February-March 2012

Brethren:

1131st Stated Communication
Wednesday February 8, 2012 at 7:30pm
Second Degree Tracing Board Lecture
Officers: Business Attire

1132nd Stated Communication
Wednesday February 22, 2012 at 7:30pm
First Degree
Officers: Formal Attire

1133rd Stated Communication
Wednesday March 14, 2012 at 7:30pm
Masonic Lecture
Officers: Business Attire

1134th Stated Communication
Wednesday March 28, 2012 at 7:30pm
Second Degree
Officers: Formal Attire

Brethren, the Past Masters of Smithtown Lodge told me when I became the Master of Smithtown Lodge that the year would pass at the speed of light. They were wrong. Somehow this year has flown faster than the speed of light. Einstein would have been amazed. We are already halfway through my term and done with the first month of this New Year. With the New Year come the traditional New Year's resolutions. Losing weight and stop smoking are common New Year's resolutions. Add one more resolution to that list and keep it: attend Lodge more frequently this year. You and your Lodge will be improved by your presence.

A principal goal for my year was to increase Masonic Education opportunities within the traditional Lodge setting. I believe that Smithtown Lodge is achieving that goal. When we have not had degree work we have incorporated educational lectures at those meeting. As continual learners in the craft, we keep alive a principal tenet of Freemasonry that of making good men better. At our last meeting, R.W. Charles Bunton and R.W. George Emmons delivered an informative and interesting lecture on Masonic Concordant Bodies. Many thanks to both of them for t aking the time to share this information with the craft, it was greatly appreciated.

As we look forward into February and March the Lodge will be very busy. We have scheduled a Second Degree Tracing Board lecture for the first meeting in February and an Entered Apprentice Degree for the second meeting in February. At the second meeting in February we will initiate five candidates into the mysteries of Freemasonry. We can use all of your help during the degree work. The more Brothers these new members see supporting them, the better their opinion will be about the strength of our Fraternity. Continuing our venture into the esoteric part of our Craft we will have another Masonic lecture on our first meeting in March. The second meeting in March will be the Second Degree work.

My Brothers, I usually try not to single out a person or an officer, unless that person really deserves the attention and praise. I would like to thank our Jr. Warden, Brother John Bisset for an outstanding work he has been doing for our after meeting collations. He and Stewards ensure that there is a hot meal waiting for us after every meeting. The quality of food is always great and I believe that I speak for everyone when I say that we all enjoy it greatly.

I would also like to thank all of the Past Masters of Smithtown Lodge for their support, for their advice for filling the open chairs during degree work. Thank you for going above and beyond to support myself and the Lodge. For the many things we noticed and all the things we missed, thank you on behalf the entire Lodge.

On March 3rd, we will be having our Hawaiian Luau Winter Relief Fundraiser Party. Last year's party was such a success and we had so much positive feedback that we decided to make it an annual event. Our very own Executive Chef W. Steven Mayo will be preparing the meal. You can find additional details about this party on our web site: www.SmithtownLodge.org. The price of admittance is $25 per person. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at this event.

This year, the Suffolk Masonic District Grand Lecturer Conversion will be held on March 24th at 2:00pm at the Lodge of Antiquity in Brentwood. I would like to have all of the officers present to be eligible to receive a Potts Award. Also, just to remind you, that the Lodge with the most attendances by its members will receive District Attendance Trophy. Smithtown Lodge has done it before and I am sure we can do it this year again as well. I would like to see as many of you as possible attending this special event. Those who wish to carpool can meet at the parking lot of our Lodge at 1:00pm.

If there are any brothers that have problems getting to the meetings, do not hesitate to contact me or any other Brother for help. My Brothers, as always, it's a pleasure seeing all of you at our Lodge meetings. If you have not attended recently, make that one New Year's resolution and join us again at Smithtown Lodge.

W. Igor Shpak
Master
Smithtown Lodge No. 1127, F.&A.M.

Dates to Remember:

Feb 9 Lodge of Antiquity DD Visit
Feb 18 Venison Dinner
Feb 21 Amityville Lodge DD Visit
Feb 23 Dongan Patent DD Visit
Mar 3 Hawaiian Luau Winter Relief Party
Mar 12 Connetquot Lodge DD Visit
Mar 19 Meridian Lodge DD Visit
Mar 24 Grand Lecturer's Convention