Sometimes we find ourselves in a predicament with a petitioner that may be related or a good friend of a member in our lodge that we respect. We may know something on the petitioner that we feel like we should reject their petition, but our respect for the brother that turned in the petition weighs heavy on our mind.

It is times like these that we have to remember to “Vote for the good of the order.” Masonry is bigger than any one member. Lowering our standards to allow someone to join our great fraternity that we know does not meet the character of a mason is not the best option. What have we done to our fraternity? Could our actions or lack thereof be viewed as un-masonic? Have we done the greatest harm we could do to our fraternity? If the addition of your new member results in several members getting upset and leaving, have we really done the right thing?

It’s times like these that I want us all to remember to “vote for the good of the order.”. I truly believe if the person petitioning knew the turmoil that their petition would cause, if they were truly a mason by heart, they would withdraw their petition rather than disrupt the peace and harmony of the lodge.

Our first line of defense is our investigating committee. The duties of the investigating committee are so important. They are one of the first to meet a potential new member. The quality of their report is crucial in preventing someone that does not have the qualities we desire in our members from joining. Their lack of fully carrying out their duties could also allow someone in that should have been kept out.

Have you been faced with this dilemma?

Any regrets?

Brother Biggs joined the fraternity March 1, 1984.

For more information on the homes, click here: http://www.facebook.com/masonichomesky.

Darren Simpson has now joined the greatest fraternity by becoming a member of Yellow Banks 957 of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.

Several of us met at our home lodge, before traveling to Owensboro. We met up with some additional members at the Old Hickory BBQ for a fine meal before heading over to Yellow Banks Lodge Hall. We arrived about an hour early, but when your with your brothers, that extra time allowed us the opportunity to catch up, tell a few stories, and share some laughs. Before long it was time to start the meeting.  We left after the degree and headed back home with a little extra joy in our hearts knowing we were there to share this special event with Dave & Darren.

Our guest speaker was Greg Gibson from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Henderson. He spoke about the need in our community and how they are making a difference in the lives of the children in their program. Greg also spoke about the need for volunteers and funding.

Our lodge is sponsoring a bowling team that will participate in Bowl for Kids Sake a fundraiser held March 3rd for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Henderson. Our team goal is to raise $500. Jerusalem lodge has agreed to donate up to $250 to match what our team raises.

Anyone wishing to donate to our team for this cause will be accepted and 100% of the money raised will go to their group.

If you are interested in being involved with this group, we can get you the contact information. There is a need in our community for volunteers and there is a waiting list for children to be matched up.

Step up! Be Big!

Before the degree, a meal was prepared by W.M. Peter J Perrone and he even cleaned up the kitchen when he was done, an example for all…

Pictured L-R: George Coombs, P.M.; Johnny Griffin, EA; Peter J Perrone, W.M.; Jimmy Wedding Jr.

Pictured L-R: James T. Roll, P.M., Sec.; James Brian Wingfield, EA; Acting Master, Steven W. Hall, S.W.; Peter J. Perrone, W.M.

After a great meal prepared by several members, Brother Wingfield was regularly received into our great fraternity.

Front Row L-R: Bryce Hazelwood, Tyler; Matthew McConnell, J.D.; Peter J. Perrone, W.M.; George Coombs P.M., Treas.; Jonathan Self, J.S.
Back Row L-R: Kevin Hazelwood, S.S.; James DeArmond, S.D.; Steve Hall, S.W.; Joseph Hall, J.W.; James Roll P.M., Sec.

Steve Hall receiving the jewel of S.W.

Joe’s lady friend, Heather, placing the jewel of J.W. on him

They want Joe’s lady friend, Heather, to place their jewels of their office on them….  everyone got a kick out of this.

Installing Officer, Edward Anderson, PDDGM, and currently serving Grand Lodge as Chairman on Publicity, along with serving on the Keepers Of The Work committee.  Brother Anderson is very active in our fraternity, having performed the staircase in several lodges, assisting on the 3rd degree team of Jerusalem 9, degree teams of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Shrine.

L-R: P.M. James T. Roll, Sec., presenting W.M. Douglas D Fritts with his Past Master’s Watch at our December 13th meeting, 2010.

W.M. Douglas D. Fritts presents Masonic Bibles to his officers at our December 13th meeting, 2010.

W.M. Douglas D. Fritts presents Masonic Bibles to his officers at our December 13th meeting, 2010.