TTTTHE SSSSURVEYORVol. XIII No. 5 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board September 2012

Message

from the

East

W o r s h i p f u l

Master

Chuck Carroll

From Darkness to Light... According to the by-laws of our lodge, “stated

communications of this lodge shall be held... except during the

months of July and August, when the Lodge is dark.” This has

been the custom of our lodge since it first began. The usual

reason given for a lodge’s cessation of business during summer

months has to do with farming, much like the reason given for

schools to let out during the summer, giving farmers the extra

hands needed for tending and harvesting crops.

There have always been those who think that the

practice of “going dark” is no longer practical, especially in city

lodges where the members aren’t needed in the fields. Lately a

large contingent of Masons in Wisconsin have evinced a desire

to end this period of inactivity and are encouraging lodges to

change their by-laws and hold at least one stated meeting

during July and August. Naturally, there has been opposition to

this idea, as it is difficult for some to accept change of any kind.

But there may be other reasons to maintain the two month

respite.

While we in the city and suburbs may not be agrarian,

we have become accustomed to planning our vacations and

family time during the summer months. Regardless of the

original reason for taking those months off, there has evolved,

in our society, a tradition of taking advantage of the summer

months when our children are out of school to travel, camp, fish,

sight-see, and generally to rest and refresh ourselves from the

day-to-day labors of work and everyday life.

Over the past few years, our lodge has done some

degree work during the summer months, but attendance has

been low. This past summer, I have tried, in vain, to organize

social and educational events for the younger members of the

lodge. It seems that we tend to be busier in our vacations than

in our vocations. I think that if it is impossible to gather men in

the summer for fun, it must be even more difficult to gather

them for work.

I, myself, have been quite busy with yard work, house

work, camping and playing, as well as trying to establish my

own business after being laid off earlier this year. Sometimes

it’s good to free up the calendar and selfishly devote time to self,

family and friends. Nevertheless, I look forward to the end of

the two long months of summer darkness and the light of the

coming fall. It reminds me of when I was in school and while I

couldn’t wait for school to end and summer begin, the prospect

of returning to friends and classmates in September was equally

thrilling. It will be good to see my brothers again.

In the upcoming weeks we will be taking a close look at

the progress we made this year, carefully and ruthlessly

critiquing our work as we evaluate our goals and methods. We

will also make time to consider our past and future as we

prepare for yet another year with new leadership and support.

Annual elections will be coming up in November, another reminder

of my days in school when class officer elections had more to do

with popularity than with ability. Through our new Election

Committee, headed by Br. Keith Sargeant, you will have a chance

to examine the duties and responsibilities of the various officers of

the lodge and make an informed decision when casting your ballot

on election day.

I hope that you had a fun if not profitable summer. I hope

you are able to return to the lodge, refreshed and ready to

accomplish great things. Most of all, I hope you are looking

forward to seeing your brothers, as much as I am.

The Master’s Calendar 2012 September Highlights

September 4, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Stated Meeting.

6:00 p.m. Light Catered Supper

Reservations juniorwarden@gw1776.org

September 15, Saturday, 8:30 a.m.

Masonic Brotherhood Council Breakfast at GW1776 Lodge

PLEASE contact Bro. Joe Pronnet by SEP 13th

(262) 790-998 imperialjcp@milwpc.com

September 18, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Stated Meeting

Awards Night at the Lodge

6:00 p.m. Light Supper No Reservations Necessary

September 20, Thursday, Stein Club at Sprecher

September 30, Sunday, 1pm - 4pm Open House at George

Washington 1776 Lodge. Invite your friends to a tour of the

historic site with displays and talks about Freemasonry. This

is a public event.

Vol. XIII No. 5 George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board September 20122

Lodge Web Site: WWW.GW1776.ORG New Lodge Phone Number: 414-979-1776

Noteworthy News in and About the LodgeAnnual Lodge Picnic

Photos by Barb Carroll

On Sunday, July 22, a few brothers and spouses gathered

at the lodge for the Annual Lodge Picnic. The weather was perfect

and everyone had a great time. Absent Officers included the Senior

Steward, Counselor, Secretary, Treasurer, and Tiler. Many new

members as well as older members were also conspicuous in their

absence. We hope that they are all well and that they have gotten

over whatever ailed them.