Michael Cunningham
Senior Warden
Dear Brethren and Friends of Harmony Lodge,
Several months have been spent preparing for our next Masonic year and during this preparation, I have looked both back at my time as a Lodge member, as well as forward to evaluate how best to help drive its future direction. A common theme in both my prospective and retrospective thoughts is that our Lodge is most successful when we individually and collectively own a stake in its well-being. To put another way, the success of Harmony Lodge is based on the contributions it members make to it.
My major focus for the 2016-2017 Masonic year will be to drive engagement of Harmony Lodge’s members to help ensure that our collective success continues for years to come. When I am reminded that Harmony Lodge contributes approximately 10% of the population in our Masonic Grand jurisdiction, I can’t help but think of the immense opportunity we have to contribute to the betterment of our community, our Lodge and ourselves. Arguably just as important, while making these contributions, we do so forming alliances and friendships with others who are like-minded. Personally, this has been the greatest reward Freemasonry has provided to me.
There is a busy Masonic year planned for 2017, most of which will be described in more detail at our annual meeting on November 15 (6pm dinner, 7pm meeting). As a reminder, our semi-pubic installation of officers will occur on Saturday December 3, at 130pm. I appreciate the Lodge’s understanding as we adjust the annual meeting process this year so that my family, most of whom will travel from Canada, can attend.
Please take a moment to review the activities we have planned over the next few months, and think about how you can contribute. The Christmas season will soon be upon us, along with a full slate of activities we enjoy, particularly those where we spend time with our extended Masonic family. I appreciate that this is a busy time of year, so I hope that you will review the upcoming December activities (in particular), and plan to participate as much as you can. In the spirit fostering greater engagement, I am requesting that each member attending the December monthly communication bring an unwrapped present for a child. Arrangements are being made to have the US Marines attend our meeting as part of their annual Toys for Tots charity drive, and it would be nice to send them on their way with more toys than they can carry.
You will also notice a new meeting called “Meeting on the Level” starting in December. This monthly meeting will give members a formal opportunity to discuss issues or concerns with the Master and/or officers of Harmony Lodge. Please plan to take advantage of it.
I look forward to the prospect of serving as the Master of Harmony Lodge, and pending election, am anxious for all of us to hit the ground running.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Michael A. Cunningham, Senior Warden