On May 15, the Lodge took responsibility for cleaning up the litter on Oakwood Street. Thank you to all the brothers who turned out for the work party. A special thanks to Worshipful Gerald Bettman and Brother Brent Wolke who did the lion’s share of the clean up. I want to acknowledge Worshipful Wattles for coordinating with the city of Vallejo for supplies and pick up. Afterwards we joined other Lodge members for a pizza lunch. This casual atmosphere provided us with a productive occasion to chat with a prospect interested in joining our fraternity.
On May 17, Naval Lodge hosted the District wide certification school for becoming a funeral Master. Our District Inspector, Renee Bassett led the certification program and certified four members of Naval Lodge. Thank you and congratulations to Brothers Guadalupe Thomas, Barry Hughes, Leo Guison and Worshipful Henry Budding for taking on this important Lodge responsibility. It is never an easy task to conduct the Masonic funeral service but it is a tremendous service to our Masonic families in their hour of grief and need.
On May 19, the Temple Board decided to hire the architect/ designer, Scott Smissen of Scott Design Group Inc. to prepare a plan for the renovation of the Temple Lobby. Scott is an active Brother in the fraternity and is very familiar with the function and use of Lodge buildings. Brother Matt King said it best when he observed that employing a designer to assist with this project will be an invaluable source of information and the key to the project’s success. Having a good design and an overall comprehensive plan is the beginning of any successful and efficient construction project. We are looking forward to projecting a contemporary look that builds on the best aspects of the mid 20th century architecture of our building. I am confident that the Temple Board has adopted the right strategy.
While I am talking about the Temple Board, I want to commend the Board for taking the important decision to make our upstairs unisex bathroom comply with the American Disability Act (ADA). Thank you to Brother Barry Hughes for volunteering his plumbing expertise and labor. Also, I want to single out Brother Bill Hems for his leadership as Temple Board President. This was a difficult decision to implement because of the impact on the adjacent Eastern Star locker. Bill has worked hard to find a solution that accommodates the storage needs of Eastern Star while solving some of the other storage issues associated with Shriner’s and Demolay. Bill’s leadership demonstrates how we succeed when we are united in a common purpose that considers the best interests of all members of the Masonic family.
On May 20 we conferred the first degree of Masonry on Brother Mervyn Nicholas. Worshipful Albert Lawson presided in the East at the request of our Junior Warden who was out of town. Worshipful Lawson was regal and magnificent in his eloquent performance. Senior Stewart John Wasson delivered a perfect First degree charge. The officers executed an excellent degree reflecting the effort and time spent in the degree practices. Our officer’s coach, Worshipful Keith Wattles, gets all the credit for mentoring the officers. I extend a warm welcome to Brother Nicholas who is also looking forward to joining the Brazen Pillars Chapter of the Widow’s sons. He is a retired naval officer and a Doctor. Doc we are glad to have you on board.
On May 22, Naval Lodge hosted a lunch for our Widows. The Brazen Pillars, with motorcycles gleaming and dressed in their leather patches, welcomed and escorted the ladies into the Lodge. A wonderful lunch was prepared by our Junior Warden, Leo Guison and was served by the Brazen Pillars. Brother Guadalupe Thomas arranged for the entertainment provided by the musical group “Calavera.” This was by far one of the livelier and exciting widow’s dinners in memory. Showing the widows’ our support with our presence at their luncheon was the key to the successful event.
By the time this Trestleboard goes to print the Lodge will have had the Ice Cream Social on May 27. This is another of the events designed for the entire Masonic family and their friends. I have clarified that when an event is listed on the calendar as a Family Event there will be no alcoholic beverages served or consumed by our members.