Greetings Brethren,

I hope that this message finds you all well and safe. As we start this new year I would like to reflect on the past year for our Lodge.

We raised 3 new Master Masons. We had great fellowship at our annual out door degree where we raised 5 new Master Masons and had a great turnout considering the torrential down pour of rain.

We lost several brothers to their eternal reward. Let us all pause for a moment in their memory.

We held several fundraisers that brought revenue into our Lodge and helped keep our budget close.

We held several MICHIP programs that will help keep the youth in our area safe.

Now its time to look forward to the future. We are starting off the year with 2 candidates. We will be starting them on their Masonic journey in January. We have several new officers and in the line there are only 2 Past Masters. The rest of the line is holding their positions for the first time. I doubt not that they will serve the Lodge and the Craft with distinction this year.

My goals for this year are several. First to again bring brothers back to the Blue Lodge by making it interesting and educational. Our DDI will be holding a school of instruction in April. I also would like to have different programs during our communications. I am open to suggestions from the Brothers as to what you would like to see.

Next is to continue to try to secure the Lodge’s financial future. We again will be holding 4 fundraisers at the Poker Palace. This is a good easy way for the Lodge to earn some revenue. I call on the Brothers to support this endeavor and help make these successful. If we cannot continue to bring revenue into the Lodge then in a few short years we may not HAVE a Lodge to attend.

There have been 2 lodge consolidations recently. Onaway and Cheboygan lodges have closed their doors and merged with other lodges. I DO NOT want to see us in that same position.

We have a strong Lodge with a long history and wish to keep that legacy alive long after my time to enter the Celestial Lodge has come and with your help and support I think we as a Lodge can make that happen. I look forward to working with the new officers this year and ask that you all support them and our Lodge this year.

I hope to see you all there at our communications.

Fraternally,

Jim Stachlewitz W.M. P.M.