Brethren and Ladies,

As we approach the holiday season and the close of my year as Worshipful Master of Hollywood Lodge #355, I would like to thank all of you for your generosity, your support and your dedication to this Lodge.

I would also like to thank Aaron for his time as caterer and all the ladies who helped Claudia and me with the Stated Meeting entertainment, without your assistance our dinners would not have been as well attended.

I also want to thank all the chairmen this year. Each of you helped organize our social and administrative activities and in doing so made this year fun and productive. I especially want to thank George Fayle for his patience with the CHIPs this year and Russell and Sara for taking over the mailing process.

I also want to thank all the members who took the time to perform investigations this year. Although I cannot name you individually, you all know who you are. The dedication of your time to protect the West Gate was paramount and has helped the Lodge ensure a brighter future.

I also want to thank the coaching staff, who, under Wor. Bro. Stan Higgins' direction has transformed our candidates' education process into a structured and well attended program.

Of course, I have to thank our Newly Obligated Brethren as well. Your membership and continued participation in our activities is vital to the success of our Lodge. In time, you will discover the reward of becoming a Mason.

I also want to thank my advisors and all the Past Masters who continually provided me with countless great ideas and useful suggestions.

Last but not least, I want to thank my Officers and my Officers at Large. I especially want to thank Bros. Russell Jaeger, Art Melendez and Steve Mahr for filling the line after the loss of our Junior Warden without hesitation. Your commitment to ritual and your unwavering support when needed by the Worshipful Master and the Lodge Membership is testimony that the future of this Lodge is in good and able hands.

Happy Holidays to each of you and I look forward to seeing you all at the 2008 Installation of Officers on December 15th.

James Bayhylle
Worshipful Master

jbayhylle@gmail.com