October 2012

Richardson Freemasons

Vision 2020

Work Schedule

10/30/2012      6:30 PM           Halloween Party

11/06/2012      6:30 PM           November Stated Meeting

11/10/2012      11:00 AM        Veterans’ Ceremonial & Dedication of Flag Pole

11/20/2012      7:30 PM           Rusty Nail Program (more on this next month)

12/01/2012      9:00 AM          Richardson Christmas Parade

12/04/2012      6:30 PM           December Stated Meeting

Upcoming Events

12/06/2012      ALL DAY        Grand Lodge in Waco

12/07/2012      ALL DAY        Grand Lodge in Waco

12/08/2012      ALL DAY        Grand Lodge in Waco

12/11/2012      7:30 PM           Fellowcraft Degree

01/01/2013      6:30 PM           January Stated Meeting (Yes, we never go dark)

Heroes Breakfast

On September 29, 2012, we welcomed over 40 police officers and firefighters to lodge for a complementary breakfast.  Past Master Frank Todd and Affiliated Past Master Ed Kirkpatrick manned the stoves while Junior Deacon Donnye Winship and several other brothers assisted.  Also in attendance were the following City Council Members: Mark Solomon, Amir Omar, and Scott Dunn.  It was an excellent event dedicated to our hometown heroes.

Veterans’ Ceremonial & Dedication of the Flag Pole

On Saturday, November 10, 2012, please join us as we re-dedicate a recently plumbed flag pole.  This short event will begin at 11:00 A.M. and will feature a presentation by Frank Todd regarding the symbolism in the American flag.  We would welcome your attendance along with your family and friends.

Rusty Nail Program

On November 20, 2012, our Ritual Team [Chairman Neal Roberts, PM, Ron Radford, PM, and Senior Warden Jeff Smith] will present a Rusty Nail Program.  Remember in your own Lodge all you need for admission is a valid dues card; you NEVER have to work your way in.  But some brothers are reluctant to come because they have forgotten a word or two.  This program, open to all Master Masons, will reacquaint you with the various grips and words of the degrees.  Please let our expert instructors refresh your recollection and help you remember those things that first impressed you upon your entrance into your lodge.

Master’s Message

Brethern,

This year, as we do every year, we take that moment to embrace and honor the service of our veterans.  We all know this, but it is worth repeating: the major hostilities of World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.  President Wilson established Armistice Day a year later.  Congress converted Armistice Day into Veterans Day in 1954.  Veterans Day celebrates all U.S. Veterans, while Memorial Day is day of remembering those who died while serving their country.

Brother Audie Murphy, who was born near Farmersville and was a member of the Dallas Scottish Rite and Hella Shrine, is one of the most recognizable veterans from the DFW area.  Brother Murphy was the most decorated hero of World War II.  And Masonry counts tens of thousands more veterans amongst its ranks.  Our brothers have served their country with the same reverence for America instructed by our craft.  They have approved of the inculcation of patriotism and respect for law and order that Scottish Rite Masons have pledged themselves to exhibit.  But this would all be for naught had our veterans not answered the call to serve our great nation.

Words cannot fully express the gratitude we owe our veterans.  Paraphrasing President Lincoln, in a larger sense, our brave veterans, living and dead, have accomplished feats far above our poor power to add or detract.  Their sacrifice in service of our country is what preserves our union, our country, and our way of life.

We humbly thank every veteran for their service.  We further thank our Masonic veterans for their service not only to America, but to our Masonry.  Without you, we would not be here.

Thank you for your service, my brothers!

Fraternally,

Christopher D. Livingston, WM