Dear Brethren, Sweethearts and Friends,
The Masonic year is coming to an end, and I find myself looking back at the nice variety of events and activities we have undertaken this year. As is often the case, we couldn’t do everything we wanted to do, and a certain band of termites didn’t help matters. But overall, we’ve had a very successful Masonic year.
Our crab feed last January, and the introduction of Bro. Marion Rogers’ clam chowder, kicked things off with a blast, and was followed by a lovely Sweethearts’ Valentine Luncheon. In the Spring, our Date Night and Dinner Theater was a tremendous success, and it was terrific to watch Bro. Dick Kellogg’s daughter perform in Moon over Buffalo and to meet some of the cast during our dinner. The Aloha spirit fell over all our Brethren and guests during the Summer Luau in the parking lot, with excellent Hawaiian food, beverages and fantastic entertainment. We once again hosted a charity golf tournament, and although the turnout was much lower than expected, we still had a great time and were able to raise money for Raising a Reader.
We welcomed guest speakers from both the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and the Masonic Outreach Services of Nor. California, and also members of the Masonic youth orders. We discussed the ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, learned lessons in civility, and celebrated the 80th birthdays of Most Wor. Alvin Weis and Wor. Orren Rupert.
The Lodge also engaged in community outreach this year, participating for the first time in the Moraga Faire and the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival, passing out literature and discussing Masonry and the Lodge with those who stopped by to visit our booths. And, we raised two Brothers to the sublime degree of Master Mason this year.
But the year is not quite over yet. Please join us for the Annual Installation of Officers on December 12th as we welcome Bro. Marion Rogers to the Oriental Chair, and also on December 19th for our Sweethearts Holiday Luncheon as we show our appreciation for the ladies who help to make our work possible.
For my last time as Master, I extend an invitation to all those Masons who have been away from Lodge to return home to Acalanes Fellowship Lodge. No matter how long you have been away, I invite you to renew your relationship with the Fraternity. We are best able to seek Light when the past is united with the present, so that we may all look to the future.
It has been my privilege and my pleasure to serve the Lodge this year, and I thank you for your support and trust. I am certain the Lodge will be in excellent hands next year, and I look forward to what Bro. Rogers has planned for us.
Worshipful Gary D. Sparks