Hello Brothers…. As we conclude our “Masonic Year” and execute our summer plans, I want to thank you all for allowing me the HONOR to serve as our Worshipful Master and electing me to serve a second term. It has been a very rewarding and enlightening experience.
However, as we break for the summer, there is still unfinished business I wish to address and hopefully better prepare our Lodge for the future. First, I feel we have done a poor job in communicating with our Brothers, especially our distant Brethren. We have Brothers scattered around the world, but with the help of a computer savvy brother we plan to rejuvenate our web site in hopes of better keeping all informed of Lodge events and happenings. Secondly, FINANCES and cash flow continue to be a major concern for our Lodge. We are most fortunate however, to still own our own lodge building. Sadly, other lodges have had to sell buildings or relinquish charters for a lack of funds and members.
Our current situation however, basically has us “living from paycheck to paycheck.” We have minimal reserves to pay for an outstanding fuel oil bill when prices were extraordinarily high and rental income low, as well as money for needed roof repairs, window upgrades, etc. Our Trustees continue to work diligently, but with rental income barely meeting expenses, it doesn’t provide us with the additional capital needed to make necessary repairs.
(Dinner 6:30 / Mtg 7:30) … all welcome (casual dress).
Booth & desserts… all welcome (casual dress).
Note: Annual Picnic at Round Pond is set for 20 August, noon start.
Summoned Communication in the fall to discuss finances, dues & stipends, which would necessitate a change to our By-Laws.
As always, we ask those Brothers who have generously contributed to the Lodge and Building Fund in the past, to please continue to do so. I even ask now for your help, rather than waiting to make a contribution with your next dues payment. We could use a financial “shot in the arm” NOW, to assist the Trustees in paying down our fuel bill and make necessary building repairs. I ask for your support as we discuss and decide on our financial plan. I thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
On a positive note, many of us enjoyed the ORDMA (Orange -Rockland District Masonic Association) dinner dance in early April, where the District honored two West Point Brothers, R:.W:. Nicholas J. Paolicelli, Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of The State of New York and R:.W:. Mark Hanson, our Lodge Secretary and the Past District Deputy of the 2nd Westchester-Putnam District. We also conducted a very successful 2nd Degree and joined with Hudson River Lodge in late April to conduct a joint Master Mason Degree. As a reminder, we always meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursday’s and many Brothers gather on “off” Thursday’s as well, for fellowship, education and camaraderie. So please stop by and join us. We have again planned our summer picnic for Sunday, 20 August at West Point’s Round Pond.