Log of the Week of April 20th

After kicking back for a couple of weeks in Hawaii, where I visited their Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication, I am now back in Alaska. Last week turned out to be a very busy one and this week is shaping up to be about the same.

On Monday and Tuesday, April 20 – 21, I visited with the brethren of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska. I rekindled old acquaintances and we shared some very good fellowship (see Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska posting below).

Tuesday evening found me visiting my mother lodge (Matanuska Lodge No. 7) and the one lodge of which I am a charter member of (Iditarod Lodge No. 20) for the joint reception of the Grand Master. After a wonderful potluck dinner arranged by Brother Dennis Oakland (thank you Dennis), we all moved upstairs to the lodge room for the reception of the Grand Lodge officers and a short program. A great time was had by all. Thanks to Worshipful Brothers Tad Dean and Richard Grant for a very enjoyable evening.

On Friday evening, WB John Bishop reprised his Grand Lecturer’s Workshop for District No. 5 at the Matanuska Masonic Temple. There was a lot of good information offered about lodge floor work and ritual presentation. There was also a lively discussion about lodge customs and the written ritual. John presented an excellent program, and all those present came away with a better understanding and greater appreciation for the Alaskan Ritual.

On Saturday, April 25, I participated in the District No. 5 Lodge Officer Training event at the Eagle River Elks Club. This training activity was facilitated by VWB James Herrington (Deputy to the Grand Master for District No. 5). Unfortunately this event conflicted with the Anchorage Valley Scottish Rite's Spring Reunion, which impacted the turn out. Although the group size was smaller than expected, those present received an excellent review of the duties of the various officers of a lodge and discussions on committee assignments, lodge programs, and planning. Those who participated in this training shared the view of previous training events and praised it. VWB Herrington indicated that, if there is enough interest, an additional combined training event for lodges in District 3 and 5 will be conducted this fall. To see the outline of this training and view a copy the Lodge Officer Training Handbook, go to the web site of the Masonic Renewal Committee of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America.

To cap off this week’s events, Beth and I traveled to Anchorage to enjoy a delicious meal and great fellowship at the occasion Anchorage Lodge No. 17’s annual ‘Ladies Night’ celebration. Thank you to VWB Tom Schram for our invitation and hosting this event.