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

P.O. Box 56

Fort Mill, S. C. 29716

December 11, 2009

To the Officers and Brethren of Catawba Lodge,

It has been my honor and pleasure to have served as Worshipful Master of Catawba Lodge for this past year.  I want to thank the Officers, Past Masters, and Brethren for their support and encouragement.   A total of ten brothers have been raised to this degree this year. This shows that Masonry is alive and well at Catawba Lodge.  And, we will have no NPD’s to report for this year on our Annual Report to the Grand Lodge of South Carolina.  WOW!  What a wonderful year, and how bittersweet it is to be leaving the East.

I feel especially honored to have been in the East during the 150^th year anniversary, which is a special landmark; not only for Masonry but also for the Town of Fort Mill.  During this past year, some much needed repairs and improvement were done to the building and to the grounds.  Thank you  to every Brother who worked very hard to make these improvements. I am very appreciative and grateful for your efforts. A few objectives were accomplished, and a lot were not.  These were the result of my own failure to properly plan.  For this I am truly regretful.  I will certainly do my part to assist them.  As always, several Brothers worked diligently to make the Fund Raisers successful.  Your input and new ideas for other fund raising events are excellent ideas and worthy

of pursuing. 

Most importantly, there was a noticeable effort to improve the proficiency of the work.  For this, everyone should be grateful.  This has not gone unnoticed by members and visitors throughout the 22^nd Masonic District.  To the Coaches I say that you have done and continue to do good work.  This effort requires a lot of your time, and I know that you do it for the love of Masonry.   I am especially proud that you are not using the Redbook when you examine candidates on their proficiency.  All of these things are a work-in-progress, so I encourage you to continue to be diligent in these efforts.

Finally Brethren, I want to thank you again for the honor and the privilege to serve as your Master.  I was encouraged and assisted by the Officers and Past Masters.  Their dedication and support was the major part of the successes of this past year.  “Thank you” doesn’t seem quite adequate, but it says it all. The Past Masters provide important and valuable advice. And, to the new Officers, I encourage you and offer my support.

Fraternally,

Michael Troutman, Worshipful Master 2009