Click HERE FOR INVITATION

On Tuesday December 20^th, Christiana Lodge and the Brethren of the Delaware Shield & Square Club participated together in a rare opportunity and honor, of raising our newest member; Bro. Vincent A. Stephano Jr., to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Bro. Stephano is a volunteer firefighter with Station 15 in Delaware City, and our most recent Master Mason candidate of Christiana Lodge.

The Delaware Shield & Square Club was founded in 1944 and consists of Master Mason Brothers from around the State that share occupations within the realm of public service. The majority of the members of this unique Masonic club are Police Officers or members of the Fire Service, and many are volunteer firefighters. The club was founded upon the concept of honoring those Masons whose professional life embodies the Masonic directive of “service to all of mankind” and, to give these Brothers a place to share their camaraderie and connections within Masonry. To date there are some 140 members of the Shield & Square Club and membership is open to any Delaware Mason in good standing, who is also a firefighter, police officer, paramedic or other public servant either paid or volunteer. One major function of the club is the conferral of Masonic degrees upon the public servants within our fraternity. Bro. James Watson of Washington Lodge is the current Shield & Square Club president and can be contacted through his Lodge, regarding the degree conferrals for public servants and membership in the Shield & Square Club. The club also serves as an ambassador, representing Masonry to our communities at large; showing that public service and our fraternity is closely linked, and the Brothers of the Delaware Shield & Square club represent some of the finest men amongst our Masonic ranks.

On the evening of Bro. Stephano’s raising, more than 50 Brothers hailing from Lodges all over New Castle County gathered at the New Castle Masonic Temple. Lodge was opened by Christiana Lodge Worshipful Master Donald H. France, followed by a brief recess to allow members of the Delaware Shield & Square Club to assume the proper stations to confer the degree. Each of the Shield and Square Club members were impressively dressed in their full Fire Service dress uniforms. Past Worshipful Master William J. Sahm Jr. assumed the East and conferred the degree upon Bro. Stephano. Several officers of Christiana Lodge, who are not members of the Delaware Shield & Square Club, were given the honor of participating in the degree by delivering the Bible Presentation, the Canadian Charge and serving in other capacities. A full listing of the participants and their respective affiliations can be found at the end of this article. The degree conferral was near flawless and very impressive to watch as great care was taken by the degree team to make the evening as memorable as possible for Bro. Stephano. The descriptive words that came to mind while watching the degree were, “Brothers in Service and Brothers in Masonry”.  A warm welcome and congratulations to Bro. Stephano – may your journey in Masonry be long and fulfilling and thank you most sincerely for your service to the community as a volunteer firefighter.

Members of the Delaware Shield & Square Club (in bold) and assisting members of Christiana Lodge

Delaware Shield & Square Club President – James A. Watson, Washington #1 - Firefighter

Worshipful Master – William J. Sahm Jr. PM, Christiana #35 – Firefighter

Senior Warden – Gregory A. Schultz PM, St. Johns #2 – Firefighter

Junior Warden – James A. Pletz PGM, Brandywine #33 – Fire Service

Senior Deacon – W. Stephen Hudson, SW Harmony #13 – Firefighter

Junior Deacon – Andrew B. Gregg, JD Christiana #35

Senior Steward – Michael Miklus IV, SS Jackson #19 – Deputy Chief Firefighter

Junior Steward – Kenneth A. Bright, JS Christiana #35

Tyler - Fredrick J. Lynch I, Christiana #35

Secretary – Carl H. Cox PGMar, Christiana #35

Ruffian 1 – Timothy Ingram, High Noon #38 – Firefighter

Ruffian 2 – Chad Ingram, Washington #1 – Firefighter

Ruffian 3 – William K. Leon, Unity #32 – Firefighter

Canadian Charge – J. Christian Gallagher, Christiana #35

Bible Presentation – Christopher M. Wessells SS, Christiana #35

Lecture – Fredrick J. Lynch II SW, Christiana #35

Canvass Crew – Kenneth R. Phibbs Jr., Washington #1 - Firefighter

Canvass Crew – William D. Kiger IV, Jackson #19 – Firefighter

Canvass Crew – Allan T. Mackenzie, Jackson #19 - Firefighter

 Brethren, It is my desire for the masonic fraternity to be seen and recognized in every community throughout this grand jurisdiction on a daily basis,  In attempting to accomplish this, I have created the Grand Masters flag which is now available for the low cost of $40.00.

