Rising Sun Lodge #39
F&AM
Making a difference in our community
since 1822
Masonic Trestleboard
~April 2019~
Important Lodge Events
STATED MEETING
WEDNESDAY – APRIL 17, 2019 6:15 PM DINNER, 7:30 PM LODGE OPENS. FAMILIES ARE INVITED
SPECIAL EVENTS
WEDNESDAY – APRIL 17, 2019
6:15 PM DINNER, 7:30 PM LODGE OPENS.
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If you need a ride to Lodge please contact the Master or Secretary
From the East
As Master of the Lodge I have many tasks that I am faced with and one of those that I would like to tackle first is member engagement at meetings. This encompasses a lot of different things, but the two I want to discuss today are how to make meetings valuable and enjoyable for members and how to increase attendance from brothers we don’t see often. Generally, I think these go hand in hand because members will come to meetings if they are engaged and have a reason to be there. In support of this task your officer team and I are focused on bringing engaging discussions, guest speakers, and activities to bring us together outside of Lodge. Our intention is to publish our schedule in the outgoing Trestleboard and promote these activities so everyone knows what is happening and when. Our first of these sessions was last month’s visit from Ryan J. Flynn, world-renowned Masonic artist and the incoming R.W. District Deputy Grand Education Officer.
Communication moving forward will be important. We want to make sure that no one misses upcoming events because they missed a meeting so please read your Trestleboards, you’ll find the menus for upcoming stated dinners, upcoming events both in and out of lodge, events around the district, and important news from your top 3 officers. I’d love to hear from each of you about what you would like to see happening with your lodge and I entertain any suggestions you may have on how we can improve our meetings, activities, or communication.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Tim Marotte W.M.
From the West Richard L. Johnston PM SW
I recently heard the phrase “guarding the West Gate”. I had never heard that phrase before, but immediately thought it must be something to do with the Junior Deacon and Tyler. In truth, it was meant to refer to admitting into the Fraternity only those who are deserving and earnest in pursuing the ideals of Freemasonry. Across the district, each Lodge welcomes applicants and many are admitted. But as happens far too frequently, the candidate fails to progress or stops coming to Lodge. In the as following discussion, it became clear that many times there was a lack of engagement both by the candidate and the Lodge. We owe it to the applicant to set the right expectations and to investigate him thoroughly. They must understand that becoming a Brother requires hard work, personal involvement, and a time commitment for self-improvement. Conversely, the Lodge owes it to the applicant to ensure he receives the best education possible, that there is engagement, support, and encouragement. This is a responsibility shared not only among the top-line signers or officers of the Lodge, but among all members of the Lodge. The next time someone seeks admission – before handing him a petition – ask yourself if you know he will make a solid member? Have you taken the time to understand his motivations? Is this the place for him? Is this just someone who should remain just a friend, or is this someone who will become a serious student of our craft?
Guard the West Gate!
From the South: John C. Woodrow JW
When I was an Entered Apprentice the new Worshipful Master scheduled my Fellow Craft degree on a day that I was out of town on business. I began to hurriedly rearrange my schedule so that I could get back in time for my degree when a trusted brother whispered council in my ear. He said “your priorities need to be your job, your family, and then Masons, in that order”. It’s advice I have heeded over the past several years involved with our craft. We are sometimes torn between conflicting priorities and these words “work, family, and then Lodge” have served as a good reminder of what’s important. At the same time, I’ve found it necessary to balance this with and obligation I took to obey all due signs and summonses. What that means to me is, if I don’t have a work commitment or an existing family obligation, attending Lodge activities should be my next priority. Our Lodge is only as strong as the Brothers who support it, who show up, and who are activity engaged. Food for thought, what are your priorities?
From the Southeast:
Greetings all, I am happy to report that many of the brethren have paid their dues in a timely manner this year. We have just paid our annual assessment to Grand Lodge, so our coffers have taken a bit of a hit. Please check your wallet, and if your dues card does not say 2019 on it, please consider paying your dues, or at least a partial payment to assist the Lodge with our operating expenses.
