Robert J. Kempf
Worshipful Master
Harmony Lodge #9 F.& A.M.
2010-2011
Brethren and friends,
Once again it is my great pleasure to be writing to you. Having reached the halfway point of my term, I must say the time truly has flown by. Looking ahead however, I am reminded that there is much work left to be done this year, as well as many opportunities to enjoy each other’s company.
May brings us first to our Semi-Annual Ladies Luncheon, which this year will be held at Nicole’s Tuscany Grill in Cranston on May 14th. As always the Ladies and Special Ladies of Harmony Lodge are welcome as our guests, Members’ and other guests’ cost is $20 each. There will be a choice of chicken, veal, or baked sole. Please make reservations as soon as possible with Brother Steve Waxman at 307-1537.
We will be traveling to Warwick Central Baptist Church on May 15th, to celebrate a mass as a Lodge and as a guest of the Church. We will meet at 8:30 AM at the Lodge and travel over together. Many members of Harmony Lodge including our Senior Deacon, Bro. Ed Diggle are members of this congregation, and I hope many more of you will consider joining us.
On Sunday May 22nd, we will be running a Master Mason Degree for our new Class of candidates. Originally this event was scheduled for April, but do to a work conflict of one of the class, a request was made of me to reschedule the degree. Truly these men have embraced what it means to be a friend, a brother, and a Mason to show that loyalty and dedication to moving forward together and leaving none behind. It is my hope that many of you will recognize this, as I have in granting their request, and show your support by attending on the 22nd.
The last date I feel obligated to mention here in this message is the Grand Lodge Annual, to be held on Monday May 23rd. This year we welcome R.W. Leon C. Knudsen to the Grand East. Many of you may remember that as a District Deputy Grand Master R.W. Knudsen was exceptionally supportive of Harmony Lodge, attending nearly every meeting and event we held. Personally I plan on returning that support to the greatest extent possible during his term as Grand Master. I hope many of you will feel the same, and help to fill the “Harmony Section” at Grand Lodge the morning of the 23rd.
This year the attendance at our regular meeting has increased dramatically among the membership, and this is wonderful to see and be a part of; the attendance of guests from outside the Lodge has fallen just as dramatically however, and this does trouble me. As the officers line has travelled among the District Deputy and Grand Master’s Suites to Lodges around the state, I can’t help but notice this is a trend everywhere. This is an issue I believe Harmony can be at the forefront of solving, beginning with our own district. The time demands of the officers is great, and this makes additional visitations difficult at best. I am looking for several volunteers from among the Past Masters and membership to represent Harmony at the regular meetings of Manchester, Ionic, and Thomas Smith Webb Lodges. Ideally, we would have 2-3 members assigned to each Lodge respectively. This would be a one night a month commitment. In time I would like to see this program grow to include Lodges outside the District as well.
Finally, this month’s charity is The National Kidney Foundation. In March, Brother Ron Harrison was called home, after a long struggle with kidney issues. He was a long time member, a former Dad Advisor of Fidelity Chapter, and worked tirelessly with DeMolay and Rainbow throughout his too short life. A group of Rainbow girls, family, and friends of Ron will be walking as a team in his honor at the 2011 Kidney Walk in May. I hope you will keep his memory in your hearts as well, and add your support to this team honoring the memory of our fallen brother.
Fraternally,
Robert J. Kempf
Worshipful Master