I would like to see the Grand Masters flag eventually become the official flag representing the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware.  There is no doubt that with your help, this can be accomplished.

The theme behind the flag is "Buy It and Fly It".  I would like to see this flag displayed from the home of every mason and from every lodge in this jurisdiction.

Click HERE for an order form that can be printed, then filled out and returned to Most Worshipful Richard W. Aydelotte along with a check made out to The Grand Lodge of Delaware for the purchase of Your flag.  The flag will be mailed to you immediately.

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Announcing a new and exclusive Christiana Lodge membership level known as:

"The Cornerstone Club"                                                                                 “

As you may have seen by now, our November Trestle Board includes a letter from our Treasurer, MW David B. Craig Jr., wherein he has laid out succinctly our Lodge’s present financial picture; which while not entirely bleak, is most certainly a cause for concern and reveals to us a need to take swift and decisive action to bring our financial house back into order and deal prudently with the present economic conditions which surround our Lodge and all of us in our daily lives. Simply stated, the costs of nearly everything that we use or consume as a Lodge have been rising, in the same manner in which all of us have experienced this very situation in our personal finances these past few years. Our Lodge fundraising efforts, while generally profitable, have been unable to stem the rising tide of increasing costs and we find ourselves having to reach into our savings to pay our usual expenses much too frequently. Reluctantly, and with much deliberation, the decision has been made to increase our annual dues and our initiation fees to help us over-come the financial short-fall. However, these measures alone won’t be enough to securely ensure a more healthy financial picture in the future. We have addressed the non-voluntary side of the issue with dues, and initiation fees to the extent that was felt by the finance committee, to be both fair and reasonable in its approach to all concerned but, we also recognized a need for some new and different ways to raise funds on a purely voluntary basis. One idea is to offer an exclusive benefit-rich level of membership, open to any member in good standing, which we have named “The Cornerstone Club.” The idea of adding a special membership is intended to not just ask you to donate money, which may be your choice and would certainly be accepted gratefully if that is your preference, but to also give you the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way with Lodge events, and by adding a few small perks along the way, as a means of saying thank you for the support. We have been doing other things to help with our finances. At each meeting we have been running 50/50 drawings and the Stewards Committee has been requesting small donations at each meal served through a donation box to help defray some of the costs of the meals that they provide. These things have made a difference but still fall very short of the goal of getting our revenue in line with our expenses. Our intention is that we can get a wider participation with other voluntary programs that contain benefits with the donation which is the basic concept of the Cornerstone Club. At present, it has been predominately your Officers supporting the donations through the 50/50 drawings and small gifts each week to the Stewards Committee. We really do need your help but we also would like for you to have some benefit from it as well; hence the formation of The Cornerstone Club.

As we have been taught, the cornerstone is the actual and symbolic beginning and foundation of any great building. The Cornerstone Club, as we envision it, will be a renewal of the foundation for Christiana Lodge, adding not just a stream of revenue, but also fostering wider participation amongst our brethren. For this the first year of the concept, we’ve identified several benefits that can be obtained with your donation of $100.00 and joining this exclusive club. This will include one advance paid admission ticket to our Annual Oyster Dinner, held in April. One Admission ticket to next year’s (November 2012) Grand Visit Dinner, along with two admission tickets to one of our planned Pancake Breakfast fundraisers (to be held in the first and third quarters of 2012) as well as a chance of winning your 2012 -2013 dues waiver, through a drawing of all Cornerstone Club members to be held in June 2012. Your membership card will have a special hologram added to it denoting that you are a Cornerstone Club member and this special seal will be your admission to the events listed above. The hologram will also tell everyone that you are a proud and involved member of Christiana Lodge. Your dues renewal form that you will receive soon, will have a place for you to check off and become a member of this exclusive club along with a reminder of the events that you will gain admission to with your membership. Also, stay-tuned to the Trestle Board and the website as we intend to add other Cornerstone Club benefits as the Masonic year progresses. We hope that you will take advantage of the benefits of membership in this exclusive level of membership and help our Lodge continue to grow and prosper.