If you need assistance, please contact the Master or Secretary.
Please save the following dates:
May 25th will be a Nashua Masonic cookout at the home of the Gullett’s.
Sept 19th through the 22nd our Brother’s from John Albro Lodge # 122 will be visiting; additional details will be published in future Trestleboards.
Elected Officers – Rising Sun 2019
Worshipful Master: Timothy Marotte
Senior Warden Richard Johnston
Junior Warden John Woodrow
Secretary Brian Smith
Associate Secretary La rry Gullett
Treasurer Kevin Bailey
Associate Treasurer Steve Bahsler
Trustee: Ed Waible
Grand Lodge Rep: Michael Tebbetts
Lodge Dues are $115 for Rising Sun, combined with the Assessments for 2019 totaling $55 this brings the total to $170. Note that dues are due prior to the ensuing year. 2019 Dues are due on or before December 31, 2018
Brethren we still have a significant number of members who have not paid their Dues.
If you need assistance, please contact the Master or Secretary
2019 ANNUAL DUES ARE PAST DUE
You may pay via check, or electronically via the Rising Sun Website. You may also make donations electronically for specific funds as well.
www.risingsun39.com
Masonic Birthdays –April 2019
Happy Masonic Birthday to the following Brethren:
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| Brother | Years | |
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| Keith Vaskelionis Sr. | 63 | ||
| William R. Whitney | 54 | ||
| Ernest C. Hiscoe | 49 | ||
| Rollain E. Mercier | 44 | ||
| Robert E. Pelletier | 27 | ||
| Wilfred G. Caouette | 26 | ||
| Ronald P. Moody | 26 | ||
| Douglas M. Barker | 21 | ||
| Iouri M. Starosselski | 21 | ||
| Theodore F . Thompson | 14 | ||
| Thomas C. Rizzo | 13 | ||
| Vasilios P. Zaharopoulos | 12 | ||
| Timothy R. Marotte | 10 | ||
| Gregory R. Bean | 9 | ||
| Jon A. Rhan | 9 | ||
| Benjamin J. Langlois | 8 | ||
| David M. Denehy | 7 | ||
| Alexander L. Durden | 3 | ||
| Costin Barbu | 3 |
I wish each of the above Brethren a very happy Masonic Birthday, and invite them to join us at Lodge this month, so that I may personally extend my hand and best wishes.
Timothy Marotte, W.M.
Attest: Brian J Smith, P.M., Secretary
Proposed 2019 Amendments to the Bylaws of Rising
Sun Lodge #39, F&AM
Please see attached pdf at the top of page for all highlighted areas
Amendment 1, Article 1, Section 3, Paragraph 1 currently reads:
Stated Communications shall be held on the third Wednesday in each month, except in the months of July and August, when they shall be omitted. Special communications may be held as often as the Worshipful Master may deem proper. In the case of a special emergency, the members shall be notified by written or printed notices, stating the time, place, and business of the communication. The hour for the Stated Communication shall be at 7:30 o’clock p. m.
Amendment 1, Article 1, Section 3, Paragraph 1 will be amended to read:
Stated Communications shall be held on the third Wednesday in each month, except in the months of July and August, when they shall be omitted. The hour for the Stated Communication shall be at 7:30 o’clock p. m.
Special communications may be held as often as the Worshipful Master may deem proper. In the case of a special communication, the members shall be notified by written or printed notices, stating the time, place, and business of the communication.
In the event of dangerous traveling conditions, catastrophic event or other similar reason, the Worshipful Master may postpone the Stated Communication until the next available Wednesday. The Worshipful Master may also postpone for the same reasons a SpecialCommunication, until the next available date. Notice of such postponement must be given at least 24 hours prior to thecommunication, if possible, by all available means including but not limited to phone, email, and posted signage on the doors of the Lodge.
Notes
The intent of this amendment is to provide for the safety of the Brethren and continuity of the Lodge during periods of dangerously inclement weather or other unforeseen emergencies.
