We’ve come to the end of another year during which we have accepted many new Brothers into our Fraternity, as well as given reverence to several others who have ceased their labor to be with the Great Architect of the Universe.  We’ve also had the extreme pleasure of presenting several 25-Year and 50-Year Masonic Service Awards to Brothers who have served our Craft so faithfully for all those years.

Congratulations to Brothers Stephen Lewis and Paul Meckes for being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on December 10th.  Brothers Lewis and Meckes were joined by Brother Raymond Johnson of Eustis Lodge #85 and Brother Tim Cantrell of Mt. Dora Lodge #234 who were raised as well.  A special thanks to all who participated to make this a respectable and memorable occasion for these Brothers.  We also welcomed Brother Ron Lippard to our Lodge as a Plural Member on December 3rd.

The election of new officers for 2013 was held on December 3rd, with W:. Lawrence McClure (PM Clermont Lodge) going to the East, Brother Robert Jeffrey Powell to the West, W:. Dan Bray (PM Clermont Lodge) to the South, W:. Jim Carroll (PM Clermont Lodge) to Secretary, and Brother Terry Kieft remaining as Treasurer.  At our Stated Communication on December 17th Worshipful Master Elect W:. Lawrence McClure announced the following appointed officers for the coming year: Brother Thad Money – Senior Deacon; Brother Michael Peterson – Junior Deacon; Brother Gary Mitchell – Senior Steward; Brother Stephen Lewis – Junior Steward; W:. Charles Lovette (PM) – Chaplain; W:. Alan Heist (PM) – Marshall and Brother Ron Lippard – Tyler.  Congratulations to these Brothers as well.  Our outgoing Secretary, W:. Bob Eyerly (PM Clermont Lodge), is to be thanked for taking on that responsibility several years ago when the Lodge was in need of filling that position.  I don’t believe that any Brother except current and past Secretaries really understand the amount of work and responsibility involved in serving in that elected office.  It appears we are going to have a solid, dedicated line of officers for the coming year.  Congratulations to them all!

As your Worshipful Master and Masonic Education Chairman for the 18th District I had the pleasure of presenting a Certificate of Proficiency to Brothers Robert Jeffrey Powell and Michael Peterson (his certificate to be presented at a future Stated Communication) for successfully completing the Master Mason I, II, III examinations.  These Brothers took the time and effort to improve themselves in Masonry (does that phrase sound familiar?) which benefits not only them, but the Lodge and Masonry in general as well.   The Master Mason I, II, III and Lodge Officer Course examinations are available on the Grand Lodge website at www.glflamason.org for all Master Masons.  Also, if you are a Master Mason you can earn your Silver Proficiency card by giving back all three catechisms, both questions and answers, in the presence of the District Instructor.  Take the time to educate yourself.  Knowledge is strength!

The 2013 installation of officers will be at our first Stated Communication on January 7th and will begin promptly at 7:30pm.  This is an open installation, so all family and friends are invited.  A sport coat or suit is appropriate attire for Brothers in attendance.  A dinner will begin at 6:00pm, and any side dish that you may wish to bring is welcomed.  Don’t miss this event!  It is one that very few non-Masons ever have the privilege to witness, and the ceremony is very spectacular in many ways.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity and privilege of serving as Worshipful Master this past year, to the officers who served as elected or appointed, and to those who filled the chairs this year when the need arose.  The work that we are tasked with throughout the year is not always easy or even pleasant.   But as Freemasons we band together to make things work, and for me the honor of serving the Lodge, seeing our charitable efforts come to fruition, and watching us grow in fellowship are the moments I treasure most.  My thanks go out to all Brothers who helped us with Lodge responsibilities this past year, with a special thanks to our Past Masters, for whom I have a deep respect, and to Brother Jim Hicks for preparing the Trestle Board all year, Brother Chris Johnson for maintaining our website and W:. Mike Martin (PM) for printing the Trestle Board.  I love this Fraternity and am truly inspired by those who unselfishly pitch in and help with Lodge meetings, Lodge activities and Lodge maintenance.  These do not just get done on their own, but depend upon each of us responding when the need calls.  We know that a Brother’s family, employment and health are his first priority and we fully expect each of us to treat them as such, but as those permit, try to give us a hand in our Lodge responsibilities when the call comes out.  Remember that the definition of a “Lodge” not only refers to the building structure where we meet, but to the gathering of individual members, or “Craft”, who meet there as a Fraternity.

