Shiloh Lodge #327February 2005
Trestleboard
Shiloh Lodge #327
February 2005
Trestleboard
From the East
“If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.” Sir Isaac Newton 1643-1727.
Greetings from the East. I am honored … and humbled … to serve you and Shiloh Lodge as Master this year.
I follow a creative thinker and risk taker in Worshipful Brother Cleo Miller. On behalf of the Lodge I want to thank Cleo for all his had work in 2004, and for being willing to try new things for Shiloh.
This year I want to concentrate the Lodge’s attention and energy on three main areas. I want to focus on recruitment, retention and fellowship. (And a new Lodge sign might be nice too!)
All of us have heard of the challenges Freemasonry is facing. Membership in Masonry is declining, just like it is in every other civic or social group. But the Masonic Fraternity is much more than just another group. We are a family … a set of values … a teacher … and a way of life. As such, the members of Shiloh are compelled to expand our brotherhood not so much for the betterment of our Lodge, but for the betterment of the new members we bring in. In 2005 my goal is to average 1.5 new members per month or 18 for the year.
In terms of retention, I get distraught when a new member comes to Lodge two or three times and then starts missing meetings. Not to mention the brothers from five years ago who do not attend. Shiloh must do more to hold the interest of all our members … new and old alike. In 2005 we are already addressing this through the creation of “co” leadership positions in Lodge.
Finally, by focusing on fellowship I mean focusing on friendship. Masons, by their very nature, are good friends. Yet, we cannot enjoy each other’s company if we never have the opportunity to meet. That’s why in 2005 the Lodge is planning several social functions including one all-member reunion that I hope you will attend.
Without your help, however, these goals are but empty breath. I need your help to achieve Shiloh’s recruitment, retention and fellowship. I am counting on you to help me where you can and when you can. And I thank you in advance.
Like Newton, I can see far, for I stand on the shoulders of you all. And what I see for Masonry … and Shiloh Lodge … is good.
Fraternally Yours,
R. Todd
Simpson
Worshipful Master-2005
Be just -- because equity sustains the human race.
Be good – because goodness enchains all hearts.
Be indulgent – because, feeble thyself, thou should bear with the feebleness of others.
Be kind – because kindness secures affection.
Be grateful – because gratitude is the food that nourishes liberality.
Be modest -- because pride is offensive to thy fellow beings.
Pardon injuries – because vengeance perpetuates hate.
Render good for evil – because in this way you will rise superior to the evildoer, and make him your friend.
Be forbearing, temperate, and chaste – because voluptuousness, intemperance and sensuality are destructive of your existence; and they will render it miserable.
Be a citizen – because thy country is necessary for thy security, and thy happiness, and well being.
Defend thy country with thy life – because it is she who secures thee in thy property, and in the possessions of all those things near to thy heart; but never forget that humanity has rights; if thy country wrong thee, if she refuse thee happiness and suffer thee to be oppressed, leave her in silence, but never trouble her. Support adversity with resignation.
Luther W. Osborn, Grand Orator - Grand Lodge of Nebraska 1875
Call Today!
You and your Sweetheart
are invited to attend
Shiloh Lodge’s annual
Sweetheart’s Dinner
Friday, February 11th
6:30 p.m. at Venice Inn 6920 Pacific Street
Menu Choices:
Prime Rib (9 oz) $19.95
Grilled Salmon Filet. $18.95
Club Steak(8 oz) . $17.95
Southern Fried Chicken $13.95
(Price per person includes tax & 15% gratuity, pay at the door. All include relish tray, salad bar, entrée, baked potato, spaghetti or vegetable, hot rolls, coffee or tea and 4 oz. glass of wine. Cash bar available.)
Please make reservations by Tuesday, February 8th
Call
Russ Mason 571-4475
Dale Nelson 778-1229
Omaha #288
Location TBA
If you have a prospect who
would be interested in a One Day
Degree, get started now and
please let the Secretary know
at Scottish Rite Masonic Center
These dinners are timed so that prospective members attending the dinner may petition the lodge and be ready for next scheduled one day blue lodge. NOTE: Both the prospective member and their host (plus your ladies) receive dinner for free. For more information, contact the Secretary.
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Dues Paid?
The year printed in the upper right hand corner of your mailing label reflects the year through which we show you have paid your dues.
If you have not yet returned your 2005 Dues
please do so as soon as possible.
Not only are they payable now, but we would like to update our membership information for the roster. Thank You |
We would like to provide support to our brethren in times of distress and celebrate with them in times of gladness. Please immediately inform any of your lodge officers of such information regarding yourself or a brother.