OFFICER THANK YOU VIDEO FROM 2010 - 2011 - CLICK HERE

TRIBUTE TO 9-11 - CLICK HERE

By Bro. Andrew B. Gregg, JD - New Castle, DE
At our June Stated Communication it was regularly seconded and voted unanimously by the members present, that MW Glenn F. Davis Sr. PGM and then presiding Secretary, be awarded the honorary title and office of Secretary Emeritus.  MW Davis has served tirelessly and faithfully as Christiana Lodge’s Secretary since 1991. When MW Davis assumed the position of Lodge Secretary 21 years ago, his original intention was to keep the position for a few years to help modernize the Lodge’s record keeping systems into the computer age. Well, two full decades of service as Secretary have now passed, and what was at first a mission to be accomplished, later became a labor of love for our Lodge and its brethren. Even while serving as Grand Master in 1998, MW Davis continued his faithful service to Christiana Lodge as our scribe. This year due to pressing family needs, MW Davis has deemed it necessary to step down from full-time secretarial duties. These duties have now been passed into the capable hands of Brother William J. Sahm Jr. PM.

During the installation of officers on June 28,2011, WM William J. Sahm Jr. PM, presented to MW Davis, as a sincere token of our appreciation for his many years of secretarial service, wise council to all of the officers, and our ever- patient Masonic teacher, a beautiful crossed-quill, gold lapel pin and a handsome desk plaque.

MW Davis – mere words fail to express our heartfelt and deep appreciation for your years of service to Christiana Lodge and the very many Brothers for whom you have made a positive and lasting impact both as men and as Masons. 

Thank you for 21 Years of Faithful Service!

Reprinted from MSA -

People sometimes refer to Freemasonry as being a "Secret Society." In one sense the statement is true. Any social group or private business is "secret" in the sense that its business meetings may be open only to its members. In Freemasonry, the process of joining is also a private matter, and its members are pledged not to discuss with non-members certain parts of the ceremonies associated with the organization.

Freemasonry does have certain handshakes and passwords, customs incorporated into later fraternities, which are kept private. They are means of recognizing each other--necessary in an organization which spans the entire world and which encompasses many languages.

The tradition of using handshakes and passwords was very common in the Middle Ages, when the ability to identify oneself as belonging to a building or trade guild often made the difference in getting a job or in obtaining help for yourself and family. Today, Freemasons make the same pledge to every member that he will be offered assistance if he, or his family, ever requests it.

Freemasonry can’t be called a "secret society" in a literal sense. A truly secret society forbids its members to disclose that they belong to the organization, or that it even exists. Much of the Masonic ritual is in books called "Monitors" that are widely available, even in public libraries. Most Freemasons wear rings and lapel pins which clearly identify them as members of the fraternity. Masonic lodges are listed in public phone books, Masonic buildings are clearly marked, and in many areas of the country Masonic lodges place signs on the roads leading into town, along with civic organizations, showing the time and place of meetings.

In terms of what it does, what it teaches, who belongs, where it meets, there are no secrets in Freemasonry! It is a private fraternal association of men who contribute much toward the public good, while enjoying the benefits of the brotherhood of a fraternity.

The often repeated cliché “Behind every good and successful man stands an equally moral and hard-working woman”.  It is an old and worn statement however, when we reflect upon our nation’s history or think of our Masonic Fraternity even today, truer words may have never been spoken.

 In our modern world, we tend see women more as individual contributors, masters of their destiny in their own right, and completely autonomous.  Many of us aren’t old enough to remember a world where there were very few well recognized, highly successful women in all areas of life. Much has changed in the 65 years since the close of World War II. During that great conflict, it was our nation’s women that took up the hammers, shovels and welding tools; supporting the nation’s infrastructure and building the needed war materials while the bulk of our working-age male population at the time, was called over-seas to fight.  While we today, think nothing of women handling welding tools or doing other work that was once considered the sole domain of men, due to the physical demands or even potentially dangerous nature of the work; our grandparents tended to look at this quite differently; and when the war ended, most women returned to their more traditional roles as mothers and behind-the-scenes support for their husbands and families.

