On March 13th, 2023 Mt. Pickering Lodge rekindled it’s 80+ year tradition of hosting the Grand Lodge of Delaware for a night of fellowship.

Traveling north to attend this event was R.W. Ronald Ferraro, Deputy Grand Master, R. W. James Hanby ,Senior Grand Warden , R.W. Rick McTheny, Junior Grand Warden, and W.B. Kevin O’Rourke, Junior Grand Deacon. In addition, the DDGM William Herz greeted the Grand Line and accompanied the visitation.

A spectacular meal, spearheaded and delectably delivered by Brother Steward Sean McWilliam, was filet Mignon and shrimp, with salad, green beans, and mashed potatoes as sides, and a smoked salmon bar as an appetizer. This lovey meal was very well received.

During the meeting, our own SMC Doug Brown gave a very engaging talk on the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day, and how it was ushered into existence by a famous American Mason; if you missed it and with to know more, reach out to Brother Doug.

Mt Pickering was also honored by the DDGM who presented two of our members with Master Builder awards and two with Master Craftsman awards! Congratulations Brothers WM Chris Lally, SW Steven Wilson, JW Jeff Kravecs, and Sean McWilliams!

After a wonderful meeting, we concluded with dessert and refreshments and our regular door prize drawings.

The R. W. Senior Grand Warden of Delaware James Hanby has updated their Facebook page with a stunning write up of last nights event; read it here:

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02XSAoKmzFT6vMrBsMrTJeL3irkYPRpfVofijQ3KJ3mSuzTzLa5yKpqbk6WzHMevChl&id=1412132551&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6&_rdr

The second in our series of seven, on March 8th, 2023, the District Deputy Grand Mast visited Stichter Lodge No. 254 in Pottstown Pa.

On March 4th, Stichter lodge hosted our annual children’s play (Puss n Boots) and treasure hunt!

The kids and adults watched Family Stages put on an amazing play, then went downstairs in our social hall for the treasure hunt!

The Easter Bunny made an appearance, and afterwards we all enjoyed pizza from Mike’s Brick Oven Pizza! Thank you so much to Mikes for all the great food, and Family Stages for such an amazing show! And lastly, the members of Stichter Lodge #254 who came in many nights and days this past week to make sure the lodge was ready to host such an event.

Can’t wait to do it all again next year!

On February 9th the District Deputy Gran Master, William L Herz, began his annual visitation schedule starting with a trip to Boyertown Lodge no 741.

In special attendance was Past Right Worshipful Gran Master Thomas Gammon III and Past District Deputy Grand Master Timothy Pletcher.

During this historic meeting the District Deputy had the distinct pleasure of presenting a multi-generational trio of Master Builder Awards to Richard, Jake, and Thomas Zimmer; very special indeed.

You and a guest are cordially invited to attend the celebration of the 225th Anniversary of Phoenix Lodge No 75

Sunnybrook Ballroom
50 Sunnybrook Rd
Pottstown, PA 19464

5:00 Special Meeting to received the RW Grand Master Jeffrey M Wonderling

Happy hour from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Cash bar, hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Banquet to begin at 6pm

Dress for the evening is Tuxedo for Officers, semi-formal for guests

An announcement from the WM of Stichter Lodge-

One of our major projects during the year 2023 will be with District 40. This is in support of the Widows Guild program.

Stichter Lodge is hosting a fundraiser Comedy Show at Soul Joel’s Comedy Lounge at Sunnybrook, 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM.  Doors open at 6:00 PM. General entrance tickets are $20.per person and VIP tickets are $30.00. You can order your tickets at www.souljoels.com/shop/tickets/widowsguildprogram/ or by going to www.souljoels.com & clicking on the calendar and going to January 19, 2023. Their phone number is 610-686-8080.

Proceeds will be given to the Masonic Widows Guild Program..Attend and lend us your support! Thanks.

S&F,

Allan L Makins Jr WM 21-23

Stichter Lodge #254

Gents,

At last nite’s SOI we had a discussion on when we could hold our re-org meeting since Dec 7th won’t work due to the GL Quarterly Communication. It has been determined that the best nite would be Wed, Nov 30th at 7pm at SpringFord. 

Incoming Masters are needed in attendance in order to pick SOI assignments & Visitation dates for 2023. Current Masters & Wardens are also welcome. Please make sure your Lodge is represented. Masters, if your successor isn’t your current SW (included in the email) please forward this off to them.

Also, Masters & Secretaries, please fill out & return the attached 2023 Contact list so I can get started on the new Lodge Directory. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks much.

_________________________

Eric A. Bausch, P.M.

40th Masonic District Secretary

District40FAM@gmail.com

40th Masonic District of Pennsylvania (pa40th.org)

The members of Spring-Ford are once again holding a Chicken BBQ dinner at the Lodge!

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22nd—NOON TO 4PM 
MEAL INCLUDES SMOKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTER, THREE SIDES (MACARONI
SALAD, POTATO SALAD, & BAKED BEANS), A ROLL, AND A BOTTLE OF WATER.
SEE A LODGE MEMBER FOR TICKETS OR PURCHASE ON-SITE THE DAY OF.
TAKE OUT ORDERS ONLY. DRIVE-THRU SERVICE AT THE SPRING-FORD MASONIC
LODGE No. 553, 659 CHURCH STREET, ROYERSFORD, PA.

The Grand Lodge Leadership Seminar is being offered on Saturday October 15, 2022 at the Valley of Allentown at 1533 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18102. 

We have all heard the Grand Master’s desire that we communicate the value of the fraternity to the membership.  THIS is one of the many opportunities that we offer and our members can take advantage of it very inexpensively.  In my career, I have attended and presented at numerous leadership seminars similar to this one.  I highly recommend this one as a leadership development opportunity for our membership.  

I am asking for your assistance to actively promote this program to your Lodge officers and upcoming officers.  Many of our officers have never been in a leadership position and this course will help make them much more effective when they are running their respective lodges. 

When I say “actively promote”,  I am not suggesting you simply forward this email.  You need to personally encourage these brothers to take advantage of this opportunity.  You know which lodges and brothers are in particular need of this sort of training.  Please engage them on the phone or preferably face to face and get them signed up for this course. 

About the Course:

The Leadership Seminar is designed to be very interactive and thought provoking.  The course covers different leadership styles, the importance of effective communication, conflict management, how to motivate and persuade, and illustrates the value of embracing generational differences.  It is a combination of lecture and breakout groups for more intimate discussions on other leadership challenges and situations.

Registration will run from 7:45AM – 8:30AM with a continental breakfast

The course will be conducted from 8:30AM – 3:30PM with a lunch provided for the participants.

The registration is currently open on the Grand Lodge website (https://pagrandlodge.org/event/2022-grand-lodge-leadership-seminar-3/). There is a $25.00 registration fee that needs to be paid during the online registration process.  Lodges are authorized to reimburse this fee and mileage for any Brother that wishes to attend.

Mike Yacovelli asked me to let everyone know that Lancaster County Club of the A.A.S.R is having their Fall Dinner.on Tuesday, October 4th at 6pm. All are invited.

It’s Seafood Night at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Cost is $40 per person. 

Please RSVP to Dick Eby at 717-808-6752.