From The East: November 2018
Greetings from the East,
or as I write this message perhaps it should read a glimmer from the Great White North, as we had our first period of measurable snow. It is hoped you have completed your preparations for winter, whether it is outside yard work, vehicle winterizing or booking that winter vacation.
It has been a busy October at Ionic with the Initiation of our newest Brother at our Regular Meeting and Raising Brother Sameer Sultan to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason at our Emergent Meeting. Discussions with the Candidates after each of these ceremonies indicate that the customs, traditions and teachings of both degrees had a profound impact on them. The dedication, time and effort of the Brethren performing the rituals and their backups is greatly
appreciated. Several circumstances arose on short notice and other Brethren stepped in to assist to fill the gaps.
If you have not already done so, W. Bro. Reiach would like all Brethren to complete his summary worksheet outlining what ritual work you are comfortable doing “on short notice. Special thanks goes out to Bro. Buelow for the Regular Meeting Festive Board and to Bro. Belvedere and his lovely Lady Louise for an excellent Festive Board at our Emergent Meeting.
At our October Regular Meeting Ionic Lodge received the Travelling Gavel from a good contingent of Brethren from Pembroke Lodge #128. We thank them for their lengthy travels from up the line. I wish to remind the Brethren of Ionic that we will be delivering the Travelling Gavel to Defenders Lodge #580, 2140 Walkley Road, Ottawa on Wednesday, November 7 and am asking for at least
10 Brethren to assist in a proper transfer to Defenders Lodge.
October also saw Ionic host the Ottawa District 2 Leadership and Development Workshop with a good turnout. We will strive for greater participation by Junior Officers at future workshops. November will see a number of Official Visits of
R.W. Bro. Kenneth Brinston, DDGM Ottawa District 2, including his Official Visit to Ionic Lodge on Wednesday, November 14. We will be holding our November CGP Meeting and Practice (opening, closing and receiving Grand Lodge
Officers) on Sunday, November 11 at 7:00 pm. As our performance with respect to ritual and reception of Grand Lodge Officers and other dignitaries at both our Festive Board and in Lodge will be observed and noted during the Official Visit, it is requested that all Officers attend the November 11 Practice. A list of Official Visits appears elsewhere in this summons.
Note: the Remembrance Day Service is November 11 at the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre at 1750 Russell Road, Ottawa. Please assemble no
later than 10:00 am – regalia to be worn. Also, note that Ottawa District 2 will be hosting a Blood Donor Clinic on Saturday, December 15 beginning at 10:00 am (appointment required) at the Ottawa Blood Donor Centre - 1575 Carling Avenue. Please contact SW Bro. Jason Solomon to sign up.
If any of the Brethren are ill or in need please notify Bro. Secretary or myself.
I look forward to seeing you in Lodge.
Randy Gaw, WM