Brethren,

This month, on October 15th, we will join brothers from around New England in opening the doors to our lodge for a region wide Masonic Open House. This event is an opportunity for our lodge, and Masonry to show our communities that we are still relevant. In a society that has lost it's way, Masonry can play a very important roll in bringing the values that this great country was founded on back to our communities. Tolerance, fidelity, friendship, morality, and truth are all tenets of our great Fraternity that can aid in making good men better. That is what Masonry is all about.

Over the last month or so, I have heard from many of you about the proposed dues increase, which the lodge voted on at our first stated communication. This proposal passed with overwhelming support of the brothers in attendance. What do these things have in common? For the last one hundred and fifty years, our lodge has been active in our community. And for the last 130 years, that presence has been assisted by our building. It is true that the building is not a lodge, the brothers are the lodge. But having a physical presence in our community is an asset to our Lodge in letting the community know we are still active. The increase in dues will help solidify that presence, and the difference it makes in our community, well into the future.

This was certainly not an easy decision for the financial committee, or the lodge. We heard from many of you, and tried to balance the needs of the lodge with the

concerns of the brethren. I would, as always, remind you that if there is some reason you cannot pay this increase, there are options. Please contact WB Tweedie, RWB Brown, or myself and we will let you know about those options.

As many of you also heard during this discussion, there are currently 200 members of our lodge who are exempt from the Ansantawae portion of the dues. 50  year members, Past Masters, and members who had 30 years of service and were 60 years of age as of 2010 are exempt. If you are included in any of these groups, and are capable of paying your dues regardless of your exemption, the Lodge would greatly appreciate your help.

I would also like to let you know about some other very easy ways to help the lodge financially. As always, direct donations to the lodge or Temple Corporation are always greatly appreciated. We would also ask that you consider the lodge in your estate planning. Whether this is a bequest, or as our Senior Warden, Rob Thomas, has done, naming the Lodge as the beneficiary of a small life insurance policy, every little bit helps in securing the financial security, and the physical presence of your Lodge for many years to come.

Fraternally,

Christopher J. Buck

Worshipful Master