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Stated Meeting | March 12th 2022

The Stated Meeting of Texas Lodge no.46 F&AM was held on the 2nd Saturday of the 12th day this Month of March, as it has been done since 1854. The Lodge was opened on the first degree of Masonry, at 10:10am

The Officers…

Additional brethren and guests addended, as detailed in the Tyler’s register.

Knock, Knock…..Who comes here? There was an alarm at the door, which the Jr. Warden ascertained to be not an eavesdropper but none other than our Worshipful Inspector of the 353 Masonic District of California Brother Mark Breckenridge Past Master. He received a proper welcome to the Lodge, and took a seat in the East.

Reading of the Previous Meeting Minutes:
The February Minutes, and that of the special meeting for the 1st degree of Brother Scott Sorensen were read.  Both were approved as read with, one correction to the Name of Confidence Lodge no.110 of Soquel, which had been stated as “Soquel Lodge”.
New Business:
The Application for Affiliation of Reb Monaco was read by the Secretary. It was voted to accept the application. Voting by Ballot will occur at the April Stated Meeting.
The Master addressed the Lodge, and offered for consideration the idea that the Lodge might reimburse officers attending the Grand Lodge Treasurer/Secretary and Master/Wardens retreats. It was motioned by Brother Heimsoth, and seconded by Brother Marshall to repay our Treasurer $400, for his out of pocket expenses. It was agreed that the formality would proceed with an invoice, and a check to be drafted, but not signed by the Treasurer, but the Master.
Call for Assistance: San Benito Lodge 1st Degree
The Master of San Benito Lodge requested assistance from our Lodge, in performing their first 1st Degree, since the pandemic. If you are able, please attend… March 16th, 6:00pm Dinner, 7:00 Meeting
Communications:
The International Masonic conference is going to be held in Berkeley this year, having previously been conducted at UCLA. April 9th is the date if you are interested in attending.

In Memoriam:

Our Worshipful Kevin Herrick PM shared with the Lodge some sad news, that of  the passing of his Mother who was a resident of the Masonic Home in Union City, CA. He took it upon himself, to do as masons do, and make the best of the trials and tribulations of life, and share with the Lodge the wonderful benefits the Fraternity has extended to his family.

He reminds us, that the fraternity’s central cause is that of Hope, Relief and Truth. All of which, the amazing staff at the Masonic home exude each and every day and have done for the past 125 years.

Dr. Kevin requested, that “if you have any giving in your heart” consider donations to this most worthy of cause, so that it may be there to continue benefiting Masons, their widows and mothers, 400 years from now. Being a member of the Cornerstone Society, Dr. Herrick shared that the society welcomes Estate Giving at any level, and the funds go to providing critically needed care. The Masonic home offers, Doctors services, Dental care, living quarters and a wide range of services including Assisted living, Alzheimer care, and also some “in home offsite services” as well. With 300 residents on the 300 acre campus, attended to by 300 caregiving staff, it is a battery of 3X3X3 times 100. Or a ratio of 1 person to 1 caregiver,  to 1 acre of land.

It was noted that our Worshipful Brother Hans Straub is also in residence at the Union City Masonic Home with his wife llse (pronounced “Else”, and that he would love to receive a phone call from you. With the Pandemic for the past 2 years, they have had far fewer visitors, and have not been able to get out as much.

Please Wor. Brother Hans Straub a ring at 510 476-6340

 

Masonic home website

 

Every man’s life ends the same way.
It is only the details of how he lived and how he died
that distinguish one man from another.

Stanley A. Ball

Grand Sword Bearer 2003-2004
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of California

Born March 27, 1941
Entered into rest February 14, 2022

A memorial service will be held
at a later date

Cards of condolence may be sent to
Mrs. Carolyn Ball
521 Chase Street
Sonoma, CA 94576

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
to the California Masonic Foundation
1111 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

 

Additional Points of Order:
The following Officers are yet to be installed, which will occur at the 1st degree practice to be held at 4pm on Friday the 18th of March.

Officers to be installed

  • John Densem
  • Robert Robbins
  • Jack Swallow
  • Charles Beylacq
  • Steven Marshall

Worshipful Inspector of the 353 Masonic District Visit:

Our Worshipful Inspector Mark Breckenridge PM extends the good word of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of California Brother Jeffrey M. Wilkins. The Inspector paid us this special visit today, in order to share some words of advice from the Grand Master, in hopes of bringing California Lodge’s back from the doldrums that were sewed by COVID-19. Inspector Breckenridge noted that Texas Lodge is a special place, and he is most pleased with how the Lodge is undertaking its work. So much so, that he refrained from reading this part of the official communications.

He shared with the Lodge, that such is this feeling of sharing and brotherhood within his district, that he was wearing the Grand Lodge apron borrowed from another Inspector. With San Juan Bautista’s Roosters crowing in the background, the dinning room full, and the coffee pot running dry, and the brotherly love flowing all around he reiterated how Texas Lodge exudes Faith, Hope and Brotherly love and is a prime example of how a Lodge should feel, when dwelling together in unity. Message received, and its intents exemplified.
He reminded us that March is Masonic Youth Order’s Month, and that this year marks the 100 year anniversary of the Rainbow Girls.
Masonic Ritual Competition:
Note: The Masonic Ritual Competition applications must be received by April 1st, and the “Alter Work of the Master in the 3rd degree” is the topic. Please apply if you feel so compelled to finetune your delivery of the 1st step as a Mason.
The Worshipful Inspector presented to the Worshipful Master of Texas Lodge, the official Grand Masters Lapel Pin entitled “Crafting Leadership” as a gift of his visit.
The Lodge was closed at 11:35am in due form.
Fraternally,
Loren George McKechnie

Secretary of Texas Lodge no.46 F. & A.M. of California

Raymond E. Hill IV
Master of Texas Lodge no.46 F. & A.M. of California