Brethren –
First let me say thank you for the vote of confidence you’ve given me to serve as this Lodge’s
Master for the next year. I am humbled and honored to serve as West Shore Lodge’s Master
for 2024, and IÂ look forward to serving this Lodge and seeing us conducting the programs the
Lodge desires.
To that end, I’ve developed a program plan for the next year with three main themes. Those
three themes are Stewardship, Education, and Fellowship. By Stewardship my aim is to see us
care for the numerous resources we have at our disposal – our building, our finances, our ritual,
as well as our members time and energies. I’d also like to see our Lodge’s traditions cared for
and continued – maybe even some new ones started. Finally, I want to ensure our future
officers are properly equipped for their next chair or appointment by making sure our
knowledge and experience is passed down. By Education, I’d like to see us continue the
amazing education programs we’ve had. I’d like us to consider not just masonic education on
our symbols and rituals, but also the practical education that allows us to make good men
better. I’ve been working with a Lodge in Pittsburgh PA to facilitate exchanges between our
Lodges to see the Master Mason degree done in each other’s respective jurisdiction. My hope
is this will give the Brethren a taste of the vision of the universality of Masonry that I’ve come
to appreciate in my travels as a Mason. By Fellowship, I’d like to see us continue to promote
activities that bring Brothers together outside of the Lodge room. Whether it’s dinners, or
activities like a day at the Crushers or Guardians, or some other event, I’d like to see us finding
time to come together and enjoying Brotherhood. I’d also like to see us promote opportunities
to bring our families together. One such event will be a Family Garden Party in the spring
where we’ll have games & activities for the kids.
One thing I’d like to do this year is to increase the frequency of communication with our
brethren, to ensure you all are properly informed of goings-on in the Lodge. I’ve appointed a
communication officer who will assist in sending out monthly email communications to the
Lodge, and we’ll work to get out a quarterly print edition as well. When there are updates to
our events and schedules, they will be communicated through the GrandView email system as
well as posted to our Lodge website. Please keep these means of communication in mind so
you can be properly notified of special events or topics in Lodge.
Once again, I thank the members for your vote of confidence in me, and I look forward to
serving you in the upcoming year.
Fraternally,
Bill Marshall
Worshipful Master