Wood River Masonic Lodge 1062 AF&AM

Once again I am pleased about the "steady" attendance of a few loyal dedicated members. We are an organization of some 300 plus members and only 15 to 20 of us are present at our stated meetings. Some people, guests, attending our Pancake and Sausage Breakfasts and Spaghetti Dinners have actually volunteered to help becaus they see how hard the few Masons that are present are working.

BROTHERS, WE NEED YOU! 1) We need you to learn the chairs. 2) We need you to hekp with functions. 3) We need you to support your lodge. 4) We need you in the Builders Club.

MOST OF ALL, WE NEED YOU TO COME BE WITH US!!

STATED MEETINGS: Now available to Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts. If you are still on your journey to sublime degree of Master Mason, you are encouraged to attend Stated Meetings. We can now practice/demonstrate those procedures. PLEASE come join your Brothers.

We continue to serve good meals and great desserts before Stated Mettings. Brothers Billy Craig and Charlie Jerden have prepared great food and continue to clean and update our kitchen. Brothers Mike Dickey, Pat O'Brien, Ed Huebener, John Piel and Scott Stroder have been of great asistance in presentation of food and cleanup. A special thanks to Rosalie Toner, Pat Ahern and Mary Walmsley for the excellent desserts they have made and donated!

We are about to begin a new Masonic Year with the Installation of Officers and our Past Masters Dinner on December 18 (eat at 6 p.m., installation at 7 p.m.) Come be a part of our new Masonic Calendar.

Current Builders Club Members: Gary Ahern, Joseph E. Barber Jr., Peter Caires, Jack D. Cannedy, Cullen C. Clauser, Mike Dickey, Bob Hall, Charles Jerden, Charles R. Kriby, Eric L. McDowell, Bob Myers, Patrick O'Brien, Robert Schiber, Bill Steelman, Charles Toner and Gib Walmsley.

Remember, a donation of $25 lists you in the Builders Hiram Club, $50 King of Tyre, $10 King Solomon. All names are inscribed on a plaque placed in the lodge.

Finally, we still practice every Monday in the Lodge from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Come watch and/or join in. we may soon start an evening practice. We'll keep you posted.

REMEMBER, WHAT WE NEED MOST IS YOU!!!

SENIOR WARDEN GIB WALMSLEY

The dues notices are running late again this year, trouble with the Grand Lodge printing. Nevertheless, dues for the coming year of 2011 are upon us! I would like to thank those of you who have been loyal financial supporters of the Wood River Lodge's efforts to function . Your dues and donations are welcomed and apprectated. We try to keep members informed through e-mails, call-em-all phone lists and bi-annual newsletters. If you do not receive any of the aforementioned, please forward proper information to the lodge. Please verify your mailing address and correct if needed.

SECRETARY W.B. GARY AHERN

Brethren, I thank those of you who responded to the "Personal Planning" form from last spring, but as costs continue to increase and membership drops, we are still trying to keep our head about water. We are needing funds for repairs or possible replacement of you heating and air conditioning system. Again, I encourage you to respond to the "Personal Planning" form. Our Grand Lodge does a wonderful job, but I would encourage you to use the first option in #3, as we do not receive any financial benefits from the second option. Thank you for your consideration.

TREASURER R.W.B. CHARLES KIRBY

Franklin Lodge #25 Christmas Party is Saturday, December 11 and is potluck. As always, the lodge will furnish the meat and drinks. It is for the kids, and adults may attend also. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and Santa Claus will arrive about 7:15 p.m.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE contact Ed or Rosalie Huebener at (618) 258-1228 as soon as possible, but NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 3, to let them know how many children will be attending and their full names, ages and gender so Santa will know what kind of toy to have for them.

W.B. ED HUEBENER

December 18, 2010 - dinner at 6 p.m., Installation at 7 p.m. Dinner will be furnished by the lodge. Masons, including Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts, their ladies and invited guests are welcome. We will be recognizing Past Masters of Wood River Lodge 1062. community Builder and Lodge Builder awards will also be presented.

Stated Meetings are first and third Wednesdays of each month. Eat at 6 p.m. Meeting at 7 p.m. STARTING IN JANUARY 2011: All-You-Can-Eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast will be the SECOND Saturday of each month from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Several brethren have passed away this year. We should remember them, their families and widows. If anyone knows of a widow in need, please contact the lodge.

This year's scholarships went to Samantha Sparks, Roxana High School and Tori Higganson, Wood River.

SECRETARY, GARY AHERN
(618) 580-1035

Consider you final wishes now

Every Master Mason in good standing in the fraternity at the tim eof his death is entitled to Masonic funeral services, if that is his wish. Unfortuately, many Masons who would like this final ceremony in the tradition of the Craft fail to make this known to their survivors before they die. As our Masonic funeral ritual reminds us, "How seldom do we consider our approachin end?" Brother Ed Rund, Secretary of Willmette Park Lodge No. 931, has provided us with a "Masonic Last Rites Request Form", which is availabe to members of that lodge. We reprint the information in this form to help our brethren assure that their last wishes are met when they are called by the Supreme Architect of the Universe.

To the members of _____________________ Lodge No. _____, my family, clergy and funeral home directors, upon my death:

I would like to have:
_____ Masonic funeral services at my funeral
_____ Masonic funeral sercices at my place of worship with my religious rites, if possible
_____ Masonic graveside services
_____ No Masonic services

 

I would like to be remembered in my Masonic eulogy for:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________

I would like the following brothers to serve as pallbearers (if willing/able) at my funeral:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________

I would like to have my Masonic apron:
_____ Placed on my person
_____ Draped on my casket during the services
_____ Buried with my remains
_____ Given to ___________________ after the funeral

To assist your family and friends druing this difficult time, pleas consider the following and discuss them with your lawyer or an estate planning professional.

1. If you have Masonic jewelry, how woul you like it disposed of?
_____ It may be left on your person and buried with you.
It may be left on your person during your last rites, then give to _______________________
It may be given to yoru lodge for future presentation to _________________________
It may be fiven to the Grand Lodge

2. If you have other Masonic mementos (awards, Past Master's apron, literature, sword, etc.)
_____ Give them to _____________________
_____ Donate them to your lodge to dispose of as it sees fit.
_____ Donate them to the Grand Lodge

3. Have you considered the desirability of:
_____ Making a monetary or other gift in your will to your lodge?
_____ Making a moneary or other gift in your will ro tax-deductible Grand Lodge funds or other funds of your choice?