CATAWBA MASONIC LODGE NO. 56, A.F.M.

P.O. Box 56

Fort Mill, S. C. 29716

August 21, 2009

Brethren,

We have now completed eight months activity for Catawba Lodge No. 56. On Thursday, August 20^th, we raised three brothers to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. A total of ten brothers have been raised to this degree this year. Brothers, these degrees could not have been done had we not had a group of dedicated men who devote a great amount of time to coaching these candidates. Thanks to the Officers, Past Masters, and Brethren, we have conferred these degrees in a proficient manner. It is often said that every good man must have the support of a good woman. Lest we forget the support that the Officers and Coaches receive. Otherwise, none of us could be successful in our duties to the Lodge.

At our last Regular Meeting, we received on petition for the degrees which is now out on investigation.

This being our 150^th year as a Chartered Lodge, I feel especially honored to be in the East. We have some interesting things that will be presented in the coming months. These events will culminate with our Annual Banquet. Plans are being made even as this is being written.

We have completed a phase of maintenance to the Lodge by painting the dining area. We still have some trim work to be done, but the pictures have been placed back on the walls in a new configuration. Some of the pictures are now available in an album which is on a podium in the dining area. The podium was built and given to the Lodge by Worshipful Brother Gary D. Welch, Sr. Please be sure to browse through this album on your next visit.

The front entrance doors are ready to be hung, but the installation requires at least 3 or 4 people to accomplish this. At this time, newly raised Master Mason, brother Jeffrey Kuk, is looking for some volunteers to help him with this task. The next big task will be the clean the entire facility. To cut down on the cost of this effort, we need lots of volunteer help. Won’t you please help?

The exterior painting has yet to be done, but we are hopeful that this will be completed by early October 2009. Worshipful Brother Johnny Maye is getting ready to put out pine straw, trim / shape the shrubbery, remove some dead shrubs, and possibly cut down the Bradford Pear trees which are planted too close to the Lodge building.

Our By-Laws have been changed to adopt the Perpetual Life Membership. The Grand Lodge of South Carolina has approved this change. To those that have expressed an interest in Perpetual Life Membership can now apply. At our September regular Meeting, we will have the third reading to change the By-Laws regarding Annual Dues. Based on the financial reports, the Financial Committee reviews, our financial status continues to decline as expenses are exceeding the income. As a result, the Lodge is using reserve funds to pay current operating expenses. A vote will follow this third reading.

The election of officers will take place in December 2009. Please get to know the officers that are in line for the elected offices. It is your Masonic right and duty to vote and elect those brothers whom you think can best serve the Lodge for the coming year. Those elected officers must be faithful to their duties to the Lodge.

Michael Troutman, Worshipful Master