Fraternal greetings from the East

Greetings Brethren! I would like to take a brief moment to introduce myself as many of you I know and some I haven’t as yet had the opportunity to meet. My name is Jack Harless and the Brethren of Far Hills Lodge have graciously elected me as Master for the coming year at our annual election on November 13. For the coming year I would like to institute a Masonic theme that will hopefully represent the “spirit” of Far Hills Lodge. That theme is “Looking Back to Move Forward”. This year I would like to place a strong emphasis on our storied past and use that as a foundation to move Far Hills Lodge specifically, and Masonry in general into the 21st century.

Many are familiar with the beautiful wisdom-teaching attributed to David that says; “There is nothing new under the sun.” We will be trying some new things this year, but they will all have a solid foundation on the tried and true Masonic principles that have led and sustained us over the centuries.

Our Lodge has a great mix of people and talent, and we are seeing a renewed interest in Masonry from the younger generation; so come to Lodge and see Masonry in action! We are still looking to fill a few officer positions, so please contact me if you would like to actively participate in really bringing your Masonry to life!

Again, thanks to all the Brethren of Far Hills Lodge and I look forward to working with and serving this great Lodge in the coming year.

From the Secretary’s Desk

WB John Weyrauch has been sending out the dues notices for next year. Please return them with your check as soon as possible. Remember that being suspended for non-payment of dues can adversely affect all your other Masonic affiliations.

Remember to contribute to our other charities listed on the dues notice. Be sure to add your e-mail address for our records.

I-Care Program

The Grand Lodge and the Ohio Masonic Home have been working on an I-Care Program, which is designed to offer aid and assistance to our elder members and their families; as the aging process works its magic on each of us. There are some in-depth programs, people assigned and trained to work them, and a large array of possibilities for those who require the assistance. What they do not have is the referrals from Lodges of those who could or should be receiving these services, but are unaware of their existence.

A survey will be sent requesting info on our members who may need medical or welfare assistance. Lodge volunteers, trained to ask the right questions, will then make contact with these brothers and/or their family members to find out what assistance is needed and what assistance may be available.

~ Trestleboard ~

Dec. 11 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting Open Installation of Officers
Dec. 25 ~ Meeting Cancelled ~ Christmas Day
Jan. 8, 2009 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting ~ Table Lodge
Jan. 22, 2009 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Stated Meeting

This Month in Masonic History

On Dec. 5 1730, Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette included news about several Lodges of Free-Masons meeting in that “province.” Franklin was not yet a Freemason when his newspaper printed this item.

Important Notice

Please note that all correspondence to the lodge should be sent to our Secretary’s home address:

John A. Weyrauch • 4700 Briar Knoll Drive • Kettering, OH 45429
(937) 434-5140 • jaweyrauch [at] woh.rr.com

If the correspondence is meant for the Master, it should be sent to:

Jack M. Harless • 7185 Bigger Lane • Centerville, OH 45459
(937) 433-7328 •jtoren19 [at] yahoo.com or jack [at] drholten.com

Mail sent to the temple address will be returned to the sender by the post office.  We do not have provisions to receive mail at the temple.

Come Back to Lodge

Can you say “I sat in Lodge with you”?