Brethren,       

     We had a tremendous turnout for our January Stated Meeting.  We honored Brother John F. Groves, PM and Brother Anthony F. Vitas for 25 years of membership in Freemasonry. Both Brothers gave short talks about their 25 year journey in Freemasonry.  These were well received by the Brethren present.

      I want to take this opportunity to thank Brother John F. Groves, PM for his dedicated and valuable service to our lodge in 2011.  I personally received outstanding advice, guidance and assistance from Brother John F. Groves, PM.  Our Lodge benefited greatly from his contributions to our fraternity.

     During our Extra Meeting the Shield and Square Club conducted the Master Mason’s Degrees for Brother Alonzo C. Belton and Brother Joseph N. Bologna.  Harry A. Houseman No. 717 was well represented on the degree team with six members of ours in the chairs.

     Brother Max H. Starke, PM and Brother William A. Klosz, PM, W.A.K. No. 211 gave outstanding Master Mason’s degrees.

      Brother Thomas P. Murgitroyde IV, PM delivered one of the finest Fellow Craft Mason’s Degree’s that I have had the privilege to witness.

     Many of the Brethren present commented on the outstanding Degree work of Brothers Max H. Starke, PM, Brother William A. Klosz, PM, W.A.K. No. 211 and Brother Thomas P. Murgitroyde IV, PM. The visitors in attendance also complemented our Lodge on the fine degree work they witnessed.  The complements from visitors and Brethren of our Lodge is a result of our commitment and dedication to mastering our degree work. 

     Our February Stated Meeting will honor those Brethren who passed in 2011.  It is important that we honor those that preceded us in our Fraternity.  They made Freemasonry and Harry A. Houseman No. 717 what it is today.

     I would like the Brethren who are being recognized for their Masonic birthday to speak about what being a Freemason has meant to them.   Our Masonic Birthdays are now posted in the Lodge Notice.  If a brother recognizes a name on the birthday list and has not seen the brother at Lodge recently, contact the Brother and see if he needs assistance getting to and from our Stated Meeting.

    I would like to include as many brothers as possible in the floor work during our Extra Meetings.  Any Brother interested in floor work contact a member of the Committee of Instruction which is listed on our Lodge Notice. 

    Our lodge continues to grow due to the dedication of the Brethren in bringing worthy candidates to our lodge.   We have formed a Mentor Committee to assist the new candidates and new members of our lodge.  Any Brother interested in being part of the Mentor program contact Bruce C, Cobb, PM, chairman of the Mentor Committee.

    Remember, you receive from our Fraternity what you put into our Fraternity. Looking forward to seeing you at our February Stated Meeting!

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Perry J. Ferrara Jr. PM

Worshipful Master