The Stated Meeting of June, was held via Zoom with a few fully vaccinated brothers attending at the Lodge, on Saturday the 12th of June. With all Brethren in attendance confirmed to be Masons, fully vaccinated or tested to be Covid-19 free, the Lodge was opened at 10:01AM. The Master lead the brethren in the pledge of allegiance to the flag, of our great nation.
Previous Meeting Minutes:
The minutes of the virtual stated meeting of May, were approved as read.
Bills and Communications:
No bills were presented.
Communications:
The master received the following communications from our Past Master, Father Edward D. White P.M. It has some historical interest and intrigue, and thus I am including it for your benefit.
Reception of Applications:
No applications were received.
Hall Association Business:
The Hall will be addressing two topics this month.
#1. Completion of the new Stove installation.
#2. Discussion of repairing and locking our driveway gates.
Association will offer a report should a decision be made.
Dear Brothers and Friends of Texas Lodge,This year I cannot help but recognize a Brother who has shown himself to be an exemplary Mason, standing as a shining example of everything the title of Freemason was intended to be.His name is Loren McKechnie, our beloved Secretary. Loren has gone far beyond what we would expect the length of his cable tow to be, and was instrumental in keeping our Lodge running during the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdown. Loren has been a Mason since 2011 and is active with the San Jose Valley Scottish Rite. He is always eager to assist a Brother in need, and volunteer for tasks whether it be to haul kitchen equipment from Concord to the Lodge, or offering Brothers rides to and from Stated meetings. He even purchased a stretch Limo for the purpose.It is my hope or intention that we hold this Hiram award ceremony in September or October perhaps, and celebrate this worthy Brother and friend. Our Hiram award team has been appointed, but if you would like to help, please let me know.Fraternally yours.Jeff Strouse
2021 Master
Texas Lodge #46
June is Masonic Homes Month:
Please plan to visit those friends and brothers who are living in the Masonic Homes. Our Worshipful Master Jeff Strouse, and our Marshall John Densem are planning visits to the Masonic Home. We have a few cherished brothers living at the masonic home in Fremont who have not been able to visit us at the Lodge for a while, due to COVID. You can learn more about the website here https://masonichome.org/
July Stated meeting, to be held IN PERSON (goodbye Zoom)
With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted on June 15th 2021, by order of the Grand Master of California, we will once again have the pleasure of meeting our brethren face to face. Please join us for the first stated meeting since December 2019. It is joyous and refreshing that we will once again be able to meet our brothers on the level, and in person. Hard to believe it will have been 1 year and 7 months since our last official meeting in person. As such, it is my understanding that we will no longer be able to hold official tiled meetings over Zoom. We are hopeful that some hybrid approach will be possible and approved by the Grand Lodge, so we can continue to keep connected to our brothers in other states, or who can not travel.
Traveling Charter of Texas Lodge
The Worshipful inspector B.J. McQuiston P.M. and a few fellow brothers explored the opportunity to evaluate a site for doing ritual work away from the Lodge. This undisclosed location was deemed sufficient, with the ability to Tile it properly from Cowan’s and eavesdroppers. As you may know, Texas Lodge no.46 has a unique charter, granted back in 1843 by the grand lodge of California that allows tiled lodge meetings or other special meetings to occur within 7 miles of the lodge. In the past, this unique ability has been leveraged to meet at Freemont Peak, and other locations outside in nature.
Sunshine Report:
Update on Worshipful Raymond E. Hill IV P.M.
We previously shared via email, that our Brother was involved in a serious car accident back in April. It is with great cheer that I can share he is recovering quite well. He attended the wedding of our Brother Charles Beylacq and his bride Brandy which was held at brother Marshall’s home, and has been able to walk and even attend an officers practice at the lodge. Please come to our July stated meeting in person, and send him your regards with a proper masonic greeting.
Has any Brother, anything for the benefit of Masonry?
The Worshipful Inspector B.J. McQuiston P.M. shared his appreciation four our lodge’s efforts and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that all of the great masonic work and charity we have accomplished during these challenging times is quite remarkable, and in contrast to many lodges who have done basically nothing while shutdown by federal and state orders.
Closing:
At 10:35 AM the Lodge was closed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Secretary Loren George McKechnie Date: 7/1/2021
Worshipful Master Jeff Strouse Date: 7/1/2021
