This trestleboard comes to you as we start the last quarter of 2008.  It has been quite a year both for our lodge and for our country.  The lodge has seen another active year.  We have raised many new Master Masons this year and more prospective members have petitioned to join our lodge. 

Our first meeting in October will be another Master Mason degree night. If all goes according to plan, we will raise four new brothers to this degree.  Please join me in wishing them well on their journey through the Masonic experience.

We also have several petitions to work on in the coming weeks.  We would like to get these gentlemen started on their life in Masonry in November. 

It has also been quite a year in the history of our country.  The war against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan has been a difficult experience for all, especially for our brothers and fellow citizens in the military.  Please pray for them and their families.

It has also been a difficult year for the economy.  With soaring energy prices and falling financial markets, we have all experienced a tightening budget.  However, at times like these we should all remember that no matter how difficult our position might be, there are always those whose situation is worse. 

For our Fall 2008 term, our lodge is helping the local social services agencies in a food drive for needy families.  When you attend lodge, we ask that you bring any non-perishable food items that you can donate to the cause.  If you are unable to attend lodge and would like to help our efforts, we would appreciate any financial assistance that you can provide.  We have established a fund for community outreach projects.  If we receive sufficient donations, it would be our goal to provide Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. 

If you can assist your lodge financially with a special donation this year, it would be appreciated.  Please send the donation to either W.B. Russell F. Bjorklund, our lodge Secretary or me.  Our addresses and the lodge address are contained herein.  We would be pleased to hear from you.

In closing, I would like to thank all of your for your support during the past year.  It has been an honor and great privilege to serve this lodge in 2008.  I hope to see you in lodge soon.

Fraternally,

Craig R. MacIntyre
Worshipful Master