Lodge Letter

January, 2008

The Lodge had a productive year in 2007 and looks to continue that trend into the 2008 year. Many of the targeted projects were completed including having the Lodge roof repaired, netting $4,249.20 in the Fest-i-Fun including feeding 18 firemen and 19 widows, netting $839 from the Fall Stew and improving the lighting in the lodge meeting room. We were also very active in 2007 having 30 meetings, raising 7 members to the degree of Master Mason and holding a Masonic memorial service for Brother Fleet Cox. In addition to these accomplishments, the lodge contributed to the Fort Mill Care Center, contributed to burial expenses for a brother in a neighboring lodge and provided a new computer for the secretary.

Looking forward, we have several projects in the works. These would include a new sign for the front of the lodge, fund-raising plans including another Fest-i-fun,  a late winter stew and a fall stew, improving the wiring in the lodge, and possibly sponsoring a T-ball team. It also looks to be another active year with degree work carrying over from 2007.

Welcome to 2008!

On the Calendar

January 4th        — Officer’s Instructional Meeting

January 10th      — Regular stated communication

The lodge is currently setting up an electronic version of the monthly newsletter. In order to get this project up and running, we ask that each brother email their respective email addresses to: webmaster@catawbalodge56.com

Along with the newsletter, your email address will be used to update you with any updated information pertaining to lodge events and happenings.

Email Addresses

Congratulations

Congratulations to the newly installed officers and a special congratulations to Randy Warren, Worshipful Master for 2007, for an especially productive and fulfilling year as Worshipful Master. 

2008 List of Officers

Worshipful Master

Gary Welch Sr. - (803)-547-4510

Senior Warden

Michael Troutman - (803)-547-1996

Junior Warden

Josh Welch - (704) 400-1878

Treasurer

Bill West - (803) 547-6848

Secretary

Jerry McGuire - (803) 547-5471

Senior Deacon

Ian Edwards- (803) 981-4302

Junior Deacon

Eric Price - (803) 985-1350

Stewards

Chris Dalton - (803) 242-5642

Kevin Amos - (803) 547-4653

Chaplain

Sid Scales (PM)  - (803) 327-5486

Tiler

John Maye (PM) - (803) 802-5931

Lecturers

Steve St. Clair - (803) 547-6497

Masonic Service

Bob Carter
(803) 547-1164 - Home
(803) 431-4079 - Cell

Regular Communication
2nd Thursday Of Each Month
Eat @ 6:45 ~ Work @ 7:30

February 16th    — Winter Stew

May 2nd & 3rd    — Fest-i-Fun

For other events, please call the lodge at (803) 802-5656 or visit the lodge website at www.catawbalodge56.com.

Looking Ahead

Next Regular Communication

January 10th, 2008

Stated Communication
3rd Thursday Of Each Month
Eat @ 6:45 ~ Work @ 7:30

Check website or call for details

As your newly elected Worshipful Master, I would like to take this time to congratulate  Randy Warren for an outstanding 2007. I would also like to say thank you, the brethren,  for  electing me your Master for 2008. I look forward to serving the Lodge in the upcoming year and am excited about continuing in an upbeat and positive manner reflecting the heart of all Masons.

I would also like to take this opportunity to offer up a prayer for the sick and for those serving in our Armed Forces. I would like them to know that they are in our hearts and prayers as we head into the new year.

Master’s Message—Gary Welch Sr., WM

It is truly an honor to be serving as your Junior Warden for the upcoming year. I would like to thank each brother for electing me to this office and ensure them that I will do my best to honor both this position and Catawba Lodge 56. I look forward to a very productive year in 2008 and encourage each brother to come out and support the lodge.

I would also like to congratulate my grandfather,  Gary Welch Sr. for being elected Worshipful Master for the ensuing 2008 year.

By the Plumb—Josh Welch, JW

Greetings from the West! 2008 brings with it new and exciting challenges and opportunities. We are optimistic that 2008 will be just a successful and was the preceding years. As you can see by this publication, we are restoring our communication efforts with every member so that you can be kept informed of the Lodge activities. Let us all resolve to make 2008 the year that we attend on a regular basis.

We are already working on the 150^th Anniversary of the founding of Catawba Lodge # 56 AFM which will occur in 2009, and we earnestly solicit any and all historical information that any Brother can provide us. If you want to be a part of the Anniversary Team, by all means let me know.

Our Past Masters have always been willing and very capable of assisting the Officers of Catawba Lodge, and we are counting on their continued help and support. Let me encourage all of those who have been so faithful and supportive to continue that for the coming year. We welcome any and all help, so if you can help us please do so. We practice every Monday Night at 7:00PM, and often more than that. 

 Together, Brethren, in a team effort we will have a successful 2008.

From the West—Michael Troutman, SW

As your new secretary, I wish to use this space in this issue to address the lodge officers for 2008. You know that I enjoy working with you during practice sessions. I offer my assistance and encouragement in your learning the Red Book. Our weekly gatherings usually consist of preparing for the opening and closing rituals as well as degree work. Hopefully, I am helpful and not a hindrance.

You are encouraged to give the worshipful master your support and respect. If you are unable to be at a meeting or practice, call him and let him know because he is counting on each of us.

Officers should be the first to arrive at the lodge for meetings, especially for degree work. Get there early enough to handle any details before the other members come in. Go ahead and sign the register and be ready to greet everyone, especially any visitors. Seek out strange faces and introduce yourself.

The lodge is in good hands with the new slate of leaders. It will take the efforts of everyone, especially the officers, for Catawba Lodge to be successful in 2008.

Secretary’s Corner—Jerry McGuire, PM/Sec

Gary Welch Sr., Worshipful Master

Catawba Lodge 56

P.O. Box 56

Fort Mill, SC 29716