This reminded me of the night I received my Entered Apprentice degree, my friend, Don Smith, informed me that all 400 members at that time do not come to lodge for meetings, but I was inspired enough by the degree work of the officers that I wanted to continue the fine traditions of Linwood Lodge by doing the best degree work in the district, with the hope of inspiring the new petitioners and keeping them involved with the Lodge.

      I got a Christmas card from Brother Charlie Newberry down in Florida. Boy, you talk about bringing back good memories... Charlie, Mike Retherford, and myself would travel around to different lodges, even participating in their degree work when asked & where needed. We went to many, many Inspections too, both in the First district an outside. Mike and I couldn’t believe how every Lodge we visited Charlie always knew someone. To top everything off, Charlie was always the first to get served dinner or deserts every time! (I guess he scored more points than you or I Mike.) So Charlie, Hello and Happy Holidays to you and Judy, from all of us at Linwood!

      I also had the pleasure to speak with Brother Richard Hankins. He like Charlie, is also living in Florida. I had visited with Bro. Hankins and his wife a couple of years ago. We reminisced about sitting on their screened in porch, drinking coffee, and talking about home, family, and Lodge. (Happy Holidays to you and your wife Dick!)

      On Saturday December 16th we had our Annual Christmas Dinner and Awards presentations. For those of you that didn't make it, you missed a great day. Everyone had an enjoyable time. Plenty of fun & food. WB John Phelps did his usual fine job cooking. The deserts were plentiful too! Thanks to all who brought them out. We went into the lodge room after the meal to begin the Awards program. We presented a SIXTY (60) Year pin to Brother Elmer Horne; a FIFTY (50) year pin to Brother Coy Lovett, and Brother Dave Wendt was presented his TWENTY-FIVE (25) Year pin. Each Brother, after receiving their pin reminisced about their time in Masonry. They all said the same thing, "It sure doesn’t seem like 25, 50, or 60 years." We have many more awards to give out to those that could not attend this dinner. Brother Rick Hoffmeister called from Indiana to request we mail his 25 yr pin, and to let me know he will visit soon when he is in town.

"It doesn’t seem like it has been that long."

     Remember the Master Mason lecture regarding the Hour Glass? Come out for a Master Mason degree and listen to one of your officers give this lecture, I am sure he would appreciate your being there... as would I and the candidate.

Take care. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!