Visit our website at www.clermontmasons.org often for the most up-to-date details on all of our planned events.  This is the fastest and most efficient way to get the latest word to everyone.  See you on January 7th at our next Stated Communication and Officer Installation!

Fraternally,

Vaughn M. Roberts, Worshipful Master

Congratulations are in order for Brother Steve Lewis, who gave back his Fellow Craft catechism in an exemplary fashion, as did his instructor W:. Alan Heist.  They both worked diligently on making this happen.  We anticipate Brother Paul Meckes giving back his Fellow Craft catechism at our first Stated Communication on December 3rd, and have scheduled a Master Mason Degree for December 10th at 7:00pm.  I expect three Fellow Crafts from other Lodges to also be put through the Degree with us at Clermont.  Please make every effort to attend and show your support and even participate in the Degree itself.  As you know, it takes a significant number of Master Masons to make this Degree happen.  There will be a light meal at 6:00pm before the Degree.

It’s been a positive year for our Lodge.  We’ve brought in several new Masons who I’m sure will be an asset to our Fraternal growth and goals.  On a solemn note we’ve had a few Brothers who are no longer at labor and have moved on to the Great Architect of the Universe.  As a Lodge we showed our respect to those departed Brothers and to their families and friends at grave-site services.  It was an honor for me to participate in those services and I thank all of you who attended as well.

Our rummage sale which was held on November 3rd brought in approximately three hundred dollars, which is about the same amount we’ve brought in for the past couple of years.  Several Brothers came out to assist on Friday night to get the items upstairs and ready and then on Saturday during the sale itself.  I’m thinking that the primary benefit of this event is the actual fellowship between the Brothers who help.  We had a lot of fun and some laughs.  A special thanks goes to Brother Steve Lewis who showed up early in the morning with coffee and belly bombs to get the blood flowing!

Our annual holiday fruit baskets will be delivered to our Masonic Widows on Saturday morning, December 22.  We need all available Brothers to be there at 8:00am to help us fill the baskets and get them delivered.  It will only take a couple of  hours or so of your time to make those baskets and deliveries, so come out and give us a hand that morning.  W:. Charlie Lovett is again spearheading this operation, so if you have any questions give him a call.

Brothers, don’t forget that your dues notices for the upcoming year are probably in your hot little hands by now.  If not, let me or any Lodge officer know.  Please get those mailed in ASAP or bring them to the next Stated Communication at the latest.  It’s a lot of work for the Secretary to get those funds together and sent to Grand Lodge on time.

Make every effort to attend the December 3rd Stated Communication as it our night for the election of officers for 2013.  Be involved and be a part of the direction the Lodge will be taking in the coming year.  Being alert to the successes and shortcomings within our Lodge this past year should be of utmost importance in assisting you to make your educated choices for each elected chair.  Remember, this is YOUR Lodge.  The officers are there for guidance and facilitating things YOU want to see happen.  Get ACTIVELY involved in at least one committee this coming year.  Your Lodge needs your help.

As your Worshipful Master this past year I want to thank all of you who have been able to assist with Lodge meetings and activities.  I want to especially thank many of our Past Masters who have come out in force to help the Lodge this year.  The knowledge and experience that these Brothers bring to this Fraternity is invaluable, and their participation equally vital.  When you see a Past Master wearing a Masonic Apron which displays that Square and Compasses mounted on that rocker, know that he has shouldered a tremendous responsibility during his Masonic career, and is deserving of the respect it represents.

As your Masonic Education Chairman for the 18th District I just want to remind you that the Master Mason I, II, III and Lodge Officer Course examinations are available on the Grand Lodge website at www.glflamason.org for all Master Masons.  Also, if you are a Master Mason you can earn your Silver Proficiency card by giving back all three catechisms, both questions and answers, in the presence of the District Instructor.

Visit our website at www.clermontmasons.org often for the most up-to-date details on all of our planned events.  This is the fastest and most efficient way to get the latest word to everyone.  See you at our next Stated Communication on December 3rd.  Come out and vote!  And don’t forget the Master Mason Degree on December 10th at 7:00pm!

Fraternally,

 Vaughn M. Roberts, Worshipful Master

Congratulations to Brother Thad Money for being voted upon favorably as a dual member of Clermont Lodge.  Brother Money recently moved to Clermont from Charleston, South Carolina for employment reasons.  We welcome him to our Lodge and look forward to his fellowship!

