Far Hills Lodge #784 F&AM

Fraternal Greetings from the East

Greetings Brethren, I hope that all of you are well. March was a very busy month. Lodge inspection, three EA’s, the Grand Master’s Reception and the Grand Master’s Class. Far Hills Lodge had four candidates in the one-day class and over 275 men participated from the Second Masonic District. Over six hundred were in attendance.

It’s been good to see some new faces in Lodge the past few weeks.

Thanks to the brethren for the many new petitions received recently; it sure is nice to have real candidates. Brethren, keep the petitions coming. I would also like to thank all of the special lodge supporters. Are you one yet?

This month we will have a night out with the ladies on April 21st. We are meeting at 6:00 PM at Ryan’s Steak House, 1760 Stroop Road in Kettering. Please call David Brewer at 299-9016 or Lloyd Nickell at 253-1239 to let us know if you and your lady will attend.

News from the Temple Board

There will be a special meeting of the Far Hills Temple Board at the Stated Meeting of the Lodge on April 26, 2007. We will be able to answer all of your questions concerning the sale of the parcel of land at the back of our property. Please take this opportunity to attend. Check the Trestleboard for the scheduled work days. We sure could use your help.

From the Secretary’s Desk

A 50-year service award pin and certificate were presented to BRO. FRANCIS (Frank) W. KIMRY, a member of Triangle Lodge #748 F&AM of Columbus, Ohio, by Secretary Weyrauch on March 23, 2007.

From the LEO

So many people embark on projects to make changes in their lives, only to get detoured or bogged down in the numerous other things that are in their lives. These can be physical blocks, such as a cluttered living room or kitchen but they can also be emotional issues, mental clarity or personal relationships. Here are a few guides to simplifying your life of the obstacles that stand between you and fulfillment of your vision.

Empty Your Brain. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, it can be liberating to empty your brain of your internal “to-do” list and emotional baggage.

Lighten your mental load by writing down or journaling the stuff that is taking up mind space. At this point, you don’t have to take any action on it. The objective is to clear it from your head.

Eliminate Relations That are Sucking the Life Out of You. Limit your time with them and set boundaries around what activities you allow them to engage you in.

Be honest in your evaluation. Who is helping you and who is dragging you down? Who is eating up your time and giving nothing back? Who makes you feel good, supported and energized? Anyone who adds value to your life stays in and everybody else goes away.

Lighten Your Heart. Getting closure on the past and relationships can unburden you of emotional baggage that is weighing down your heart and spirit. Forgive and forget. Let it go. Call that person up or write them a letter you never send, but get over it.

In Memory

WILLIAM HENRY EICHER
Endowed Member
DOB: 02/16/1927 • DIED: 03/23/2007
EA 11-20-1961 • FC 01-08-1962 • MM 02-19-1962
He rests from his labors.

Joke for the Month

A little before Lodge is about to open an old man totters up to the Tyler and says, “I’m here to receive my 2nd degree.” Well, they all look at this guy, who really is older than dirt, and they ask him to explain. “I was entered on July 4, 1922. Now I’m ready for my 2nd degree.”
So they go scurrying for the records, and sure enough, there was his name, entered on July 4, 1922. “Where have you been all these years? What took you so long to be ready for your 2nd?” they asked. He replied, “I was learning to subdue my passions!”

Fraternal Greetings from the East

Greetings Brethren, I hope that you are all well. Our Fellowcraft Inspection went very well. I was really proud of all our officers for their hard work. Brother Jack Harless, SD and Brother Michael Perry, SS did outstanding work with the Lecture and Charge, respectively. All the extra practice that we did paid off. It was n ice to see so many of our Past Masters in Lodge and I thank them for their help before and after the inspection. The dinner before lodge was very good.

We will be doing the EA Degree on march 8, 2007 on one candidate and maybe two EA Degree candidates on March 22, 2007. This is a very busy month with the Grand Masters Reception being held on March 17th and the Grand Master’s Class (one-day) on March 31st.

Thank you to all the brethren who have been busy turning in petitions. This is the way we grow and strengthen the Lodge. Brethren, if you know of a good man and think that he would make a good Mason, don’t be afraid to tell him so, and give him a petition. Then, follow up with him to make sure that he turns it in. Remember our motto to take a good man and make him better.

Something to think about: have you uppdated your will? Do you have a will? Come back to Lodge and support your Officers. I hope to see you soon. Thanks to all who are sending in extra money to help support our Lodge. Check the list. Is your name on it?

News from the Temple Board

The lodge inspection and the York Rite Reunion is over, so now we can get back to work with keeping this building in shape. The new lights have provided the lounge, the dining hall and the kitchen with “more light in masonry” for the knife and fork degree.

If weather permits, we will sponsor a work-day on Saturday, March 24th. Check with the WM if you are interested.

From the Secretary’s Desk

The Lodge books and records have been inspected. The financial records have been reviewed. The ritual work has been validated and the inspection has been passed.

If you are due a service award for 25, 50 or more years of membership, let the secretary or the WM know.

We will also accept donations for the support of the Lodge.

Brethren, keep us posted on address changes and health problems. Your Lodge is here to support you. Let us know your needs.

From the LEO

Fact of the Day: Today marks the death in 1746 of Charles Radclyffe. Radclyffe was a staunch Jacobite and fervent Freemason. He founded the first Masonic lodge in mainland Europe, in Paris, and is said to have originated “Scottish Rite” Freemasonry. he met his end after being arrested in 1745 as he tried to join up with Charles’ invading army. He was beheaded at the Tower of London. Read more Masonic history at www.heritage.scotsman.com.

In Memory

Gerald Beckworth Sanders, Sr.
DOB: 09/05/1913 Died: 02/22/2007
EA 04-11-1966 * FC 05-15-1966 * MM 06-27-1966
40 years a member He rests from his labors

Carl K. Ray
DOB: 04/04/1924 Died: 03/03/2007
EA 01-21-1957 * FC 03-18-1957 * MM 10-07-1957
49 years a member He rests from his labors

Joke for the Month

Q: How many Masons does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: Three. One to screw it in, one to read the minutes from the previous light bulb replacement, and one to sit on the sidelines and complain that this wasn’t the way they used to screw in light bulbs.