Masonry, in its 300+ year history, has found it desirable to remain a male only Fraternity well, mostly anyway. There are anecdotes, some more factual than others, both here in the United States and in Europe, of women being made Masons after inadvertently or intentionally eavesdropping and learning the crucial parts of the ritual. It was said by those Masons at the time that they did this in order to bind her to the obligation of silence to what she had witnessed. While some of these reports have been confirmed through multiple historical and first-person sources, other stories appear to be more legend than actual fact. Either way, these stories are interesting and often very amusing, and most certainly a vital part of Masonic historical lore.

In the United States during the early 20^th Century, American Masons found a way to include their female relatives into the Masonic tradition by creating what we now know as the ‘appendent- bodies’ The Order of the Eastern Star, Jobs Daughters and Daughters of Amaranth, to name but a few. These related organizations have allowed a wife or a daughter to engage in an organization that adheres to the same basic Masonic principles and extend Masonry to the wider community without the need for the long-standing traditions of the Fraternity itself to be altered.

So, today, what does all of this mean to us as Masons sitting in our male only Lodges? Are our female relatives and significant others really an important part of Masonry or just an interesting historical footnote? The answer lies in the cliché that we stated at the beginning. Whether you are attempting to ‘go through the line’ at your Lodge or have been asked to do some work on a committee, plan a meal at the Lodge, chances are that you are going to call on your wife, daughter or girlfriend (if you’re not married, otherwise the girlfriend thing could be a problem) for some help in planning or ideas. Perhaps you’re learning some new lines for degree work and need some prompting to help get it into memory. All of these things and many more add up to a lot of behind the scenes support that, without it we would not be able accomplish and become successful as Masons. There is also the time spent away from home during Lodge meeting nights and other events. Our Ladies often have to pick up the duties that we would normally handle during these times on our behalf. Good decisions and well made plans are rarely done by a lone individual. Often it is our Ladies that play the role of devil’s advocate helping us to see all sides of a decision or plan and alerting us to the pitfalls before we land in them.

So, the answer to our earlier question is a resounding YES! The Ladies of our Lodges are not just important but vital to our success both as men and Masons. Without them there might be a building called a ‘Lodge’ but it is unlikely that it would be a Lodge that is successful and one that others want to join. What any one Brother has brought to his Lodge in terms of time, energy and ideas for success, chances are better than good that the woman behind him giving him support and help is equally responsible.

Lastly, as Masons, we are taught that charity one of our prime directives. Part of the concept of charity is remembering to honor those that help and support us in good times and poor times. Masonry works best when we remember to thank those that help us become better people. That special someone in our lives really should be included as much as possible in our Lodge events and praised often for the help and support they provide. This is true charity and it begins at home. Thank you, Ladies for everything you bring to Masonry and to our lives as a whole, for without your love and support we would not be nearly as successful as men or as Masons.

Age 81, a lifelong resident of the Wilmington area, died on July 17, 2011.

An electrician by trade, Joe worked for 35 years for Delmarva Power and also was a member of I.B.E.W. Joe proudly served our country from 1952-1954 in the United States Army. He was a member and Past Master of Christiana Lodge #35, A.F. & A.M., New Castle. He was easy going, fun loving, always with a smile, and will be missed by his family and many friends.

Joe is survived by his 3 children: Nancy W. Montague, Joseph "Chuck" Woerner and Francis P. Woerner; his devoted companion of 10 years, Betty LePore; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer, Sara, Brittney, Morgan and Bryan; 2 brothers, Francis and Charles; and 2 sisters, Betty Lewis and Margaret Riley. Joe was preceded in death in 2000 by his wife of 50 years, Esther Tinley Woerner; his brother, Robert; and his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm, Thursday, July 21, at the McCRERY & HARRA FUNERAL HOME, 3924 Concord Pike, Talleyville (Route 202, south of Silverside Rd.). The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am, Friday, July 22, at The Church of the Holy Child, 2500 Naamans Rd., followed by interment at Chester Bethel Cemetery.

