Wausau Trestleboard
December 2018
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Greetings again from the East Brethren. Upon accepting the nomination to lead Forest Lodge through the 2018 year, I had a good idea of how I wanted my term to unfold. Most lodge masters do and many of them will tell you when their term is done that so much was left unaccomplished. As I write my departing message from the East, I’m proud to say our agenda for the year was fulfilled.
Allow me to recap the year for you all so we know what we have accomplished. We have welcomed new Entered Apprentices, passed Fellowcrafts, and raised new Master Masons both in our lodge and at the Day of Light. We have awarded our Past Master a Lodge Excellence Award. We have cleaned a two-mile stretch of highway for those that travel it. We have presented Freemasonry to the community in classrooms and elsewhere. We have helped brothers in need during times of personal and family crisis. We have continued our annual Summer Picnic tradition. We have seen newly-made master masons take on leadership and degree roles in our lodge that traditionally were reserved for those with more experience. We have welcome into our lodge the Most Worshipful Grand Master and other dignitaries and demonstrated for them the differences and similarities of a lodge from another country. We have come together to learn more about each other by attending our brother’s places of worship and learned more about their hobbies. We have represented our lodge at community events to raise funds for other worthy organizations in the area. We have provided scholarships to deserving high school graduates to assist in their ongoing studies. We have accepted new brothers that have moved to our area. We have graciously accepted the resignation of a brother and suspended others. We have successfully hosted a car show to raise funds to make better the lives of others. We have started the enormous task of finding a new home for Masonry that will serve future generations of brothers. We have celebrated a wedding, welcomed new family members, and attended funerals. We have laughed together, and we have cried together. All of these things, my brothers, were done in a short Masonic year.
I do have one last item on my agenda that we will begin at the November 28th stated meeting. We will begin the process of discussing a charitable project that may be “owned” by our lodge for years to come should the lodge be willing to continue it. We have many ideas submitted and we will be bringing this to a vote before I turn over the reins to the capable hands of brother Joe Barlow.
It is extremely important for me to express my sincere gratitude to all of you. Before accepting the nomination to Master, I was clear to all that I would need help. I’m not a great ritualist and have time constraints with a busy family and work life. You all reassured me that I had your support. I could not have imagined the degree to which you meant it. You all stepped up to organize degree teams, learn and perform ritual, interview candidates, and sit in chairs sometimes unfamiliar to include the East.
A very special appreciation is extended to the best Secretary/Treasurer presently serving in the state of Wisconsin. Brother Barry, thank you for keeping me on task. Thank you all for allowing me the privilege and experience of serving Forest Lodge #130 as Master. I’m honored, humbled, and appreciative of the experience. Hopefully my tenure was at least in some small way rewarding to you as well. As I turn over the East to Brother Joe, be prepared for a busy schedule. By this time next year, we will be settled into our new home with a list of accomplishments greater than that above. A blessed balance of 2018 to you all. Jesse“
Do something good for someone and don’t ask or expect anything in return. You will be immediately rewarded.” JAF
Calendar:
Note the electronic Trestleboard is published monthly. Changes in dates and or times are reflected on our Calendar Page, which is updated as needed.
Forest Lodge No. 130, F & A.M.
December 5th — 7:00 PM Stated Communication / South at 6:30 PM
December 10th — Medford Lodge 217 Installation of Officers
December 12th — 7:00 PM Installation of Officers
December 19th – 7:00 PM Forest Lodge No 130 Stated Communication
**Note Forest Lodge 130 now meets at the Merrill Masonic Center, 916-1/2 E. Main St. Merrill, WI 54452**
Wisconsin Valley Shrine Club
Wisconsin Valley Shrine Club meets every Friday for a noon luncheon at the Wausau Elks Club.
Wausau York Rite
December 13th — 7:00 PM. Stated Commandery.
December 18th — 7:00 PM. Stated Meeting, Chapter and Council.
Scottish Rite Club
Meets for breakfast at 7:00 AM 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays at Perkins.
Wisconsin Valley Auxiliary
On Friday, December 14, 2018, the Wisconsin Auxiliary will meet for a luncheon and meeting at the Palms. Lunch will start at 11.00 a.m. with the meeting beginning approximately at 12.30 p.m. The presentation will be given by Cecilia Sliwicki on Humorous Christmas Music.
