Wardens & Brethren,

Already we come into June after a
number of busy months.
For the business of the evening on the
12th of June, we have planned an EA
degree for two candidates for which we
have long been preparing. We also will
be preparing for going dark in the
summer months. While we will not be
meeting regularly during July and
August, it is intended to try for a social
meeting to keep up with each other.
​
Our brother lodges are also quite busy in
June, and with the new DDGM RW Gill
Fontes coming to the district, there is a
plan for the Grand Lodge Picnic on 12
August, and a visitation to Hope Lodge
on the 13th of June (with both the DDGM
and MWGM planned in attendance).
Your schedules permitting, I encourage
you all to join in the visiting suite.

Fraternally,
Joseph Giancaspro
Master, Franklin Lodge #20

Wardens &Brethren,

We have survived the winter, and come into
spring with a docket that ever full.
April was a successful trial for all Brothers
involved with back to back meetings where we
voted on a candidate and provided a courtesy
degree to new brothers from Mt. Vernon. Our own
candidate was unable to get away from his
avocations (If only it was a 32-inch gage!) but we
also have received new applications and will be
voting on further candidates. The courtesy
degree acted as a prime rehearsal, and we’ll be
exceedingly ready for when we combine our
multiple candidates together for the degree in
June.

Our Junior Deacon, Brother Corey Maclean will
be presenting on a subject of his own Masonic
research, and we will be hosting the DDGM for
his visitation.

Although we will be going dark for regular
meetings during the coming summer, in order to
meet the demands of the degree schedule (with a
minimal amount of cramming), there will be some
periodic practices during those months. Senior
Warden Brett Marggraff has on his radar a
summer BBQ at some point as well, so please –
don’t go too dark!
​
I look forward to seeing you on the evening of
May the 8th!

Fraternally,
Joseph Giancaspro
Master, Franklin Lodge #20

Wardens and Brethren,

The year continues and finally Winter recedes!
We spring back into action with a full month in
April.
Delayed by the snow, the previously arranged
presentation on the influence and interplay of
Freemasonry and the Boy Scouts will be
presented on the Second Tuesday (our regular
communication). We have reached out to several
of the local troops to invite them to the
presentation, and it is well hoped that in addition
to edifying ourselves we may bring Light to a new
generation of Masons. Be sure to congratulate
Brother Cavanaugh on a job well done!
In addition to the presentation of the evening, we
will be receiving the report of the investigation
committee and will be voting on a potential new
brother in the Craft. And the DDGM will be joining
us as well for the conferring of a 50 Year Veteran
medal to Brother Harley Burdick!
We have a special communication set up for the
week following (17APR) to initiate a candidate
into the degrees of Freemasonry as well as to
perform a courtesy degree on prospective new
brothers of Mt. Vernon Lodge. It has been a
distinct pleasure to see our line of officers deliver
their portions of the degree with skill and gusto
during practice, and I look forward to seeing the
final execution.
The officers and I look forward to seeing you all
for both of these eventful nights!
​
Fraternally,
Joseph Giancaspro
Master, Franklin Lodge #20

​Wardens and Brethren,
The year proceeds! We come into March looking
forward to a number of business items.
Our Senior Deacon, Brother Timothy Cavanaugh,
has arranged presentation on the influence and
interplay of Freemasonry and the Boy Scouts. We
have reached out to several of the local troops to
invite them to the presentation, and it is well
hoped that in addition to edifying ourselves we
may bring Light to a new generation of Masons.
Be sure to congratulate Brother Cavanaugh on a
job well done!
In addition to the presentation of the evening, we
will be receiving the report of the investigation
committee and will be voting on a potential new
brother in the Craft.
The work to build the tools for the years to come
continues onwards, as evident by the fantastic
initiative shown by our Brethren. Further work is
yet to come, and also to come are the realized
plans for our ‘social meetings’. SW Brett
Margraff circulated a roster at our last meeting
polling for interest for such events. If you could
not make the February meeting and are interested
in helping or partaking, please let us know so we
can work to make these things a reality!
I look forward to seeing you at the Southern
District Winter Warmer on the 10th, and again at
Lodge on the 13th of March!
Fraternally,
Joseph Giancaspro
Master, Franklin Lodge #20

​W&B,
This is the first time I have the honor of speaking to you from the office of WM, and I think it well exemplifies the challenge of the chair: to find the balance between long and short, motivating and directive, supportive and critical, or to act, meet, and part in the manner we so often charge ourselves.  
 
