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Report From Rome F&AM Masonic Lodge #535 newsletter September 2009 Volume; 2009, Number; 9 SCHEDULE NOTICES Sept 12, 7pm STATED MEETINGs * Oct 8, 7pm * Nov 14, 7pm * Dec 12, 7pm IN THIS ISSUE Why Has Masonry Lived So Long? * Prayers and Concerns * Thoughts from a Travelin Man * Fellowcraft Team * New look in the Lodge Room * Update Phone Numbers & Emails * Roof Repair & Ramp Construction * Bros Need To Return Work * Meeting on the Square * Past Masters Honor Wall * Squaremans Club ROME LODGE #535 3152 State Rt. 52, Stout, Ohio Located 17 mi. W. of Portsmouth on US 52. Lodge meets on the 2nd Saturday at 7:00 pm CONTACTS: * Robert D. Deaver, WM * RWB George L. O'Neal, Sec. gloneal@peoplepc.com Newsletter Editor: Bro Jim Great Elk Waters, 32° 740 372-4210 greatelk@gmail.com WE ARE ON THE WEB; wwwsciotomasons.org/rome Lodge Links; Grand Lodge of Ohio http://www.freemason.com Scioto Links to most Bodies; www.sciotomasons.org _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why Has Masonry Lived So Long? by S. H. Tyng Jr. The Keystone, July 20, 1867; Condensed from the Northern Light (Aug 2009) We are not banded together simply for the purpose of social recognition and mutual support. We have not inherited merely unmeaning forms of ritualistic display which have nothing but their mysterious secrecy to commend them. Do you think that there is enthusiasm enough to humanity to continue for so many centuries. For selfish ends? You make Masonry a far greater mystery than we claim by supposing. Nay, it is the love of the truth, the adherence to the truth, which has constituted Masonry the miracle it is. Here it stands, just as glorious as when in the first temples time. But what are the meanings of all the symbolism? These tools of our craft and jewels of our order have very solemn meanings. The officers, from the Tyler at the door to the Worshipful Master in the East, are engaged in every earnest work. These are all efforts to preach the truth. What is the talisman which explains the preservation of this ancient system? Everything in the Lodge answers, truth a divine attribute, and the foundation for every virtue.? For, to be good and true, to buy the truth and sell it not, is the first lesson we are taught in masonry. Prayers and Concerns : Remember Brothers, the health and comfort of our Brothers should be our constant concern. If you know of anyone who is in need of prayers, please let Bro Jim Great Elk Waters know 372-4210 Thoughts from a Travelin Man Bro. Joshua J. Hammonds, Senior Deacon I hope all the brethren are in good health, and for those who are not I wish you well and a speedy recovery. I just have a couple of things that I would like to share with my brothers and fellow officers especially. I think we did an awesome job at our inspection, I have been to a lot and participated in quite a few and that was just splendid work that was communicated on or new Brother, Wetzig. As one who lectures and leads our all important candidates on their first steps into this great fraternity, I must be proficient in my ritual work, so the candidate can receive a valuable part of his Masonic journey. I just wanted to share with my fellow officers, how important it is that we are proficient in our ritual work. How we conduct our work has a reflection on us in the district and it is important that we have a good reflection. One way that we can be proficient in this work is by coming to the meetings, for which we have been elected to conduct. Not only do the candidates rely on us to be proficient but our fellow brethren expect us to come to lodge and conduct our meetings. I feel that as an elected officer that I cannot and will not try to let down those who have served and will serve in the chairs of this great fraternity. I know that we all have commitments and that is expected, but when we miss a degree or several meetings it hurts not only our brethren who count on us to be there but the candidate who is to receive their work. Again I stress on the importance of officers attendance in lodge at stated meetings as well as special meetings. I wish everyone health and happiness. And farewell until our next meeting. Fellowcraft Team: Past Masters Corner W Bro Richard D. Smith, 32° 2001 At the last meeting WBro Smitty offered to head up a Fellowcraft Team for Ritual. Brothers, lets step up and help him in this important endeavor. For many of our Brothers this is a vital part of Lodge Work that has, shall we say, Softened a bit in past years. A