Not a lot to report on this month, but I did have to cancel Widow’s Night which was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 3.  I will announce a new date for this event as soon as possible.  Our 3rd annual rummage sale is still on and will be held at the Lodge starting at 7:00am on Saturday, November 3.  Please bring any sellable items that you would like to donate that morning.  I will at the Lodge on Friday, November 2 at 5:30pm to start bringing the items up from downstairs for pricing and placement in the lobby until the next morning.  We need help on Friday evening and Saturday morning to pull this off.  It’s too much work for just a few Brothers to do it alone.

Don’t forget that elections of new officers for the coming year are coming up on the first Stated Communication in December.  This is an especially important upcoming year because it is the eve of our 100th Anniversary.  Please attend this Stated Communication and make your vote count.  We are in need of officers who will take diligent charge in making that a successful and memorable event.

As your Masonic Education Chairman for the 18th District I just want to remind you that the Master Mason I, II, III and Lodge Officer Course examinations are available on the Grand Lodge website at www.glflamason.org for all Master Masons.  Also, if you are a Master Mason you can earn your Silver Proficiency card by giving back all three catechisms, both questions and answers, in the presence of the District Instructor.

Visit our website at www.clermontmasons.org often for the most up-to-date details on all of our planned events.  This is the fastest and most efficient way to get the latest word to everyone.  See you at the rummage sale on November 3rd and on November 5th at our next Stated Communication!

Fraternally,

Vaughn M. Roberts, Worshipful Master

Congratulations to Brother’s Steve Lewis and Paul Meckes on giving back their Entered Apprentice catechism at our Stated Communication on September 17th.  Theses two Brothers worked diligently on their studies and did a fine job with their presentations.  W:. Alan Heist conducted the examination and did a fine job as well.  Congratulations are in order for Brothers Lewis and Meckes who went through the FellowCraft Degree held at a Called Communication on September 24th.   R:.W:. Phil Blackwell presided in the East and  W:. Greg Jodarsky of Mt. Dora Lodge #238 presented the FellowCraft lecture.  Both R:.W:. Blackwell and W:. Jodarsky were exemplary in their performance and we thank them for their participation.  We look forward to working with Brothers Lewis and Meckes on their FellowCraft education.

A reminder that on Saturday, November 3rd, we will be holding two events.  First, our 3rd annual rummage sale will be held at the Lodge starting at 7:00am.  If you have any sellable items that you would like to donate, please either bring them to the Lodge or contact me to have them picked up if you are unable to make the delivery.  We will need help bringing the items up from downstairs for placement out in front of the Lodge as well as assisting customers in the sale of these items.  That same afternoon starting at 5:30pm we will be hosting our Widows Night which will consist of dinner and possibly some entertainment.  This is a family event and Brothers are encouraged to bring their spouses, significant others, and family members.  Show support for these fine ladies by showing up and participating.  It’s your Masonic obligation.  More details on both of these events will be forthcoming.

Great news Brothers!  Brother Ron Waters, who has been awaiting a heart transplant, has finally undergone successful surgery to receive one.  You can follow his progress on his FaceBook page by typing in “Ron Waters Heart Support Group” in the search bar.  Keep him and his family in your prayers during his difficult recovery.  I want to thank all the Brothers who supported Brother Ron and his family during these stressful times.

Brothers, the South Lake High School Booster Club is still in need of assistance with its concession stand food preparation at the school Junior Varsity and Varsity football games.  If you can help with this project by spending a couple of hours for just one weekday evening, please let me know so that I can give you the specifics.

Upcoming District 18 events are the Golf Tournament being held on October 6th at the Country Club of Mt. Dora and the District Picnic on November 11th at Hickory Point in Tavares.  Brochures for the Golf Tournament are in the lobby at the Lodge.

As your Masonic Education Chairman for the 18th District I just want to remind you that the Master Mason I, II, III and Lodge Officer Course examinations are available on the Grand Lodge website at www.glflamason.org for all Master Masons.  This Quarter, two of our Brothers, W:. Jim Carroll and Bro. Mike Peterson completed the MM I, II, and III exams and are to be congratulated.   Also, if you are a Master Mason you can earn your Silver Proficiency card by giving back all three catechisms, both questions and answers, in the presence of the District Instructor.

Visit our website at www.clermontmasons.org often for the most up-to-date details on all of our planned events.  This is the fastest and most efficient way to get the latest word to everyone.  See you on October 1st at our next Stated Communication!  Starting in October we are back to two Stated Communications each month.

Fraternally,

Vaughn M. Roberts, Worshipful Master

First of all, congratulations to Brother James (Rocky) Gasque III on being Initiated as an Entered Apprentice at our Called Communication on August 6th. W:. Larry McClure presided in the East for the Degree. We look forward to assisting Brother Gasque on his Masonic journey.

