TRESTLEBOARD

 

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Stated Meeting of Star in the East Lodge #59, F. & A. M.

Thursday December 12, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. (Dinner at 6:P.M. and Collation after meeting)

  - To conduct all business that may regularly come before the Lodge

  - Program: “ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION OF OFFICERS”

Friday December 6: Holiday Party at Lodge Family welcome Casual Dress. 6:00pm

Thursday December 12:  Stated Meeting

Wednesday December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Wednesday January 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Saturday January 4: Installation of Officers – 2:00 P.M.

Thursday January 9: 1st Stated Meeting of 2025

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FROM THE EAST

                                                                                                                             

Greetings Hiram!

 

Having just celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday, I can’t help but direct my last Trestleboard message toward feelings of gratitude. I didn’t “grow up” in Star in the East Lodge but came here after some time at another Lodge. From the very beginning, I have been made to feel welcome and included. For the first couple of years, I was hesitant to voice my thoughts concerning anything that was happening in the Lodge because I felt I wasn’t yet ready. My Masonic journey took me through the Grand Line, and I was unable to attend every Stated Meeting. Still, I was always warmly welcomed back. Additionally, my family was connected here in Exeter through Rainbow and we spent many happy hours in our beautiful building.

 

I have always found it ironic that Masons are so connected to their Lodge through the lodge building, when we state so clearly in our Ritual that a Lodge is a specific number of men gathered to practice Freemasonry, in so many words. I am as aware as anyone of the good fortune we enjoy in being able to meet in such beautiful Masonic apartments. But in my clearest memories and feelings, when I think of Star in the East Lodge, I think of the people. It wasn’t the building that welcomed me at the beginning, and it wasn’t the building that always opened its arms when I came back. It was always the people. These memories have only been enhanced over the last two years when you gave me the privilege of serving as Worshipful Master. The experience of serving as WM has been incredible, but only because of the people. I’ll take away precious personal experiences of, not only spending quality Masonic time with so many of you, but of making heartfelt and lifelong friendships. At a time in our country when there is so much division all around us, I truly hope each of you can rise above and embrace the spirit of Brotherhood and extend it further, “Let us be happy ourselves, and endeavor to promote the happiness of others!!”

 

So, I’m filled with gratitude. Not only because I’ve had a great two years, but because your Brotherhood has renewed my love of the Craft. The last two years here have clearly instilled in me the principle that Freemasonry has always been, and will always be, practiced in a Craft Lodge. Make no mistake, I had wonderful and unforgettable experiences being Grand Master, but when I want to feel the pull of Freemasonry on my spirit, I will come to our Lodge. It lives there, and it’s the most fulfilling Masonic experience I know. It lives here because of each of you. You’ve brought it here and practiced it here and celebrated it here. And the fact that you’ve allowed me to share that with you will be forever in my heart.

 

I think maybe it’s just old guys like me who spend so much time thinking back and remembering. I don’t know. But my wish for you is that you have the same opportunity – to look back and remember cherished times with Brothers and friends. That you’re able to take away the warmth and fulfillment that is so available here. So thank you, my Brothers. Thank you for the greatest Masonic experience of my own personal journey in the Craft.

 

Mara and I wish you all a happy and fulfilling holiday season, and a future of love and peace.

 

Fraternally,

                                                              Stew Aronson, WM  (sak4mak@comcast.net)

Final Thought:

Final Thought:

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is NOT to utter words, but to live by them”    - John F. Kennedy

 

Much thanks to the Past Pasters who performed a great Entered Apprentice Degree on our new Brother Tom Flocco on November 21. Brother Flocco was tremendously impressed with the Degree, and it was a wonderful way to welcome him into the Craft.

 

Brethren, the December Stated Meeting is our most important meeting of the year. We’ll read our annual reports detailing the State of the Lodge, and we’ll vote on new officers for the upcoming year. Please come join us for our Annual Meeting!!!!

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With so many people being busy through the holiday season, for the month of December we will not adhere to our regular monthly schedule of every Thursday, and we’ll call off our monthly breakfast until January. Hopefully this will allow everyone to enjoy some family and personal time during this busy season.

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Special Notes:

 

- There is no warmth more comforting than surrounding yourself with good people who care.

- Star in the East is committed to being a Lodge that practices inclusion. Please, Brethren, if you would like to present a program, take part in Ritual, serve on a committee, or help with our dinners, we’d love to hear from you.

- Remember, our Lodge room is a sanctuary, free from the worries and tribulations of the outside world, where we all meet on the Level.

- You are someone’s impression of the Fraternity. Please dress appropriately for our meetings.

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