A Masonic Service will be held at 7PM during the viewing at the request of the family.  We will have aprons for all those brothers who wish to attend.  ALL officers are requested to attend as well.  Our online calendar will have additional information.  I look forward to seeing you all there in support of Past Master Woerner’s family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring the memory of Joseph C. Woerner by sending a contribution to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence may be sent to

www.mccreryandharra.com

Tonight marks a milestone for me as Worshipful Master of Christiana Lodge; as tonight is my last Stated Communication as your Worshipful Master. While it was a year ago that I was granted the honor of being elected to serve a second term, this past year has gone by very quickly for me, with many positive and successful events that have taken place, and a few that have given me pause; but all of it has been an experience that I would never trade. I was given an opportunity to help other men grow in Masonry and develop leadership skills, and in the process, helped myself do likewise. It has allowed me to develop lasting friendships that are more precious to me than the price of admission to the top of those three steps. The other evening I was at dinner with some friends and learned something astonishing about the Holy Bible. As you will hear throughout my address; we keep learning as Masons so I was amazed at the following information…

BASEBALL is referenced in the bible! Until a few nights ago I thought baseball started at least in this country in the early 19^th century and after further research found out it could be based on an English game of Rounders. To the best of my knowledge though the bible was written centuries ago so how could Baseball be referenced in the Bible? I had to look …and sure enough – GENESIS 1 states “In the Big Inning, God Created the Heaven and the Earth”.

This evening, I wanted to take a few minutes with you, give you an update on where Christiana Lodge is now, and what I believe the future holds for us as a Lodge. And offer my sincere thanks to the many Brothers that have made this year possible. But First, I wanted to share a story or two with you that you might find interesting as Masons…….

It seems that a previous Master of our Lodge went to Heaven and met with St. Peter. He identified himself as a member of the Craft and St. Peter asked, “What Lodge?” Proudly the Master replied, “Christiana Lodge No. 35 in New Castle, DE” St. Peter immediately took him to the Masonic Clock Room. The Master, in puzzlement, looked around the room which was filled with clocks. Each clock had a Lodge’s name on a brass plate and, strangely enough, each clock was at a different time. He asked why and St. Peter informed him that the hands only moved when someone in that Lodge made a mistake in the Ritual. The Master then asked where his Lodge’s clock was as he couldn’t see it. St. Peter replied, “Why, it’s in the kitchen, of course.” “The kitchen,” said the Master? “Yes, you see, we needed a new fan.”

Past Masters… This one is for you. Keep in mind, that soon I will be joining your ranks, so I’ll include myself in this story as well. Remember, Past Masters, you only get one wish……..

I found a bottle with a Genie in it. In accordance with custom, the Genie offered to grant me a wish. “OK,” I said, “I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii, but I hate to fly. So my wish is for you to build a bridge so I can drive to Hawaii.” “I can’t do that!!!” exclaimed the Genie. “Don’t you know that’s impossible? No Genie could do that. It’s too far, the water is too deep, and it’s just totally beyond anybody’s power. You will have to make another wish.”—PAUSE-- “OK,” I said. “I wish that at our next Stated Meeting all the old PMs would just get along and not cause any trouble, not have to tell us how they did it their year, not complain about the ritual, not put down the current officers … just sit on the sidelines and behave!”---- PAUSE ---- “Hmmmmm,” said the Genie. “Do you want that bridge with 2 or 4 lanes??”

(MEMBERSHIP)

Brothers, the lifeblood of any organization lies within its membership. Masonry is by no means an exception to this fundamental law. While Masonry has undergone many ups and downs over the centuries, in terms of popularity and societal changes; I believe that we are witnessing the beginnings of resurgence among our ranks in the current era. In difficult economic times, and times of uncertain world events, many people will turn to organizations where fellowship, personal honor, faith and a sense of positive purpose exist as a means to connect to others looking to bring those same qualities into their own lives. Masonry, stands as she always has, ready to bring those qualities and people together under a banner of Brotherhood, with faith, hope and charity. We as Masons are without a doubt a positive influence on American society and are being recognized for that value today.

