On Tuesday June 29, 2010, Christiana Lodge #35 held this annual “Public Installation of Officers”. Lodge was opened in due and ancient form at 6pm to disperse of some final necessary business for the year. We then joined our families and friends in the banquet hall for a complimentary meal provided by the Worshipful Master and his wife Sandi. The meal was catered by Two if By Sea Café with delectable offering from Executive Chef – Henry Miller. There was a great turnout of 102 people for dinner and the installation. After dinner, everyone convened to the lodge for the installation ceremony. Christiana Lodge #35 installed twelve line officers for the ensuing Masonic year; eight of which have never been past masters. We instituted a new chair this year over and above our usual eleven. The Marshall was added and is now occupied by Brother Antonio Turin. The officers for 2010 are as follows: Worshipful Master – William J. Sahm, Jr., PM; Senior Warden – Carl H. Cox, PGMar; Junior Warden – Brother Donald H. France; Secretary – Glenn F. Davis, Sr., PGM; Treasurer – David B. Craig, Jr., PGM; Senior Deacon – Brother Frederick J. Lynch, II; Junior Deacon – Brother Michael P. Grimes; Senior Steward – Brother Andrew B. Gregg; Junior Steward – Brother Christopher M. Wessells; Chaplain – Brother Theodore F. Stipa, Jr.; Marshall (see above); Tiler – Brother William J. Sahm, Sr.
Midway through the installation ceremony was a time slotted for presentations. Worshipful Master Sahm presented the ladies of the incoming officers each with a bouquet of flowers and presented the installing officers a special gift for their time and dedication. That was all followed by a very special award instituted by Worshipful Master Sahm called the “Together We Soar” Award. This was presented for outstanding dedication and attendance, and for demonstrating the valued tenets of our Fraternity – Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love, to the Brethren of Christiana Lodge #35, A.F. & A.M. in particular, and to the surrounding community in general. This inaugural award was presented to Brother Millard M. Davis, a 55 year mason. The next few awards were given for unique circumstances and to honor the Brother’s that went above and beyond. “Yeoman of the Grill” – Presented to Brother Corey A. Link for managing the start-up Steward’s Committee. “Sublime Degree of Dishwashing” – Presented to Brother Michael P. Grimes for never letting a dirty dish ruin his evening. “Probee Mason” Award – Presented to Brother Andrew B. Gregg for the truly dedicated beginner Mason who has shown a propensity to get involved in all aspects of lodge and throughout the community. A few “Chef Oscar’s” were presented as well to Brother's Turin, Lynch II, Cowchok and Executive Chef Henry Miller followed by an award to Essex Envelope for providing outstanding service to our lodge throughout the past several years. To close out the evening, Job's Daughters of Delaware performed the Closing Cross Ceremony. They were represented by almost every Bethel in Delaware. Thank you to Bethel Guardian Kathy Kee and Former Guardian Tia Gordon for organizing these young women for our Installation.
After the ceremony our guests were invited back to the banquet hall for dessert. The evening was enjoyed by all. I would like to thank Brother’s Carl Cox, Ted Stipa, Bill Sahm Sr. and Andrew Gregg for assisting in the setup for the evening. I would like to specially thank my wife Sandi for the wonderful decorations and for planning the food and hospitality for the evening and for all of her support in helping to make Christiana Lodge #35 the best it can be.
