Al Anton
Worshipful Master
Harmony Lodge #9 F.&A.M.
2015-2016
Hello Brothers,
November is rapidly approaching and so is my final ascension to the east as Worshipful Master. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you all as master for Harmony this year which, in my humble and biased opinion, is one of the best lodges in the state. My travel from sentinel all the way to and through this year as master has been both challenging and rewarding. I certainly would not have succeeded this year without the steadfast support of the brothers of the lodge particularly my officers. I said at the beginning of my year, that I had a great group of guys with me ready and willing to support me in having a successful year in the East. They did not let me down. This year we had an unanticipated set of challenges as three of my officers stepped down. Each individual had a unique set of circumstances that put them in a position that they felt it was necessary to do so. I would like to note that although brother Hopper had to step down as senior deacon (for totally understandable reasons) he still continued to support us during the year from showing up to meetings and events when he could to taking care of this Trestleboard. Thank you Jim!
I also would like to extend my deep appreciation to Brother Rob Lindberg for sitting in as sentinel at all meetings including the degrees, Brother Dave DiCecco for being Senior Deacon at the EA degree, Brother Jason Gail for sitting in as Senior Deacon for the Fellow Craft, Master Mason degrees and all remaining meetings. Last but not least, thanks to W Ken Angilly for being my Marshal for the remainder of the year. Now that is what makes this lodge so great!
I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank the most important person in my life, my darling wife Carol. If she did not agree to me stepping in line, knowing full well how unavailable I would be at home, none of this would have happened. She has been my rock, always there for me whether it be to help with an idea for an event, go to an event with me or just consoling me if I’m having a bad day. I could not have made it through all this without you. Love you with all my heart.
My parting words as WM for everyone is to wish soon to be WM Mike Cunningham an enjoyable and successful year as Master. I know you have already put in a great deal of effort and thought to your year. You will continue to have my support and I am sure the support of all your officers. I do have one final request of the brothers of the lodge. Everyone who is able to, show up to at least on event, meeting or what ever to support Mike and your lodge this year and help take the burden off the officers. They will be there, but you being there helping makes them feel their efforts are worth while.
God Bless,
Al Anton
Worshipful Master