April Tidings

Greetings Brethren & Ladies of Palmer!

Spring is upon us and with that the promise of renewal and rebirth so it is fitting that this April brings along our first Master Mason degree of the year. Brethren if you have not been to lodge lately this would be an opportune time to revisit some of the old ghosts as we raise our Fellowcraft Edgar Brooks to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on the 9^th. With the renewal of spring we also initiated a new member into our lodge on March 19^th utilizing our Degree Team which will be representing us in the Degree Competition on May 8^th in Wausau. There are still some rusty spots to work out but I have faith in our officers that we will represent Palmer lodge in a superb manner.

We had another great event take place in March for our Masonic Angel Fund. We held our first “Oscars Night” held at Tutto’s this was a grand affair as people came out to watch the Oscars and share in great food, raffles, prizes and a silent auction. A worthy cause, and a grand time for fellowship and frivolity, (a few things that are missing in our society today). The event was “simply marvelous” and we must applaud our Brothers Lee and John Wackman for setting this event up and also extend our deepest gratitude to our gracious and elegant hostess Sara Safina of Blush Salon for providing this venue for us. Watch for upcoming events either in the templegram or on our webpage http://www.henrylpalmer301.org

April brings about one of our oldest and most favored events and that is the annual Spaghetti Dinner. This will be held on Sunday April 25^th and is always a capacity filling event so request your tickets now either see one of your officers for tickets or a request can be made from our Brother Secretary Jack Jones. Another event will be the Combined Ladies Table Lodge that will be held at 6 pm on Friday April 30^th. This is a new endeavor for us as we join with West Allis and Wauwatosa lodges to provide a program for the ladies and widows of our brethren. All Palmer ladies and widows will be celebrated and there is no cost for them, escorts however will have to pay. Contact the Worshipful Masters of each lodge for more information.

Because of our more demanding economical times last month I challenged the brethren of Palmer lodge to assist in the refilling of the scholarship coffers for the Job's Daughters International of Wisconsin. A warm and hearty thank you to those brethren who have seen it necessary to send in pledges, but we still need more so again contribute what you can to help these young ladies in their educational endeavors. And while I am on the topic of economical hardships it is that time already, hardly seems like it has only been 20 years or so, but our lodge has been put into a situation where we will have to raise our dues. The trustees have reviewed our books and compared it with other lodges and have decried it necessary to raise dues in order to keep our lodge. At our stated meeting on April 23^rd they will put forth their recommendation and we will have to vote on this change to our by-laws. Remember brethren this change affects all of us and we all have a voice in our proceedings, your voice needs to be heard but to hear it you need to come to lodge and voice it.

All of us became Masons for the same reason: to become better men. What principles underlie our reasons or define this ideal differs greatly between us. Still, this one tradition solidifies us as brothers. And as often the story goes we enter into our obligation with zeal and fortitude, we do “our thing” and as life has a way of happening we find other worthy endeavors that fill our time. Part of Masonry for me is legacy. I came to Palmer lodge because it was the lodge of my father because what I saw in my father and the brethren around him exemplified the testament of “good men and true.” I have found it fortunate to still be in the company of such men. Being a Mason is an eternal commitment, our teachings suggest that our work goes beyond our earthly ways and this commitment should not be regulated to a yearly dues card and a monthly templegram. Every Mason has a lifetime of knowledge and experience within them; knowledge and experiences that needs to be shared for future Masons. Henry L. Palmer lodge #301 of Free and Accepted Masons will create history next year as we celebrate our 100^th year. This is your history, your legacy come be part of this so we can celebrate all our Masonic accomplishments – let us all be fortunate to be in the company of good men.

In Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty

Khristian E. Kay, WM