To cut the Gordian Knot, I will call your attention to the planned business of the evening, and of the year. 
 
The theme of my year is to be one of Foundations – setting the stage and readying the tools for progress under the guidance of those to come after me.  In our February communication, I shall be presenting a detailed review of the year ahead: the goals, the requirements to meet the same, the taskings to be required of the officers, and the assistance to be requested of the brethren at large.  A time for dialogue is also desired.
 
In the months to follow, we will take on candidates for Freemasonry, meet our Grand Lodge obligations, and continuously refer to the year’s designs to pursue our labors.  The work shall be, Lord willing, good and fulfilling to us all.
 
It will not be all labors without refreshment, however.  There will be times of fellowship throughout the year, where we may be excused to convert the means of refreshment to alittle excess.
 
In closing: Brethren, I humbly request that you make efforts to attend the February stated communication, to participate in the business of the evening. 
 
Fraternally,
Joseph Giancaspro, Master, Franklin Lodge #20

Wardens and Brethren,
                First, I want to wish everyone a very happy new year and hope your holidays were a time of joy.  I can’t believe its January and I’m writing my last message.  Last month I was talking to our Grand Master and he asked me if I’m relieved that the year is ending.  Honestly, its bitter sweet for me. As I am looking forward to being a “grumpy past master”, I am going to miss it. But I can say that I am happy to serve the lodge and craft in other ways.
                Every month I have stated, “its going to be a busy month”. Well that’s not changing for January.  We do have a couple of business items to be taken care of. We had to postpone the vote on the bylaws amendment, so we will be done at our meeting as well as the Master Mason proficiency on four candidates and signing the bylaws.  I have also asked Brother Joe Giancaspro to say a few words on his upcoming year. 
                I didn’t want just a business meeting, so I have asked author David Brody to come down and speak about his new book. David has a new book out that continues his “Templars in America” series.  This will be open to all so please bring your ladies, family and friends to see his presentation.
 
May the blessings of heaven rest upon us
Brother Ralph E. Brunson
Master
Franklin Lodge #20




                                                      ​Message from the West
W&B,
I eagerly anticipate the new calendar
and Masonic year, and request your attention
and assistance. I ask for your support as we
elect a new WM, as I and the presumptive
Wardens have in discussions to try to
implement a multi-year plan for developing the
Lodge as both a physical, corporate, and
metaphoric body. The goal of my year is to lay
the prepare the ground and lay the
foundations for work in the years to follow, so
that we as individuals and as a fraternity
grow.
Fraternally, SW Joe Giancaspro

​Wardens and Brethren,
 
                I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and had the opportunity to spend some time with family. As tradition continues, Franklin will be holding its annual holiday party on Sunday December 10. Details can be found in the monthly notice. 
                December is going to be another busy month for Franklin. It seems this year has been busy for us, but that shows our growth and commitment to the craft.  Please take note that we will be opening early at 6:30pm. We have an amendment to the proposed bylaws that were sent to Grand Lodge to vote on, as the Grand Lodge questioned the wording on one section. We will then be hearing our candidates Fellow Craft proficiency before we begin our main work of the evening which is the Master Mason degree in its entirety.  We will be having a few special guests for this joyous occasion of our candidates being raised, the Most Worshipful Grand Master Peter Iacobucci as well as RW DDGM Rick Baccus will be in attendance. I urge all brethren, if within the length of your cable tow to join us and support our soon to be newest Master Masons.
                Lastly, my family and I want to offer our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and new year.
 
May the blessings of heaven rest upon us and all regular masons,
Brother Ralph Brunson
 Master
Franklin Lodge #20

​Wardens and Brethren,
 
              I want to start by thanking our Senior Warden Joe Giancaspro for sitting in the east in October while I recovered from surgery. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from many of the brothers. As much as I wanted to be in lodge last month, I was in no condition to make it.   I also want to thank all the brethren that came out to march in the Columbus Day Parade. It was amazing to see and hear people’s reactions that the Masons were there. I personally look forward to doing it again.
              Moving on to November, we have a busy night ahead for our stated communication. RW DDGM Rick Baccus will be joining us for the night to continue the district organizational meeting that started at Charity Lodge several months ago.  We will also have a program by the Rainbow Girls, and don’t worry, we won’t be asking anyone if they want to join them in a special degree.  They will be putting on a “Fathers Degree”. From what I’ve read about it, we will be in for a treat.
              Finally, some of you may know that Franklin has a safe down in the storage of the dining hall that hasn’t been opened in god knows how long. Just a couple weeks ago when Commandry was cleaning out one of their closets, a piece of paper was found with numbers, and just for the heck of it, they tried it on the safe and the door opened. Inside is history of the lodge going back to what we may believe is the original charter for Franklin. If any member wants to look at the vast amount history contained within the papers, news articles, and books found, please do. After all this belongs to Franklin Lodge and all of you, its members.
 
