Masters Message December 2018

Greeting My Brothers: 

I hope you had an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving with family and friends. 

Our brother, Worshipful Greg Dexter, has retired from the finance committee after being a member for 32 years and 29 as chairman. His efforts, as well as those of the committee members, have resulted in a 3 million-plus balance in our Lodge portfolio from a beginning balance of 1.5 million during his tenure as chairman. Great job, Worshipful! Your guidance will be missed. I have appointed Worshipful Ed Bertrand to complete the remaining term upon recommendation of the finance committee. Worshipful Bertrand brings a wealth of tax expertise to the committee. 

I would like to congratulate R∴W∴ Ron Reed on being elected as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island starting in 2019. 

December is a busy month for us! We start with the Christmas party on the 8th. I hope you all have made reservations? I look forward to seeing you and enjoying the evenings festivities. Also on the 8th, Warwick Assembly of Rainbow Girls will be distributing the Christmas wreaths that were pre-ordered by the members and also host a winter coat drive from 8 am to 12 pm at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. The officers and I will be rehearsing for the January Fellowcraft degree on December 12th. For the second time this year, St Johns will be hosting the 3rd annual inter-visitation of Ezekiel Bates Lodge and St. Johns Number 1P. We will open at 6 pm followed by dinner then at 7:30 Worshipful Adam Perreault will open Ezekiel Bates Lodge.

We will both conduct short business meetings then receive the Grand Masters from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We will then close and go into the dining hall for refreshment and fellowship. On December 22nd we will be conducting our annual Christmas baskets for needy families. I hope you all can participate in this event. Many hands make light work! On behalf of myself and the officers, Happy Holidays to all the Brothers and their families. 

Faith, Hope and Charity 

Richard Gonzalez 

Worshipful Master