Trestleboard | star-in-the-east-59

APRIL 2024 trestleboard

Star in the East Lodge #59

Exeter, New Hampshire

Wor. Stewart L. Aronson, MWPGM, Master

TRESTLEBOARD

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

Thursday April 11, 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: “Freemasonry and Religion ” - R. W. Larry Sprague, SGW

Thursday April 4, 6:30 – Ritual Discussion: “Opening Charge”

SATURDAY APRIL 6, 7:00 PM – Coffee House

Thursday April 11 – Stated Meeting

Sunday April 14 – Friendship Breakfast - Friends & Family invited!

Wednesday April 17 – Grand Master’s Town Hall Meeting in Portsmouth 6:30/7:00

Thursday April 18 – Hot Dog Night

Saturday April 20 – Lodge Strategic Plan Workshop , 9:00 – 3:00

Saturday April 20 – Triple 8 Travelers Lodge Annual Anniversary Banquet

Thursday April 25 – Masters Class: “Choosing & Developing Junior Officers” – 6:30

Looking Ahead

Thursday May 2 – Ritual Discussion

Saturday May 4 – Coffee House

Thursday May 9: Stated Meeting

Sunday May 12 – Mother’s Day & Friendship Breakfast

Saturday May 18 – Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of NH

Thursday May 30 – Fellow Craft Degree

===================================================================

FROM THE EAST

Greetings Hiram!

Last month I wrote about our Lodge working hard to create Masonic Opportunity for our Brethren. I’d like to continue with a similar train of thought, which is taking that opportunity to create a Masonic Experience. Like all Lodges, our membership spreads far beyond those of us who regularly attend our Lodge meetings and functions. As Worshipful Master, I continually wonder whether those Brethren whom we don’t get to see have a sense of who we are as a Lodge. Concurrently, I believe it to be a worthwhile exercise to continually have that discussion with those of us who are together more often.

Let’s take a shot at defining a Masonic Experience. Please understand that in being charged to write the Trestleboard, I end up having a unique opportunity to have my voice heard where others are not. I want those reading this to understand that my interpretation of a Masonic Experience, is indeed, mine. I do not expect everyone to just shake their heads in agreement. We are all entitled to have our own Masonic Experience. Onward. We – each of us – go through quite a bit to become a Master Mason. From the initial conversation with our sponsor(s), to Petition, Ballot, Initiation, Passing and Raising. This is not just joining a club, nor was it ever meant to be. There is work involved to becoming a Mason because it’s an introduction into the ways of the Craft, which require anyone who desires Masonic enlightenment to work for it. Anyone can “join” an organization and carry a dues card. That’s not Freemasonry. The experience one receives from being a member of most organizations or societies is easily replicated from one to the next, and one need not experience the transformative experience of becoming a Mason to enjoy social hours and outings.

A Masonic Experience is one that gives us the “opportunity” (there’s that word again!!) to truly expand our understanding of the world, of our fellow man, to gain true enlightenment, and to give back to humanity in a way that surpasses simply writing checks.

Without doubt, there are many paths that allow a Mason to travel a Masonic journey, and mine may well be different than yours. However, there are far more paths that we travel together. We can all take solitary time to read, study, contemplate or meditate and discover enlightenment for ourselves. As Masons, we obligate ourselves to working together toward those same aspirations. In working together, we not only multiply our opportunities for learning, but we enjoy the benefits of Brotherly Love & Friendship. But how does our Lodge play a part in lighting that path before us? In January of 2023, we published a set of principles that we believe define Star in the East Lodge. Rather than trying to redefine them, here they are, presented again. Brethren, I sincerely hope the paths you have chosen allow you the enlightenment of a “Masonic Experience”.

We are a Fellowship of Brothers united in a common pursuit of enlightenment and virtue
We are committed to observing the principles, Charges and Constitutions of Freemasonry
We will create an environment of peace, safety and harmony for our Members and guests
We believe that the stated purpose of Freemasonry is for good men to improve themselves
We believe in practicing excellence in our Ritual and protocols
We will ensure that candidates in our Lodge are nurtured according to their own comfort in learning and assimilation
We believe we are all someone’s impression of Masonry and will therefore be cautious in our speech, behavior, and appearance in and out of Lodge
We adhere to the Masonic principle of the belief in a Supreme Being, and that every Mason be allowed to practice his chosen Faith in his own way
We are committed to ensuring that our Brethren follow the Masonic principles of Friendship Morality, Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth, and Charity
We will strive to provide a fulfilling experience of fellowship by enjoying each other’s company around a festive board before each of our meetings

Star in the East Lodge #59 is desirous of, and will make every effort to, create an environment leading to our becoming a “Destination Lodge”, and a place of Masonic harmony for our Brethren, guests, and whole Masonic Community.

Fraternally,

Stew Aronson, WM (sak4mak@comcast.net)

Final Thought:

“Those who are enlightened never stop forging themselves.” – Morihei Ueshiba

===================================================================

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.

From the South

Fraternal Greetings Brethren,

I am happy to see so many events taking place within the walls of the lodge. We are having more events of sharing food and good Masonic communion and communication with each other. Dinners have become more efficient with better attention to making reservations ahead of time…thank you!. This cuts down on the cost and amount of leftovers. Hot dog nights and our monthly breakfast gatherings are showing a steady or increasing number of attendees. A special thanks to our “Master Chefs” Cindy, Michael Daley Jr., and Danielle. A special note of thanks to Worshipful Aronson and his talented wife for the excellent “Corned Beef Hash” we were able to enjoy at or March breakfast.