Christiana Lodge has proudly been the beneficiary of this return to basic values.

As of today, June 14^th, we have 19 new members of Christiana Lodge this year and since the beginning of my first term as Worshipful Master; we have added a total of 29 new Masons to our Lodge. Proudly, I tell you that many of these fine brothers are younger men in their 20s and 30s. Many of them have shown a sincere interest in being involved in Lodge activities, learning the ritual work and promoting Masonry as a positive influence in their lives. I sincerely believe that in the not too distant future, you will observe many of these new brothers emerge as leaders here at Christiana Lodge and beyond. I’m proud yet humbled, that I have had the opportunity to play a role in their beginnings as Masons and stand ready to support them in their growth as they move forward in their journey wherever that may take them.

To give you an idea of just how busy our Lodge has been with degree work, I’ve assembled some basic statistics from this past year. I think you will find these tidbits of information as astonishing as I did after I had put it all together.

• As a team of officers, we spent 28 nights just doing degree work, and another 10 nights with Stated Communications.
• These 38 evenings, translate into approximately 152 hours doing actual Lodge work, or 7 full 24 hour days spent together as a team. This number does not include the unaccounted for hours of preparation work done by myself or the officers for each of these meetings.
• Each evening included a homemade meal brought to us by our “World Famous Stewards Committee” that averaged 3.5 hours of preparation time for each meal prior to the meeting.

Truly, Christiana Lodge has been a beehive of activity this year. While the team often wondered if they were ever going to make it through the evening still awake and alert, as many of the degree nights were quite long. On one occasion we had to request special dispensation from Grand Lodge to confer 4 Fellow Craft degrees at once. As you can probably imagine, the Alter was a crowded place to be that night. But, we made it through, and I can add that even during those long nights with multiple candidates, your officers still delivered excellent ritual work. Additionally, we averaged 30 Brothers in attendance during our Stated Communications and 20 on average for any given degree night.

(FAMILIES)

I have long asserted that the behind every good Mason stands his family. For these past 2 years as Worshipful Master, I’ve endeavored to involve our families wherever and as frequently as possible. I believe that the family is the basis for a man to belong to something that is greater than him; and as a brother improves himself as a Mason, then he in turn, will help his family to improve. Connecting the families to the Lodge and the families to each other extends a Brother’s support system and network beyond just the Lodge, and also extends Masonry’s positive influence to the public at large. In support of that goal, I planned and held 8 out of our 10 Stated Communications as Family nights. We mingled with each other, ate dinner together, followed by programs that brought history to life and made us proud to be an American, during the flag presentation, brought to us by the past masters of Christiana Lodge, led by PGM Glenn F. Davis Sr. and PGMar Carl H. Cox also participating were PJGW Edwin M. Newth and PM Joseph C. Woerner. We were amazed by, and laughed with, a wonderful magician while the ladies were entertained by an artist. At Christmas time Santa and his tall elf came to visit bringing smiles to all in attendance. There were other programs of interest, we learned about the symbolism of the Dollar bill, even spent an evening exploring our own website to help those less familiar with technology become more comfortable with using it. We even “Roasted” and honored all of the Past Master’s of Christiana Lodge in front of their families and friends.

(OTHER HIGHLIGHTS)

I happen to be kind of an inquisitive guy and when I see things I don’t like, I start asking myself, “why do they have to be like this, and how can I make a positive difference by attempting to change it?”