good Fellowcraft Team Can make a great difference in first impressions to our Candidates and new Brothers. It is an integral part of Masonry. So what say, contact W Bro Smitty 937 549-3750 and be a part of your Lodges important work. New look in the Lodge Room Squaremans Club - W Bro. William R. Malone, 32° 2006 Brothers, you will be pleasantly surprised at the wonderful changes that have been made over the summer break. The Squaremans Club took advantage of the Shawnee State Univ. surplus sale and obtained 24 overstuffed lounge chares for the Lodge Room. They will give us a pleasant place to practice our craft on meeting nights. The only problem will be that they are very comfortable, and it has been suggested that the Sr Deacon might need a cattle probe to keep the Brethren alert. (smile) Other changes are in the placement of the theater seats, and the moving of some of the original wooden Lodge chairs from the old Rome lodge, to the Brothers Lounge and Cafeteria for a new purpose (See Meeting on the Square article). Many of the past masters photos are framed and awaiting display on the wall in the South. Update Your Phone & Emails R W B George L. ONeal, 32° PDDGM Keeping in touch with you is one of the important roles of your Lodge. Please drop a note to RW Bro George and update any change in address and your phone numbers, including your cell phone if you have one (14 Elm St. W. Portsmouth, OH 45663-8926.) Also, if you have an email address , please it send to gloneal@peoplepc.com. This will save postage, paper, printing. Thanks for your help Brothers IMPORTANT: Roof Repairs & Ramp Construction Lodge Trustees As you can see from inside Lodge, we have a bad problem with roof leaking and mold buildup. We need to address this NOW! The repairs, temporary and/or permanent,  need to be done in the next 60 days. Speak with any Trustee, or Officer and volunteer your services. More info at this meeting. This is OUR BUILDING and it is our responsibility to keep it in good maintenance. We also need to make a ramp for our Brothers (and guests) who need access to their Lodge Your Lodge needs new blood to step up on these projects as most of the current stepperuppers? are getting a bit long in the tooth. Bros Need To Return Work Reminder for you Brothers who are going thru your Degree Work. You need to return your Work before the Lodge as you agreed. Please come to the next Lodge Meeting to do your Work. It is a vital part of your being a Mason. MEETING ON THE SQUARE Brothers, you will see a big difference in the Brothers Lounge and Cafeteria. We are trying something new. We have folded most of the tables and chairs and have set up a Square Table for us to enjoy our refreshments after Lodge. This way we can Meet on the Square. Most of the year we don’t need to have the cafeteria set up for guest, and with the new arrangement, it will make it easy for work crews to repair and keep up our facility. Stay after the Meeting and enjoy breaking bread and conversing with our Brothers. Past Masters Honor Wall Bro Jim Great Elk Waters, 32°, Lodge Historian We need a photo of every Past Master to display on the south wall of the Lodge Room. We have several already, but if you have a family member that was a master, please allow us to copy the photo and display that on our Honor Wall. Please send the photos to RW Bro George ONeal 14 Elm St., W. Portsmouth, OH 45663-8926 Squaremans Club W Bro William R. Malone, 32°, President, Trustee Are you a member yet? The club has several projects  in the works. Remember Brothers, the Squaremans Club is the fundraising arm of our Lodge. Membership is open to all Master Masons in good standing. Annual dues are $5.00 /year. Every Brother should think about being a member of this club. Let’s all support it in their efforts to keep our Lodge on a good financial footing. Lodge Marketplace W Bro William R. Malone, 32°, President, Trustee The Squaremans Club has a store at the Lodge stocked with many fine Masonic items, including jewelry, car decals, wallets, money clips, swords and much more. Stop and Shop at the next Lodge event. |
| ROME LODGE #535
3152 State Rt. 52, Stout, Ohio Located 17 mi. W. of Portsmouth on US 52. Lodge meets on the 2nd Saturday at 7:00 pm CONTACT US: Robert D. Deaver, WM RWB George L. O'Neal, Sec. gloneal@peoplepc.com Newsletter Editor: Bro Jim Great Elk Waters, 32° 740 372-4210 greatelk@gmail.com WE’RE ON THE WEB wwwsciotomasons.org/rome Lodge Links Grand Lodge of Ohio http://www.freemason.com Scioto Links to most Bodies www.sciotomasons.org |