Looking ahead, we have some special meals in the works. April will feature the return of the famous “Newfield’s Fried Chicken.” This meal went over extremely well last year. May will feature at least two flavors of pork loin. June will have two meals – Hot Dog and Beans will favor our tables for the “Veterans Program” and steak and lobster will round out our time together before the summer break. I will include the price points for three of the four meals as they come together (no charge for the veteran’s program meal).

Worshipful Michael Daley Jr. and I picked up three chairs that required needed attention from our expert craftsman. Worshipful Daley is always at the ready to help me attend to these chores.

I will be sending out notices on the “Steak and Lobster” event. Though this is in June, I will want to have an “exact” number of reservations for those wanting one, or both proteins. This is certainly the most expensive meal to put together. I will gladly start taking reservations in April.

FOOD RELATED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Brother officers: I will count the twelve of us as always attending dinner (unless you notify me otherwise).

Thank you for many compliments you send Chef Cindy’s way. She really works hard to make Star in the East, a food destination.

The menu for April stated:

Back by popular demand – “Newfield’s Famous Fried Chicken Strips and Thighs.”

MAIN COURSE: Fried Chicken, macaroni and cheese, whipped potatoes, and rolls.

DESSERT: Homemade Strawberry Trifle and Chocolate Pudding – Cake concoction:)

COLLATION: Chocolate Fudge Brownies and Apple Spice Cake Squares.

The cost of this meal will be $15.00.

NOTE: RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST FOR THIS MEAL.

If you will be joining us for dinner, you are requested to email or call Brother Michael Frost, Junior Warden: MWF714@comcast.net; cell: 603-944-5404.

Dinner will typically cost $10.00 in the upcoming year. Note: The cost of “special dinners” will be increased to cover the cost.

Note: PLEASE reserve no later than the forty-eight (48) hours prior to the stated event. Only “Active Candidates” and “Special Ladies” will not be charged for meals.

Fraternal Blessings,

Michael W. Frost, Junior Warden - Star in the East #59

IMPORTANT REMINDER: STAR IN THE EAST LODGE IS A “NO SMOKING” FACILITY!!!

From the West

Brethren,

I hope this finds you and your families well. I hope you had a nice Easter holiday with your families. This month of March has not been very nice in the weather department and as I sit and write this the weather report looks like we could have a significant snow storm in the coming week.

Even though all of this untimely weather may be happening it is warm and welcoming at the Masonic Building and I would invite all of you that can come and enjoy that warmth. The Lodge has many things going on that you can come and enjoy so I encourage to try to come out and enjoy at least one thing a month.

- R.W. Dwane Staples, Senior Warden

Sunday is Funday

Just a reminder – our next breakfast will be April 14, at 9:00 am and go until we run out of food or conversation. Bring your family and friends. There is no charge. All we ask is that you bring some food item to contribute to the meal. If you could please let the Junior Warden or me know if you’re attending it would be appreciated.

– Wor. Mike Daley Jr., PM

Star in the East Academic Awards

Star in the East gives out thousands of dollars in Academic Awards each year. If you have someone who may benefit from this program send an email to Mdaley1032@gmail.com to

request an application. Applications must be received by April 1, 2024. The application must be accompanied with a short essay about the applicant and their plans for the future.

– M. Daley, Jr., PM, Dep. Treasurer

A Historical Perspective

Star in the East #59 Did You Know

Star in the East apparently caught the attention of Grand Lodge early in its existence - for positive reasons. Disregarding the Master who was expelled from Masonry and stripped of all Masonic honors, six of the first seven Past Masters from Star in the East served the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire as either Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master, or both, at some time during their Masonic career. The only one who did not was our first Worshipful Master, William Philbrick. However, he has his own distinction. Worshipful Brother Philbrick was the only Worshipful Master who had been a member of all three Masonic Lodges in Exeter, and had served as Master of Phoenix Lodge #13 on at least two occasions. The six others did not serve their terms as District Deputy consecutively or in the same order as they had been Master.

– R.W. Richard F. Cole, Jr. PM, Historian

From the North

Fraternal Greetings Brethren,

As I write this, there is a Spring storm headed our way and I hope you are all safe and prepared. I will be visiting family in Arizona while the storm hits, so don’t be jealous! I will also be visiting Phoenicia Lodge #58 for their April Stated and I will bring them greetings from their Brethren in New England.

Our Lodge continues to home in on the goal of becoming a “destination Lodge” with interesting and informative programs, great meals and expanding sidelines. I hope to see more and more Brethren attending our beautiful Lodge and spreading the word about how great it is to be a part of Star in the East #59.

-Wor. David P. Dominianni, PM

HELP WANTED!!!

Brethren, our new public coffee house, held on the first Saturday of each month at 7 pm is going well. Now we need someone to be the manager. It doesn’t require a tremendous amount of work. You would show up around 5:30 and prepare the coffee, tea and pastries, and be sure the room is set up appropriately. There is minimal cleanup afterwards. We’ll be glad to show you in 5 minutes! It’s a perfect opportunity for a Brother to share with his partner. Please let me know if you would like to be our Coffee House Manager!