TBMay2010

Trestleboard ASHLER LODGE May 2010

Greetings from the East,

Brethren, I hope you had a chance to hear R.W.B. David Owen share his knowledge and insight on the Life Membership program, the inner workings of Grand Lodge itself, and more importantly how lodge dues and the Grand Lodge annual member assessment (commonly referred to as per-capita) relate and have your questions answered. After listening to RW Owen and reviewing the proposed 2011 GL budget I am certain that per-capita is only going to go up. Please note that I am not making a judgment about that, I am simply acknowledging that with the current GL assessment at $15 and basic expenses continuing to rise, it appears to me to be a clearly marked path.

What this really means to us as a lodge is that it is past time for us to take an honest look at our current dues structure and ask ourselves if our current system will carry us forward another 100 years. Currently the lodge does not charge a separate assessment for GL per-capita and simply pays each members GL per-capatia from their dues remitted and any returns achieved from the life membership fund. In practical terms this means that currently 50% of our dues go to the Grand Lodge. While in the last two years we have established a budget and have managed to work well within our means as well as engage in fundraising activities, the reality is that the lodge is not self sustaining. Luckily our forefathers had the vision and insight to acquire a building with financial means to maintain itself and keep the loge out of debt; however, that is not the panacea it may appear to have been. Brethren, it is time to ask ourselves if perhaps we have not lived too long on our history. In sort we need to decide for ourselves, before we have a real problem, if our current dues structure is enough to not only sustain the lodge but to allow it to grow into the future. I am not proposing any changes at this time brothers just asking that as we head into summer you make the time to consider the future of your lodge and what you think the best manner for the lodge to meet its future financial obligations should be.

Now that I’ve got that out of the way, you should know that things overall are continuing to go well. In the last month we’ve had 3 EA degrees and raised one Master Mason. Congratulations to Bro. Roger Kaultenback our newest Master Mason. This was a very special degree because his father was able to join us from California and take part in the degree. I have always found that there is something special when a father is able to raise his son. We have two more MM degrees coming up quick so keep an eye on your calendars and the web site for updates. Finally I’d like to congratulate our EA team for their excellent work. I was unable to attend one of the EA degrees and am very proud to report that your officer’s stepped up and had a great night without me.

For this month’s stated communication our speaker will be WB David Mccuistion who will give a short presentation on the history of the flag. We will then present a tribute to those Brother Masons that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of their nation. Brethren, we are continuing to build the lodge roster with the names of those members of Ashler Lodge that are or were veterans. If you have any information, please forward it to the secretary or myself.

The second quarterly street clean-up for 2010 is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd. Breakfast is at Steve’s and then we re-group behind the lodge to grab our gear and head off to 104th. This continues to be a great opportunity for brothers to spend some quality fellowship time. I look forward to seeing you there.

And Brethren, it is that time of year again so, immediately after street clean up we will have a forum in the lodge dining room to discuss the Grand Lodge resolutions. Please take the time to review them prior to our meeting, there are only 8 this year, and be prepared to provide your feedback on them to the lodge leadership team. Everyone is encouraged to attend the discussion.

Finally my Brethren, summer is upon us so make sure you’ve got the dates you volunteered for nailed down and on your calendars. No one expects you to do everything, but we can’t sustain our programs unless everyone does a little along the way. This is the time to grow your Masonic light. It is going to be a great summer.

This month’s focus on youth is T.H. Little DeMolay Chapter. These young men do not go dark so be sure to reach out to them over the summer.

The theme for this month’s meeting is remembrance. What does that really mean?

Fraternally,

Richard Beers, Worshipful Master

rbeers@msn.com

May Calendar

Sat 1, 8:00 am – Breakfast @ Steve’s Cafe

9:00 am – 3rd Degree - Allyn Llyr

Sun 2, 8:30 am – CAV training at Blalock

Tues 4, 8:30 am – D2 Youth Appreciation at RHL

Thu 6, 7:00 pm – Masonic Education

8:00 pm – Temple Board Meeting