Brethren:
It is with sadness that I report the loss of Brother Marvin Conley, a Past Master of this lodge (1974).
He was one of the first matters that I met at the Shrine-Section Crew ceremonials in Reno. He was a great companion and a practical jokester. He personally taught me how to make Brandy Milk Punches, and insisted that I test every batch, checking for consistency.
I do not remember much of the rest of that particular morning, but the lesson was well taught. It may be that's part of the reason that I no no longer drink alcohol! There was a bigger lesson: from him and some of my other brothers, I learned what friendship and trust was about, and that had a new circle of protectors and nurturers. Some of the lessons were hard, but some were overly kind and above all, the lessons on being a good man were instilled. So, I must salute this passing ship for it will never be testing these winters again. Soil on, my brother to that shore where the houses are not built with human hands, but are a spiritual house eternal in the heavens.
Gordon Whiteside and Ran Ragland have returned from the Jr Warden's retreat, and it looks good to see such excitement on their faces. Thanks to Gordon and his mother, Meg, f or the Cinco de Mayo food and entertainment. And Happy Sailing to Darcus Melton on her Caribbean cruise with her family. Despite getting ready to leave, she still called me on the phone to make certain I had the Stated Meeting meal planned.
Orton Mueck. P.M. H.L.P.
Master
Brethren,
We represent a fraternity that believes in justice, truth and honorable action in our community. We are men who are endeavoring to be better citizens and to help make our great country greater. The more I come into contact with the work of the masonic fraternity, the more impressed I am by the great charitable work and the great practical good which we are carrying out. As a worldwide fraternity with centuries of tradition, there is no doubt in my mind that Masonry truly is the cornerstone of America. May we all use the trowel wisely and continue to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection,
Fraternally,
Brother Michael Schirmer
Senior Warden
From The South ...............of the boarder
I would like to thank everyone who made reservations for our last Stated Meeting dinner, and personal& invite everyone to our May 1st “South of the Border dinner!"
The theme: CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION. We are having a catered Mexican dinner while we also enjoy the sounds of 'Tio Roberto' and his guitar. Since this is a catered, reservations are a must!! The cost is the customary $6.00 per person.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Gordon Whiteside
Junior Warden
News from Around the Lodge
Proposed Coastside Lodge Mission Statement
Coastside Masonic Lodge provides on atmosphere of friendliness, brotherly love and nurturing for our members, particularly newly-obligated Brothers, their wives and families.
Coastside Lodge interacts and supports community projects. We are strong believers in the concept of a free, public school system, the foundation of our country and of Masonry in California. The lodge supports yearly scholarships to our city's high schools earmarked for "needy and worthy students." The lodge also supports volunteerism for our K-8 classrooms.
The lodge supports a yearly Child ID booth at the Pacific Coast Fog Fest and other sites as needed. We are also watchful for opportunities to support local families of service personnel.
We want members to review the proposed mission statement and to suggest additional ideas or changes
Now does this proposed statement measure up in your estimation? You can send your comments to the Master, Secretary or any lodge officer. Use e-mail through the lodge web site or drop us a note.
The Southern California Research Lodge FAAM in its May Trestleboard run the following comments by the Grand Master of Iowa:
"While the number of Raisings in the state is good and the number of deaths continues to fall, we are troubled by a continued increase In the number of brethren who ore suspended f or nonpayment of dues. Most strikingly, a large percentage of them are men who joined the fraternity within the past three years!
For whatever reason we are not providing these brethren sufficient value for them to continue their membership. We are not providing them what they were promised, wears not providing them what they expected and hoped to find. And that, brethren is OUR fault, not theirs.”
Could it be that lodges are boring the dickens out of Masons. We try to be optimists, and want to believe the contrary. But......... that requires leadership! More often than not the Craft has degenerated into "form over substance." This means that we are more concerned with the perfection of the ritual by lodge officers than we are with being Masons.
In Memorium
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Marvin Bevan Conley, PM
Raised :September 21, 1967
Entered Into Rest :March 27, 2008
Almighty Father
Into Thy Hands
We Commend the Soul of Our
Dear Departed Brother
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Masonic Thought for the Month
Somewhere we know that without silence, words lose their meaning; that without listening, speaking no longer heals; that without distance, closeness cannot cure.
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