As I said earlier, this year has gone by very fast. As I take an account and look back there several things that I’m most proud to have been involved with directly or presided over this year, they include:

• I had the honor and privilege of presenting my father and our Tiler William J. Sahm Sr. with his 50 year pin.
• We had two successful events where the committees were chaired by new Brothers, Breakfast with Santa, Chaired by Bro. Michael P. Grimes JD and our major fund raiser the newly named “Oyster Feast”, chaired by Bro. Andrew B. Gregg SS.
• I instituted the Pay-Pal service onto our website as a means of selling tickets to our events on our website, and accepting donations to the lodge.
• Communication has moved to the 21^st century at Christiana Lodge – While the Trestle Board remains our main form of regular communication, we now have several ways to reach out to Brothers and Families. We are able to reach the entire membership through an automated dialer messaging system for short but urgent messages in less than 70 minutes. The online calendar that is updated regularly with all of the activities of the Lodge. And, Along with our website we also have a Face-book account with a number of regular visitors.
• I personally, took on the responsibility of resurrecting and writing the “Delaware Freemason” newsletter. This publication was sent to every Delaware Mason and to other Grand Lodges around the United States of America.
• I wrote and managed the Masonic Home appeal fundraising letters for Grand Master John E. Bednash – Grand Master of Masons in Delaware. The fall campaign letter was written by me, and the spring letter was written by Bro. Andrew B. Gregg at my direction.
• I was involved on four Grand Lodge Committees, and chairmen of three of them.
• I had the unfortunate responsibility of presiding over 2 funerals of Brothers of Christiana Lodge. Bro. Clifford Downward and not long after, another Brother was called from labor, Bro. Harlan Buss. I was fortunate in that I did get to meet Bro. Buss and had the honor of presenting him with his 65 year pin during my first year as Worshipful Master. We unfortunately lost two other Brothers as well – IN August MW David B Craig, PGM presided over the funeral of Bro. Edward L. Pratte in my absence and not to recently Bro Bruce B. Roark was Called From Labor.
• But, the thing I think about most, and have been the most grateful for, is the opportunity I had to work with THE BEST OFFICER TEAM IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. I believe that most sincerely. My success as Worshipful Master is directly related to the Brothers that occupy the chairs.

(INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION)

Being Worshipful Master is an awesome responsibility. Having held this post for 2 years I’ve concluded that beyond a shadow of a doubt, there are certain things that are true for anyone who has spent time in the Oriental Chair or is about to…

First and foremost,

1. It is at least 10 degrees warmer in the East than anywhere else in the room. Modern Science has yet to explain this phenomenon.
2. The Master will forget his line at exactly the most inopportune time.
3. Even after you’ve reminded everyone else to turn off their cell phones, yours will be the first and loudest to ring.
4. Every Past Master in the room is watching you and silently laughing, because they too, remember how hot it was in the East and have forgotten the exact same line you just missed.
5. If a Stated Communication is running late, The Chaplain will have at least 2 questions and one comment before the closing can begin, thus ensuring that food will be cold by the time refreshments are served.
6. The simplest cable-tow knot tied in the prep-room will become more difficult to untie than a constrictor knot, in the hands of the Senior Warden at the Altar.
7. But, most importantly you quickly realize your success or failure as Master is directly related to those that you work closely with in the Lodge. You may very well be the Captain of the ship with the ultimate responsibility for its course and speed but, it is the Brethren around you whose tireless enthusiasm, wise council and hard work that ultimately decide your fate.

Having spent much time with these Brothers over the last 2 years has been enlightening, to say the least. Their “selfless dysfunction” is really why it works so well. It’s clear to me that all of us react to life’s challenges in different ways. Some will recognize their fate and others will do whatever is necessary, to alter that fate. Sometimes we defy others expectations and at other times we rise to meet them. But the constant is this – Always being true to ourselves and that which we hold so deeply. We do what we have to, when we have to. We react for better or worse; it’s why our team succeeds.

