From the East: June 2018

Brethren,
It gives me great personal pleasure and a distinct feeling of humility to embark on this next chapter in my Masonic journey. With my election as your W.M.-Elect in April along with your new Officers for the ensuing Masonic year, the pace of events quickened and before I fully appreciated it, I and your Officers were assuming their new duties. I will forever remember the fabulous and thought-provoking Installation and Investiture evening of May 09, 2018, and for which I wish to express my thanks.

To the many Brethren of Ionic and other Lodges that were able to attend our Installation of Officers, I am truly humbled and appreciative of the confidence you have placed in me and in your team. I am also very proud and grateful to W Bro Mikey Reiach and his Installation Team for the effort and perfection displayed during my Installation. W. Bro. Mikey’s stewardship of the Lodge during the past year coupled with the fine work of V.W. Bro. Armin Braslins, Secretary, V.W. Bro. Mark Pogue, Treasurer, and R.W. Bro. Charles Singh, has the Lodge well-positioned to address both short range and long-term challenges.

I must also thank the “Brothers Jay” and their team for the fabulous Festive Board. It was truly a wonderful evening. But the greatest thanks goes to
my family – my lovely wife Nazira, daughters Jaime and Shannon and their families, for encouraging me to further my Masonic journey and strive for the
perfect ashlar.

And now Brethren, it is time to Work. As I write this message we are finally entering a few days of predicted great summer weather with warm sunshine and only distant showers. In June, Ionic Lodge has traditionally had a very short Regular Meeting followed by a family Bar-B-Que. This year we will be breaking with tradition and having a Festive Board followed by an Initiation of a worthy Candidate at our Regular Meeting on June 13. Officers and other Brethren are hard at work learning and polishing their ritual assignments. Please come out and support them and our newest Candidate as he begins his journey as we all did. Please also keep in mind a number of Masonic events throughout the summer months including The 18th Annual Quarry Lodge held outdoors at Hunter’s Quarry, Spencerville on Saturday, June 09; the OMA Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 23 at Madawaska Golf Club in Arnprior ($75.00 per person gets golf, a cart, lunch, prizes, great fun and fellowship – PS: Ionic has always done well and hopes to continue the tradition); and Grand Lodge Communication from July 17 to 19 in Toronto. May the GAOTU keep you safe and in His care over the summer months.

I hope to see you in Lodge.
Randy Gaw, W.M.