It has been 23 months since I was first installed as Worshipful Master of the Villages Masonic lodge. The most pressing issue that needed to be resolved was where the Villages Masonic Lodge No. 394 would be located. We evaluated many options. We were indeed fortunate that, at the last minute, The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge became a possibility as our new home. When we met with the IOOF we were impressed with both the welcome and fraternity graciously extended to VML 394. We believed that moving to the IOOF was in our best interest, representing a stable, friendly and rewarding environment from which we would strengthen our lodge. It turns out that the move to the IOOF was the right move at the right time.
It is surprising that the last big decision of my term of office was: Is the IOOF still the best place to locate our lodge? After evaluating many options, again, we concluded the answer is yes – the IOOF is the best location for the VML No. 394. All we need to do is look at the many improvements of our lodge over the past 23 months, note the reduction in the lodge’s level of stress and observe the enhanced fellowship. We presented next years budget, with the increased lease payment, last month to the Craft. With the Craft’s approval, in December I will sign a four year lease which should give us a feeling of security and comfort for the Lodge in our vastly improved surroundings.
Our Phoenix Fund provided the opportunity to acquire all the symbols and structure necessary to provide the best Masonic Lodge in District 15. Worshipful Gaudiosi is in the process of obtaining our last symbols; the three Ritual Posters to adorn the lodge’s walls. We are now both fully functional and complete in setting up a well functioning lodge.
In the past we have identified and honored one member of the lodge who has performed above and beyond expectations. Last year we did not do this. This year I am identifying the one Mason of VML No. 394 who has stepped up and exceeded every and all expectations. From mentoring your officers, Chairing the ‘Lease Committee’s efforts’, reorganizing our entire secretarial/information/filing system to taking minutes and establishing agendas he has performed tirelessly and completed all tasks with good humor. Join me in congratulating Worshipful Frank Van Leer as my choice of “Outstanding Master Mason of 2024 and 2025.” More to come at our next Stated Communication.
708 days down. 32 days to go. There have been times I would have liked to continue as master. There were more times I would have liked to have finished early. There were times my heart was broken. There were times of total joy. There were many times of frustration and of overwhelming stress. But … I would like to say to each and every one of you, Thank you for the privilege of being the Worshipful Master of The Villages Masonic Lodge No. 394.
In closing I am taking a note from Brothers Ferri, Chew, and Markel … leaving you with an very appropriate quote:
Free at last!
Free at last!
Thank God Almighty, I am Free At Last!
– Dr. Martin Luther King
Jeffrey P. Lessard, Worshipful Master, jplbbu@rit.edu