It would take another hour at least for me to truly express my gratitude to the many Brothers their ladies and other family members who in their selfless endeavors have contributed so much to the success of Christiana Lodge during my tenure as Worshipful Master. I would however, like to recognize the following Brothers at this time:

• MW Glenn F. Davis Sr. PGM – For your ceaseless efforts as our Secretary, my mentor and for your wise council when it was needed most.
• MW David B. Craig, Jr., PGM – your insight, fatherly embrace, late night availability and always calm demeanor have helped me greatly during the difficult times. You are a true friend.
• Carl H. Cox PGMar, SW - Your countless hours spent teaching me my catechism making me do it over and over again without fail plus your training and education of this team of fine officers into what I believe to be one of the best, if not the best team of officers in the State.
• Bro. Donald H. France, JW for learning two chairs this year and advancing to the East as the next Worshipful Master of Christiana Lodge No. 35. So I can get a brake. Congratulations WM-Elect France.
• Bro. Frederick J. Lynch, II, SD - I have watched you become one of the best ritualists in the State and quite possibly in the region. Your abilities never cease to amaze me.
• Our Junior Deacon Brother Michael P. Grimes; Marshal, Brother Antonio Turin, Jr. and Senior Steward Brother Andrew B. Gregg – For all of the work that went into so many meals and the committee work that you were a part of beyond the Stewards Committee.
• Bro. Andrew B. Gregg, SS for your time and efforts as the unofficial “Aid to the Master”.
• Bro. Christopher M. Wessells for learning on your own and presenting in on many occasions – The Masonic Bible Presentation.
• Bro. Frederick J. Lynch (dad) for your desiccation to Christiana Lodge as a sideliner. Always filling in for the appointed officers when they couldn’t make it. Taking the part of a ruffian without being asked and for learning the “Small Blue Button”

(CONCLUSION)

My brothers, as my time in the East grows near its end; I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. My theme from the beginning has been “Strength in Unity”. You have all been the example of the builder’s adage that says “It is the unity of fit of the lesser stones that hold the great stones in place”. My goal from the beginning of my tenure as Worshipful Master was to leave the Lodge in better condition than I found it. I believe that we; you and I, have met that goal. The future of Christiana Lodge looks very bright. We have solid officers that have a keen understanding of Masonry and have become a team of brothers working individually for themselves and for each other as a team. I am extremely proud of these fine men and Brothers and I’m happy that I was able to lend my time and talent towards their future success as they have lent me theirs for my current success.

I believe firmly in the efficacy of Masonry, in its powerful influence on a Brother’s whole life. It helps immeasurably to meet the storm and stress of life and keep you attuned to Devine Inspiration, for without Divine Inspiration we would all perish. My prayer and wish for all of you is that the blessings that have been bestowed upon Christiana Lodge continue into the future. May Devine Inspiration continue to be our guide this day and for all the days yet to come.

I don’t believe in a chaotic, confused creation. The whole of nature is but an example of two basic principles that I also believe to be the basis for Masonry. They are Unity and Harmony. As nature employs these unifying forces to move the entire Universe in the direction of the Grand Architect’s plan, so too must we seek Unity and Harmony with each other and within ourselves. Obtaining the status of Master Mason, Worshipful Master, Grand Master or any other title that we could hope to receive as Masons, really doesn’t mean that we actually are Master Masons in some complete form. Logically, we never stop becoming; we never stop learning, until that day that we are called from labor. For becoming a Master Mason is a journey of a lifetime! So, even though I now have the title of Past Master, Truthfully, I’m still working on becoming a Master Mason. Our ritual and our working tools, only have real and tangible meaning when we put them to use in our own lives to improve ourselves and the conditions of those around us.

Thank you Brothers, for the great opportunity of being Master of Christiana Lodge, it has been an honor to have served this lodge and our family.

Thank you also, for coming out tonight to be with me on my last Stated Communication as your Worshipful Master.

I wish you all Peace, Health and all the blessings that Devine Providence has to bestow upon you and your loved ones.

May God watch over our Service Men and Women and keep them safe from harm’s way. Have a great summer!

The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents’ bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.

As a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar.  They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank. Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.

Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. 'Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back.' Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly. 'These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.' We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. 'When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again.' He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.. 'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to that.'

No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill,and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me 'When you finish college, Son,' he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to.'

The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood.. My dad was a man of few words: he never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. 'She probably needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak. This truly touched my heart. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings. Never underestimate the power of your actions.

With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for GOOD in others.. The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller

- Happy moments, praise God.

- Difficult moments, seek God.

- Quiet moments, worship God.

- Painful moments, trust God.

- Every moment, thank God.