THE SURVEYOR Vol. XIII No. 5
George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
Message from the East Worshipful Master Chuck Carroll
From Darkness to Light... According to the by-laws of our lodge, “stated communications of this lodge shall be held... except during the months of July and August, when the Lodge is dark.” This has been the custom of our lodge since it first began. The usual reason given for a lodge’s cessation of business during summer months has to do with farming, much like the reason given for schools to let out during the summer, giving farmers the extra hands needed for tending and harvesting crops. There have always been those who think that the practice of “going dark” is no longer practical, especially in city lodges where the members aren’t needed in the fields. Lately a large contingent of Masons in Wisconsin have evinced a desire to end this period of inactivity and are encouraging lodges to change their by-laws and hold at least one stated meeting during July and August. Naturally, there has been opposition to this idea, as it is difficult for some to accept change of any kind. But there may be other reasons to maintain the two month respite. While we in the city and suburbs may not be agrarian, we have become accustomed to planning our vacations and family time during the summer months. Regardless of the original reason for taking those months off, there has evolved, in our society, a tradition of taking advantage of the summer months when our children are out of school to travel, camp, fish, sight-see, and generally to rest and refresh ourselves from the day-to-day labors of work and everyday life. Over the past few years, our lodge has done some degree work during the summer months, but attendance has been low. This past summer, I have tried, in vain, to organize social and educational events for the younger members of the lodge. It seems that we tend to be busier in our vacations than in our vocations. I think that if it is impossible to gather men in the summer for fun, it must be even more difficult to gather them for work. I, myself, have been quite busy with yard work, house work, camping and playing, as well as trying to establish my
September 2012
own business after being laid off earlier this year. Sometimes it’s good to free up the calendar and selfishly devote time to self, family and friends. Nevertheless, I look forward to the end of the two long months of summer darkness and the light of the coming fall. It reminds me of when I was in school and while I couldn’t wait for school to end and summer begin, the prospect of returning to friends and classmates in September was equally thrilling. It will be good to see my brothers again. In the upcoming weeks we will be taking a close look at the progress we made this year, carefully and ruthlessly critiquing our work as we evaluate our goals and methods. We will also make time to consider our past and future as we prepare for yet another year with new leadership and support. Annual elections will be coming up in November, another reminder of my days in school when class officer elections had more to do with popularity than with ability. Through our new Election Committee, headed by Br. Keith Sargeant, you will have a chance to examine the duties and responsibilities of the various officers of the lodge and make an informed decision when casting your ballot on election day. I hope that you had a fun if not profitable summer. I hope you are able to return to the lodge, refreshed and ready to accomplish great things. Most of all, I hope you are looking forward to seeing your brothers, as much as I am.
The Master’s Calendar 2012 September Highlights September 4, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Stated Meeting. 6:00 p.m. Light Catered Supper Reservations juniorwarden@gw1776.org September 15, Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Masonic Brotherhood Council Breakfast at GW1776 Lodge PLEASE contact Bro. Joe Pronnet by SEP 13th (262) 790-998 imperialjcp@milwpc.com September 18, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Stated Meeting Awards Night at the Lodge 6:00 p.m. Light Supper No Reservations Necessary September 20, Thursday, Stein Club at Sprecher September 30, Sunday, 1pm - 4pm Open House at George Washington 1776 Lodge. Invite your friends to a tour of the historic site with displays and talks about Freemasonry. This is a public event.
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Vol. XIII No. 5 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board September 2012
Noteworthy News in and About the Lodge Annual Lodge Picnic Photos by Barb Carroll On Sunday, July 22, a few brothers and spouses gathered at the lodge for the Annual Lodge Picnic. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. Absent Officers included the Senior Steward, Counselor, Secretary, Treasurer, and Tiler. Many new members as well as older members were also conspicuous in their absence. We hope that they are all well and that they have gotten over whatever ailed them.
Lodge Web Site: WWW.GW1776.ORG New Lodge Phone Number: 414-979-1776