​Wardens and Brethren,
 
                When I first went to the east, I was told this year would fly by, and now that we are into May I can only think back to how right this brother was.  This year continues to be busy as Franklin will be welcoming DDGM RW Andre Faria for his official visitation, but we will also be receiving Most Worshipful Grand Master Stephen T. McGuire for his official visitation to the Southern District.  With this dual visitation, I am expecting a large turnout of brethren from all over RI. As a May tradition at Franklin, The Hitching Post will be providing their famous fritters and chowder, which I have had brethren from several other lodges telling me they were looking forward to it.
                Our program for the evening will be by Jim Egan from the Newport Tower Museum. I have seen Jim speak a couple times now and his presentations are unforgettable.  Jim credits his research and the beginnings of his studies to Franklin’s own W:. Bill Penhallow.
                I also want to congratulate Franklin’s newest Entered Apprentice’s Brothers Corey MacLean and Robert Carin as they begin their Masonic journey, and thank you to my officers, who have worked so hard over the last couple months to put on a great degree. All that hard work did pay off as that night went very well.
                And finally, the southern district will be welcoming our incoming DDGM Rick Baccus along with his GMC Rick Lynch. This year we will be getting together at a CT Tigers game in Norwich CT. The game is on Sunday, August 6th at 4pm. We will be having an in-game BBQ in their party pavilion. This is also going to be a family event, so all are welcome.  For any kids that come, they can run the bases and play catch in the outfield after the game.  Tickets for the event are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under.  Please see myself for tickets via email [email protected] or call at (401)644-4525.  Tickets can also be purchased at our website franklin20.org    This is looking to be fun day at the ball park and I hope to see everybody there.
 
Fraternally and Respectfully,
Bro. Ralph E. Brunson
Master
Franklin Lodge #20

​Wardens and Brethren,
 
There's a saying, "If you want to make God laugh, then make plans".  Well I bet He's chuckling now. With the cancellation of March's meeting due to the storm, I have had to rethink the upcoming months. So, April is going to be a lot busier now for Franklin. On the 11th we will be having our stated communication. Our program for the evening will be given by Brother Ralph Boragine from Charity Lodge #23 on the poetry of Rob Morris, he was the 2nd poet laureate for Freemasonry after Robert Burns and he founded the Order of the Eastern Star. If have never heard Brother Ralph give a presentation then I strongly urge you to come out, for this will be a treat.
                The following week, on April 18th, we will be holding a special meeting to confer the Entered Apprentice degree on a couple candidates.  I want to thank my officer line for putting in the extra work and dedication to make EA degree happen for our soon to be brothers. I also want to ask and invite any brother to come and support our candidates as they begin their Masonic journey. 
                Ending the month, Franklin will be holding a Chip event at the Westerly YMCA on April 29th. Over the last few years the Chip events have been very well received in the community. We do need more volunteers for this, so if anyone has a couple hours to spare, please contact W Eric Ross for information.
                Lastly, I want to thank everyone who attended the Winter Warmer in March. It was a fun night of fellowship with brethren from all of the southern district lodges as well as our Grand Master Stephen T. McGuire and RW Andre Faria, RW Robert Palazzo, and RW Doug Grant who also attended. When the night was over, we had raised over $600 to be dispersed to each lodges charity.
 
                Thank you to all who have contributed and have dedicated part of their lives to the craft.
 
Respectfully,
Ralph E. Brunson
Master
Franklin Lodge #20