Amendment 2, Article 1, Section 6, Paragraphs 2 and 3 currently read:
Except for the Past Masters, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and the Tyler of the Lodge, and those remitted annually by vote of the Lodge for financial or physical distress, or for fifty (50) and more years of membership in good standing, each member of this Lodge shall pay to the Secretary annually, on or before the 31st day of December of the preceding year, the sum, voted by the members at the Stated Communication in September, plus the Grand Lodge per capita dues and any assessment levied by the Grand Lodge.
The Past Masters, Treasurer, Secretary, and Tyler, unless remitted by vote of the Lodge, shall pay on or before the 31st day of December of the preceding year the Grand Lodge per capita dues and any assessment levied by the Grand Lodge.
Amendment 2, Article 1, Section 6, Paragraphs 2 and 3 will be amended to read:
Except for the those remitted annually by vote of the Lodge for financial or physical distress, or for fifty (50) and more years of membership in good standing, each member of this Lodge shall pay to the Secretary annually, on or before the 31st day of December of the preceding year, the sum, voted by the members at the Stated Communication in September, plus the Grand Lodge per capita dues and any assessment levied by the Grand Lodge.
The Past Masters prior to 2016, unless remitted by vote of the Lodge, shall pay on or before the 31st day of December of the preceding year the Grand Lodge per capita dues and any assessment levied by the Grand Lodge.
Notes
The amendment amends the 3rd paragraph. It is the intention that all Past Masters since 2016 officers and members of this Lodge shall pay dues equally as does the membership at large, with the exception of those whose dues are remitted due to longevity of faithful service to the Lodge or members who are in financial or physical distress. It specifically removes the dues remittance for theSecretary, Treasurer, and Tyler. Note that it is always in the power of the members of the Lodge to propose that a member’s dues be remitted for just cause, when presented as a motion at any Stated Communication or by transmission of the request to the Master.
Amendment 3, Article ll, Section 1, Paragraph 2 reads as follows:
The first five officers of the Lodge, the Trustee, and the Representative to Grand Lodge shall be elected separately by written ballot at the Stated Communication in December. The other officers shall be appointed by the newly elected Worshipful Master.
Amendment 3, Article II, Section 1, Paragraph 2 will be amended to read:
The first five officers of the Lodge, the Trustee, and the Representative to Grand Lodge shall be elected in conformance with the provisions of Article XIV in the Grand Lodge Constitution at the State Communication in December. The other officers shall beappointed by the newly elected Worshipful Master.
Notes
The intention of this amendment is to align the Lodge’s balloting of officers to coincide with the procedure stipulated within the Grand Lodge Constitution.
Amendment 4, Article ll, Section 1, Paragraph 3 reads as follows:
The Lodge may also elect separately, by written ballot, an Assistant Treasurer and an Assistant Secretary and the newly elected Worshipful Master may appoint an Associate Chaplain and an Organist.
Amendment 4, Article II, Section 1, Paragraph 3 will be amended to read:
The Lodge may also elect in conformance with the provisions of Article XIV in the Grand Constitution, an Assistant Treasurer and an Assistant Secretary and the newly elected Worshipful Master may appoint an Associate Chaplain, Lodge Historian, and Organist.
Notes
The intention of this amendment is to align the Lodge’s balloting of officers to coincide with the procedure stipulated within the Grand Lodge Constitution and to add the positions of Associate Chaplin, Lodge Historian, and Organist to the roster of officers.
Amendment 5, Article II, Section 1, Paragraph 4 currently reads:
The installation of officers shall be held prior to the Stated Communication in February following the December election.
Amendment 5, Article II, Section 1, Paragraph 5 will be added to section 1 after Paragraph 4 to read:
The installation of officers shall be held prior to the Stated Communication in February following the December election.
No officer, elected or appointed, shall be installed into their office unless all dues and fees are current.
Notes
The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that officers of the Lodge will not suffer themselves to be suspended due to non-payment of the current year’s dues, and that they may be fully enabled to attend Grand Lodge, and be qualified to be admitted to this and other Lodges.