Michael Cunningham
Worshipful Master 
Harmony Lodge #9 F.& A.M.
2016 -2017

Dear Harmony Lodge Family,

Welcome to the beginning of Autumn and as is par for the course, Harmony Lodge is again running on all cylinders. Congratulations to Brothers José Gonzalez, Tom Drumm, Jeremy Newton and Bill Laliberte for becoming the newest members of Harmony Lodge, after demonstrating their proficiency in the Master Mason degree and signing the Lodge by-laws at the September meeting. Congratulations are also in order to Brother Junior Deacon David Desplaines for conducting a successful candidate class this year. Applications for the Class of 2018 are currently being collected in anticipation of conducting the Entered Apprentice degree in January. Applications for prospective membership should be received by the Lodge no later than the end of October to help ensure that the investigation process can be completed in a timely manner.

At September’s meeting, the members of Doric Association voted unanimously to ratify the building project recommendation of the board of directors, namely that the Doric Masonic Center be retained and renovated according to the wishes of the Association. A specific plan of action to continue the building project will be devised at future Doric board meetings so please plan to attend these meetings to have your voice heard. I want to thank everyone, particularly past and present members of the Doric Board, who spent considerable effort on directing the building project to the point at which it is at today. I am also pleased to report that the roof replacement is complete, as is the HVAC supplying the second floor of the building. Some cosmetic ceiling work remains to be completed in a few upper floor rooms and I thank you for your patience as this work is completed.

A presentation by the Masonic Angel Fund was also given at September’s meeting, which was received with great interest by those in attendance. Since Harmony will potentially be the first lodge in RI to join this organization, I have committed to the Most Worshipful Grand Master to provide the necessary information for his endorsement. Stayed tuned for updates on this project over the next few months.

At the time of print of this notice, the Lodge was preparing the final details of the Ladies at the Table dinner. I am thrilled to report that 60 guests signed up to attend the event. To those participants, please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude for honoring the Ladies of Harmony Lodge so enthusiastically. I am certain I will be able to report on a very successful evening in our next monthly Trestleboard.
Please plan to attend Harmony’s monthly communication in October. This meeting will be the annual step-up night, where Brother Senior Warden Mick Torgan will conduct the business of the evening. This will be a very special night for our presumptive next Worshipful Master and I am looking forward to observing first-hand the level of support that the Lodge membership will afford him. I am also keen to see the rest of the officers assume their next chairs in the Lodge, and I know it will be an enjoyable evening.

Also in October, please refer to the list of several activities planned over the next several weeks. In particular, I will draw your attention (details herein) to the charity walk planned by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Please see Brother Jim DiBiasio for further details should you want to contribute to, or participate in the walk. This time of year is also a great opportunity to visit other lodges in the Masonic jurisdiction, as several annuals and visitations will occur. Harmony always has a way of showing up “in force” and making their presence known. I hope you will join your officers and me as we continue to travel in the Fall. Lastly, as Harmony Lodge continues through the twilight of the current Masonic year, please plan to take an active, or more active role in Lodge activities. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm our newest members are showing for the Craft, and I hope it is contagious!

 

Respectfully and Fraternally,

Michael A. Cunningham

Worshipful Master