May the blessings of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons.
 
Fraternally and Respectfully,
Bro. Ralph E. Brunson
Master
Franklin Lodge #20

Wardens and Brethren,
 
It’s amazing how time flies during a year. It just hit me that I only have a few months left of my term. I honestly must say that I have enjoyed my time in the east. Unfortunately though, I will not be presiding over our October meeting. I am scheduled to have back surgery the day before, so I am handing over the craft to Brother Senior Warden Joe Giancaspro for the night.  I am confident that he will execute the work of the evening flawlessly.

Last month we accomplished a lot of work and business at our meeting. For those who had missed it, Most Worshipful Grand Master Peter Iacobucci and Past Grand Master Richard Ault presented W.: Bob Raby with his Grand Master’s Award via skype video call. It was a tremendous amount of fun and MWGM thinks it’s the first virtual presentation, at least in our jurisdiction.  

Last month, the By-Laws committee presented Franklin with their proposed by-laws, and after discussion, we have moved it forward to vote upon in October’s meeting.   As a reminder, any changes to our bylaws needed to have due notice and be recorded in the previous meetings minutes to vote on them, which they have been.  They also require two-thirds majority to carry.  My thanks once again goes out the committee for the tremendous amount of work put forth.
​
Finally, our work for the evening will be the EA proficiency, followed by the FC degree on our three candidates.  With me not going to be available that night, I know this has put some added pressure on our officer line, but I know they will give our candidates a great degree.
 
I am still hoping that I can make it to the meeting in some way, to support our brethren, our lodge and our candidates.
 
Fraternally and Respectfully,
Bro. Ralph E. Brunson
Master
Franklin Lodge #20

Wardens and Brethren,
 
The time has come to return to labor from what I hope has been an enjoyable summer for everyone. Even being dark for the summer I have learned that a Master’s work does not take breaks. In one way or another I have been working to keep our Lodge moving towards the future.  This summer we had a wonderful time at the CT Tigers ball game and BBQ welcoming RW Rick Baccus and Rick Lynch, we had about 40 brothers and family there. I also had the pleasure to sit with the Duhamel Scholarship Committee, as we discussed the students who applied. That was honestly one of the highlights of my summer, knowing that we’re able to help some kids achieve their academic dreams, really left a special feeling within me.

The September stated meeting is a very important one for all members of Franklin Lodge. We will be discussing our bylaws.  At the beginning of my term, I put together a committee in hopes that we can finish the work that Worshipful Bob Raby had started, and I’m happy to say that our By-Laws Committee is ready to present the proposed by-laws and changes to the brethren.  Worshipfuls Eric Ross, Ray Geer, Ed Lowe, and Paul Derita will be giving a PowerPoint on the changes with discussion. Every member will be receiving a paper copy of the proposed bylaws as well as the specific changes with their monthly notice in the mail.  Please take some time and look them over and come to lodge on September 12th to voice any concerns or opinions, we will be opening at 7pm as we have been for the last several years.  At our October 10th stated meeting we will be voting on the proposed changes.  Our bylaws currently state in      
                                   ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. The By-Laws may be amended or repealed at any Stated Communication of the Lodge by two-thirds (⅔) vote of the members present, notice of such proposed amendment or repeal having been given and entered upon the minutes of a preceding Stated Communication.
 
So, this is the first notice given of the upcoming vote in October, and will be in Franklin’s September meetings minutes.  This will also be in October’s message and notice as well.

              Franklin will also be welcoming Most Worshipful Grand Master Peter Iacobucci in an un-official visit, so he can present Worshipful Bob Raby with his long overdue Grand Masters Award.  This will be an interesting presentation as it will be done virtually via the power of Skype as W.: Bob won’t be able to attend in person.

Again, I hope everyone had a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone in lodge.
​
Fraternally and Respectfully,
Bro. Ralph Brunson
Master
Franklin Lodge #20