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
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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 Wardens and Brethren-
This month marks an incredible milestone for Freemasonry. For it was 300 years ago, on St. John the Baptist day, June 24th, 1717 that four existing London Lodges came together and met at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern and there they constituted and formed the first Grand Lodge. To think of how far Freemasonry has grown since then is amazing. There have been challenges and hardships for the craft over the centuries, but it’s been the dedication of the countless brethren who believe in the teachings of Masonry that have kept our light burning. Some people would argue that Masonry is heading in a downward trend because there aren’t as many members that there once was, but I believe that the craft is as strong now as then because it’s the quality of Masons that the craft has today, not the quantity. Speaking of quality Masons, this month Franklin Lodge will be conferring the entered apprentice degree on one worthy candidate. Even though he is young, at just 18 years old, you get the sense of excitement he has when talking to him. Our candidate Christian is eager to learn and become a mason as his grandfather before him and to visit the lodge in which he belonged and to try to get information on his Masonic career. Personally, I know that’s it’s exciting to find a relative’s information in the archives of a lodge, I did the same thing a couple years ago when I visited my great-grandfathers lodge and was able to read the minutes when he was Raised and to see his signature in their bylaws. Finally, as we get ready to go dark for the summer, I do want to remind everyone that the Southern District Welcome Event for RW Rick Baccus and RW Rick Lynch is on Sunday August 6th at 4pm at a CT Tigers game in Norwich CT. All are invited and the ticket costs are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Anyone can see me for tickets, or they can be purchased at franklin20.org/store. Fraternally and Respectfully, Bro. Ralph E. Brunson Master Franklin Lodge #20 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 rbrunson23@cox.net 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 Wardens and Brethren-
Even though we are only into March, this year is shaping up to be a busy one. Franklin Lodge has begun its Masonic Redevelopment Plan, which started with surveys being sent out to all members of the lodge in paper form as well as a link via email. Thank you to those who have completed and sent it back in. Your participation is greatly appreciated. If anybody needs another copy, please let me know, and I’ll make sure you get it. I firmly believe that the information gathered will help lead Franklin Lodge to many more successful years. March will be a busy month at Franklin. First at our stated communication, we will be welcoming the Most Worshipful Grand Master Stephen T. McGuire for his official visitation to the southern district. Grand Master has been traveling with a suite of 75+ brethren for each of his visitations thus far, so I am looking forward to seeing the sidelines filled. The program for the evening will be by author David Brody and his new book Echoes of Atlantis: Crones, Templars and the Lost Continent. This is David’s sixth book in his Templars in America series. This program will be open to non-masons, so please bring family and friends for his presentation. As mentioned by W. Eric Ross in one of his messages a couple months ago, Franklin Lodge had a spot in PBS’ My Town series for Westerly. For those who had missed the airing, you can now view Franklin Lodges spot on our website, www.franklin20.org/about.html. Thank you to the brethren who helped get to where we are today and thank you to those who are working hard for our future. Respectfully and Fraternally, Bro Ralph E. Brunson Master Franklin Lodge #20 Wardens and Brethren,
I am honored and humbled to be elected as Master at the 160th Annual Installation of Officers for Franklin Lodge #20. We have an exceptional group of dedicated Brothers that have accepted officer’s positions. I look forward to the year ahead and I am confident that it will be a successful year not just for Franklin Lodge but for the Craft as whole. My focus for the year will be on the brethren of Franklin Lodge. Over the years so many men have dedicated part of their lives to Franklin and the craft, and I would like to talk with them and thank them for their contribution that has led Franklin to become what it is today. If it wasn’t for the commitments made and the time and effort spent by not just all the Past Masters of Franklin, but ALL the brethren, I may not in this position to write this today. I have talked with many of the brothers I see in lodge, but I want to talk with the ones who I don’t see as well. So, over the coming months, I will be reaching out to many of you, my brothers. The program for our February meeting, we welcome members of the Rhode Island Shrine. Many of us know that to be a Shriner you have to be a Mason, but that is where our knowledge ends for a lot of us. Last year I had the opportunity to travel to a lodge in Virginia who had a Shrine presentation. I was blown away with all the programs they have to help the community. This excited me to learn more about what the Shrine does here in RI. I look forward to greeting each of you, so join me for some fellowship and light in Freemasonry. Fraternally and respectfully, Bro. Ralph Brunson Worshipful Master Franklin Lodge #20 |
AuthorMonthly Message from Master of Franklin Lodge #20 Archives
February 2023
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