| Los Altos Lodge No. 712: | Last Updated on December 16, 2009 |
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Brethren -
I want to thank you once again for electing me to be the Master of Los Altos Lodge #712.
As you are aware the Lodge financial picture is cloudy to say the least. The main source of revenue for Lodge programs comes from office rentals. This revenue stream has been impacted by the economic commercial downturn. The building which was once bringing in substantial revenue is still making a profit however, in order to service the debt incurred for the recent building modifications, the available Lodge income from that resource has decreased. It is necessary therefore to set our Lodge programs and goals accordingly. To this end I am asking you for your support in making these necessary changes to make our fiscal future brighter.
Dues:
Los Altos has one of the lowest dues structures in the area. Currently members pay $15 per annum to the Lodge and $31 Grand Lodge per capita.
In 2010 –2011 the per-capita will increase to $33. I will be asking for a committee to evaluate our current dues structure and make any appropriate recommendations to be taken before the membership for the 2011 year.
Lodge Budget:
You will notice that several of the old Lodge sponsored projects have been severely reduced. Several new items have been added with the hope that by better serving the community we will increase our visibility.
Lodge Web-site:
The Lodge needs to bring back old members and find a source for new ones. To this end modern networking needs to be implemented. The Lodge web-site needs a major modification to try and highlight our Lodge and the programs it offers for its members. I am asking anyone who has web skills to contact me.
Lodge Service:
When was the last time you helped out with a Lodge program? The Lodge needs you to step up and offer to serve. We can use help sending out mail, joining one of our committees and even driving a fellow brother to Lodge. I could even use a few brother’s willing to listen and give advice (Masters committee).
Widows/Members:
We will be making an appeal to get in touch with our widows and lodge members on a regular basis. I need someone willing to help and make the calls necessary to keep the Lodge informed.
Bobbie Byers
Master-Elect
Handbook for Entered Apprentice:
“...While studying Masonic symbolism, history, and organization can be interesting and exciting, the goal is to be able to translate the lessons and experiences that one gains from Masonry into one’s daily actions. Freemasonry, if approached with humility, an open heart, and an open mind, will make one a gentleman, a better family man, and a better citizen. It should also be understood that while Freemasnory is not a religion, it does encourage its members to be active in their own religious traditions.”
“… Freemasonry is a traditional initiatic order. It is not a secret society, but rather, a society with secrets. While it took its modern form during Enlightenment, its traditions, symbols, and lessons reach back to premodern times.
The general work associated with the initiatic tradition and the purpose of Freemasonry, put simply, is to provide an environment where good men can come together to pursue meaningful intellectual and spiritual growth. It is often said that Freemasonry “makes good men better” . One of the underlying tenets of the initiatic tradition is the belief that with each individual that becomes a better person, the entire word profits”.
One of the Grand Masters goal’s this year is to bring back members to the Lodge. Please join us for a Stated Meeting or one of our other programs and bring back the spirit of friendship, brotherly love and affection.
David Anderson
Senior Warden - Elect
Joseph M. Davis April 2009 Arlo E. Gilpatrick November 2009 Fred Hastings PM December 2009Soft and safe be thy resting place
January 17th,2009 at 3:PM.
Dinner to follow with reservations.
Tom Ellison (408) 954-1945
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