January 2013

Richardson Freemasons

Vision 2020

Work Schedule

01/22/2013      6:30 PM           Master’s Degree

01/29/2013      7:00 PM           5th Tuesday Fellowship

02/05/2013      6:30 PM           February Stated Meeting

02/12/2013      7:00 PM           Fellowcraft Degree

02/19/2013      7:00 PM           Officers’ Meeting

02/22/2013      7:00 PM           Opening/Closing Practice

03/05/2013      6:30 PM           March Stated Meeting/DDGM

Upcoming Events

01/26/2013      9:00 AM          Grand Master’s Conference (Hella Shrine)

02/16/2013      8:00 AM          Girl Scout Cookie Distribution

02/23/2013      1:00 PM           Widow’s Tea

03/19/2013      6:30 PM           Past Masters’ Night

04/02/2013      6:30 PM           Stated Meeting/Lamar Medals & Scholarship Awards

Grand Lodge Changes

Walter W. Rogers of Bedias Lodge No. 651 was installed as Grand Master.  Wendell P. Miller was elected Grand Junior Warden.  Several resolutions were passed and are too lengthy to describe here.  If you have any questions, please contact Senior Warden Jeff Smith for a summary of the events.

DDGM Visit

On March 5, 2013, Right Worshipful Harold E. Brown, DDGM, will make his official visit to Richardson Masonic Lodge.  We respectfully request your attendance at this event.

 

Newtown Tragedy

Master Joseph Porco of  Hiram Lodge No. 18 in Newtown, Connecticut, requests that any brethren wishing to make monetary donations to relieve the involved families direct funds to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut’s 501(c)(3) “Connecticut Freemasons Foundation” at P.O. Box 69, Wallingford, CT 06492-0069.  Please note in the memo line of any check the phrase “Newtown Family Relief Fund.”  The brothers of Hiram Lodge express their deepest gratitude for the immediate outpouring of support and report that “Our love and prayers are lifted up daily for the families of these precious children, teachers and others who were slain.”

Girl Scout Cookie Distribution

On Saturday, February 16, 2013, Richardson Lodge will assist in distributing shipping boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to Girl Scouts and their leaders.  We will meet at 7:30 AM sharp at 13950 Senlac Drive, #200 in Farmers Branch, Texas.  We will be distributing the shipping boxes from two warehouse lanes into parents’ personal vehicles.  The parents then distribute them to the girls and, finally, on to the consumers.  Our shift ends at 2:30 PM.  This is an excellent opportunity for fellowship and service.  Please mark Saturday morning on your calendar and come out to assist us!  Please inform Senior Warden Jeff Smith [214.924.8690] if you are able to attend.

Master’s Message

Brethren,

As Richardson Lodge’s Masonic Year advances past its halfway point, I am reminded that our candidates continue to advance as well.  More degrees are in our future!

Our national news these past few weeks has been dominated by a shooting tragedy and a fiscal cliff. Masonry prevails upon us to maintain peace and harmony and make our focus outward instead of inward.  I pass along this gem from Fred McFeely Rogers:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.”

Frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in our Masonry is the duty to look beyond ourselves and assist those in need.  At times, service to others seems to be in short supply in modern America.  But it is there.  Let us remember in this New Year to practice our duties to others.  Above, you will see many such opportunities.

Fraternally,

Christopher D. Livingston, WM