Congratulations are in order as well for two of our Lodge Brothers, R:.W:. Sidney Eugene Croyle, PDDGM and Bro. Albert Evans Monroe, who were presented their Freemasonry 50-year pins and certificates at our August 20th Stated Communication. R:.W:. Croyle was Worshipful Master of Clermont Lodge in 1983 and DDGM of the 18th Masonic District in 1989. It’s an inspiration to see Brothers with such tenure continuing being active in Freemasonry. I would personally like to thank W:. Charles Lovette, Bro. Wes Reed, W:. Alan Heist, W:. Charles O’Wrill and Bro. Jim Hicks who filled the officer chairs of Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon and Chaplain, respectively, for this August 20th Stated Communication. These Brothers never hesitate to assist when called upon and did a fine job filling these chairs at my request with such short notice. Such dedication to one’s Blue Lodge and Masonry in general is noteworthy and greatly appreciated.

Congratulations are also in order to Brother Mike Jones. Bro. Jones met with our District Instructor, R:.W:. Dana Bishop, and was examined on all three degree catechisms, both questions and answers, which he passed with flying colors earning him his Silver Proficiency Card. Brother Jones’ employment involves significant travel which takes him out of state more than he is home, so his ability to attend Lodge is limited. But this hasn’t deterred Bro. Jones in his motivation to become a better educated Mason. He has been diligent in his studies, even using his time on airline business trips to work on his Masonic studies. Bro. Jones is now certified by the Grand Lodge to assist other Brothers in their catechism proficiency work, which he has indicated he is anxious to do. We congratulate him on being such a fine representative of what Masonic Education is all about, and look forward to his continued progress through the various levels of proficiencies.

At our next Stated Communication on September 17th, we are expecting to have Brothers Steve Lewis and Paul Meckes, and possibly Brother Todd Holman, giving back their Entered Apprentice catechisms. Please make every effort to attend as your vote is always important in evaluating their progress in Masonic Education. On that same note I am announcing a FellowCraft Degree to be held on Monday, September 24th, at 7:00pm. We need as many Brothers to attend as possible to make this step in the Candidates’ Masonic journey a memorable one – just as was done for you in your movement through the three degrees.

On Saturday, November 3rd, we will be holding two events. First, our 3rd annual rummage sale will be held at the Lodge starting at 7:00am. If you have any sellable items that you would like to donate, please either bring them to the Lodge or contact me to have them picked up if you are unable to make the delivery. We will need help bringing the items up from downstairs for placement out in front of the Lodge as well as assisting customers in the sale of these items. That same afternoon starting at 5:30pm we will be hosting our Widows Night which will consist of dinner and possibly some entertainment. This is a family event and Brothers are encouraged to bring their spouses, significant others, and family members. Show support for these fine ladies by showing up and participating. It’s your Masonic obligation. More details on both of these events will be forthcoming.

On a more solemn note Brother Jim Hicks suffered another heart attack this month and was undergoing a heart catheterization on August 29th. Keep Brother Hicks in your prayers as he has endured a lot of with heart surgery these past six months. Brother Hicks is one of those Masons that the Craft can always count on to assist when he can, regardless of his personal wants. He regularly shows for meetings (surprisingly so soon after his heart surgeries), fills an officer’s chair when able, and even called me from his hospital bed in ICU prior to going into surgery this last time with concerns about getting this Trestle Board out in a timely fashion. Again this year he and W:. Mike Martin, PM have volunteered to take the responsibility of getting this publication out to each of you, and we owe them a heartfelt thanks.

On Thursday, August 30th, W:. Charlie Lovette and myself assisted the South Lake High School Booster Club with its concession stand food preparation at the school Junior Varsity football game. This proved to be an enjoyable evening for us both and a great way to support our community youth. We anticipate doing this again in future games and I will be calling on volunteers from the Lodge to help.

As your Masonic Education Chairman for the 18th District I just want to remind you that the Master Mason I, II, III and Lodge Officer Course examinations are available on the Grand Lodge website at www.glflamason.org for all Master Masons. Also, if you are a Master Mason you can earn your Silver Proficiency card by giving back all three catechisms, both questions and answers, in the presence of the District Instructor.

Visit our website at www.clermontmasons.org often for the most up-to-date details on all of our planned events. This is the fastest and most efficient way to get the latest word to everyone. See you on September 17th at our next Stated Communication! (Don’t forget that we are dark the first Stated Communication in September).

Fraternally,

Vaughn M. Roberts, Worshipful Master