Prince Albert Lodge Freemasons Newsletter - April 2010
SECOND BECKONS
Like a bridge over troubled water, the evergreen Second Degree safely conveys the Candidate from the First Degree into territory where water freely flows and corn abundantly grows. This month, Prince Albert Lodge will pass Aaron Oliver to the Fellowcraft Degree. The "Second" is a brief but beautiful ceremony, full of Masonic wisdom and import. Its Working Tools charge never fails to inspire. You owe it to yourself to be sure to attend Prince Albert's April meeting.
HEADING SOUTH
Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the South we go! This month's festive board will live up to Prince Albert's usual high standards. It's being organised by Brian Clements, Keith Hamilton and a willing volunteer. We're not sure what they have in mind, but you can be sure the tucker will be outstanding, the entertainment lively, and the fun and fellowship, as always, top class. See you in the South.
LUCKY LODGE
It's said, "He who blows his own trumpet is too full of wind." However, we must say Prince Albert is a lodge that is singularly favoured. Whatever we do is almost invariably crowned with success. What other lodge in your experience offers its members and visitors the enjoyment that's become the hallmark of Prince Albert? All we need now, to put the gilt on the gingerbread, is another Initiate or two, and some more welcome Affiliates. Watch this space!
TURN UP
Now don't say you weren't warned. Your presence is required on Saturday 15 May. That's because Prince Albert Lodge has been rostered for easy grounds maintenance at Masonic Care, Sandgate. You work at your own pace, mowing lawns or tidying the gardens. Free morning tea and lunch will be provided on the day if you join our volunteers. Turn up and support your lodge and Masonic Care.
VALÉ COLIN
"A gentle person, a man of character and good humour." With these words, our Almoner, Ernie Smith, described Colin Scown while officiating at his funeral service last month. Colin was one of Prince Albert's more senior members. He was Master of Prince Albert lodge in 1994. His death mercifully released him from a prolonged and devastating illness. Our sincere sympathy is extended to Col's widow, Jenny, and to his family and friends.
BE A GIVER
"Raffles, who needs them? ... they're boring!" You sometimes hear this comment. The enthusiasm and merriment engendered by Prince Albert's raffle last month clearly indicated they're still popular and necessary. Without our raffle, supper costs would wreck our fragile economic viability. Moreover, our benevolent account and our ability to donate to worthy causes would suffer. The success of Prince Albert's supper raffle depends squarely on your generosity. Please, do continue to bring a raffle prize with you as your personal gift to the lodge.
ANZAC TRIBUTES
How moving! Wreaths of scarlet poppies will surround the Urn of Remembrance in the vestibule of the Ann Street Masonic Memorial Centre on Anzac Day. Prince Albert's Master, Dennis Johnson, will lay a poppy wreath on behalf of the lodge in honour of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country. Brethren attending the ceremony will then march to Anzac Square where Grand Master Graeme Ewin will lay a wreath at the Flame of Remembrance. Further homage to the fallen will follow at the Anzac memorial service to be held in the Grand Hall, Ann Street, that evening. A.I.F. Memorial Lodge will be the host.
AWESOME EVENT
Stunning! Prince Albert's March meeting welcomed 15 Entered Apprentices who listened attentively to the Tracing Board address presented by our Master, Dennis Johnson. Assistant Grand Master Greg Goding was accompanied by a fine team of Grand officers who remained seated until after the lodge was closed. Mr Bob Darling, a professional cameraman, was then admitted to shoot video film and stills of the key players. It was fascinating to watch a real pro at work. The Assistant GM, noting the 75 Freemasons present, warmly commended Prince Albert Lodge on its enterprise in staging such an original meeting.
BALANCING ACT
A tightrope walker he isn't, but John Clegg has once again audited Prince Albert's accounts and balanced every debit and credit. The Auditor's Report and Balance Sheet was adopted at our March meeting. Thanks, John, for your meticulous attention to our fiscal records. It's reassuring to know PAL remains solvent and in satisfactory financial shape.
WEBSITE TAKES SHAPE
A skeleton doesn't look good without skin. It's the same with Prince Albert's website. At present, it's only in skeletal form. It has yet to take on its decorative wrapping to transform it into one of the most attractive locations on the internet. Negotiations are under way with Dennis Hickman in Cairns to ensure Prince Albert's finished website will immediately arrest the viewer's attention, and further retain his interest through the use of highly imaginative animated images. The video taken by at Prince Albert's last meeting is expected to feature prominently on the completed website.
ITALIAN IDYLL
Lots of laughs echoed around the supper room last month as Prince Albert turned on a mammoth festive board. Nearly 80 diners, including several of our ladies, tucked into a scrumptious Italian menu, complete with spaghetti, macaroni cheese and gelati. Denise Johnson cooked up the pasta, Mike Rowe provided the country-killed beef and Robyn Annear-Walker served up the gelato. Complementing the Italian theme, a grande corsa motor race was held ... and a little Mini defeated all the super-charged monster Italian cars competing.
ACTIVE SERVERS
Hearty thanks go to those whose assistance ensured the success of Prince Albert's festive board last month. Special mention must be made of the ladies, Robyn Annear-Walker, Denise Johnson, Louise (Rowe), and Margaret McCathie. Their help was magnificent. And the marvellous men of Prince Albert - too many to name individually - were also kept busy juggling food plates and jugs of punch. Many thanks, gals and fellas!
CEREMONIAL PLEA
The work for this month's Second Degree has been allotted by our Director of Ceremonies, Ross Fraser. Please promptly let him know if you are unable to carry out the charge allocated, so that a substitute officer can be arranged.
IN JULY
Time flies! Before you know it, July will be here. That's the month in which we elect the officers who'll serve Prince Albert Lodge in 2010-11. Are you willing to be nominated? Give it serious thought. You'll derive much satisfaction through your service to the Craft. Two other events in July deserve your attention. On the first Saturday (3 July) the Grand Lodge Installation will take place. Our Grand Master, Graeme Ewin, will hand over the reins to his successor. Then on the third Saturday (17 July) Nambour Lodge will hold their Installation.
VIVA LA DIFFERENCE
This was printed in Prince Albert's newsletter in 2000. It's worth repeating. "What makes Prince Albert different from your average lodge? While we observe the landmarks, we try (more than most) to give brethren a pleasant surprise at every meeting. This may take the form of an unexpected event in the lodge room. It could be a novel theme for the festive board. Sometimes it's a wacky menu. Often it's our unique harmony and entertainment that calls for group participation.
But our secret ingredient has to be the curious and diverse mixture of brethren who magically create an infectious environment of fun, fellowship and infectious happiness."
oooOOOooo
