Master