New England Lodge No. 4

New England NOT Snowed Out

It almost happened two years in a row, but Old New England Lodge #4
managed to have our inspection, as scheduled, on Tuesday 2/12. Even with the ominous weather forecasts, we still had nearly 100 brothers in attendance. New England #4 recently held a successful inspection under the direction of Worshipful Master Tim Crouch. Thank you to all the brethren who helped us put on the Master Mason Degree! We enjoyed the ritual work and the fellowship.

At its Stated Meeting in February, Lodge Education Officer Dick Snow explained why WB James Kilbourne had not been permitted to participate in the initial meetings of the 1808 four-day convocation that founded the Grand Lodge of Ohio. “The reason New England #4 was not given a seat at the Grand Convocation in 1808 is that the Lodge had not been properly constituted,” WB Snow said. “The Lodge had not yet installed its first set of officers. Therefore, Kilbourne could not qualify as a delegate.” At the third Convention, held January 1, 1810, New England was accepted as a delegate and Kilbourne was appointed with two other delegates to examine the Constitution and By-laws of the Grand Lodge.

Also during the Stated meeting, Brother Bill Compton was installed as Junior Steward. One Fellowcraft examination was accepted and three petitions were accepted for investigation.

The Lodge approved a contribution to Bethel #45 for the Ohio Miss Job’s Daughter’s Pageant in April. Lodge Secretary WB Ken Sparks reported the Brethren of New England had donated nearly $1,800 to the Ohio Masonic Home in 2007.

JW Dave Welch reported that New England has been represented at every inspection in the 14th District.

Lodge members, accompanied by Brethren from Blendon and Humboldt lodges, recently visited veterans in the V.A. Hospital in Chillicothe.

On July 12, the 7th Masonic District is hosting a special banquet honoring the founding lodges of Ohio Freemasonry, including Ol’ #4. A dinner will be held in Waverly, Ohio ($24/person). Hotel rooms are being held at the Christopher Inn in Chillicothe ($79/room). Most Worshipful Brother Ronald L. Winnett will be in attendance at this special event. RSVP to Lodge Secretary WB Ken Sparks by April 30 at 614-266-5043 or secretary@newengland4.org.

Coming up, New England will perform community service on April 19 by cleaning Huntley Road in Worthington as part of the Adopt-A-Road Program. Lodge members and volunteers are invited to the Lodge for a hot breakfast at 8 a.m. before heading out to clean. Come out and enjoy the fellowship while performing a good deed for the community.

We would like to create a lodge e-mailing list. This list will be used only for announcements from the lodge, including reminders about upcoming events, and late breaking information, such as weather related cancellations and funerals. Please take a moment to send your e-mail address to list@newengland4.org.

Trestleboard
Feb. 26, Fellowcraft Meeting, 7 p.m.; March 1, 14th District Grand Master’s Reception, 5 p.m. at Aladdin Shrine; March 4, Stated Meeting, 7:30 p.m.; March 12, Special Meeting (EA degree work), 7 p.m.; March 25, Past Master’s Night, 6 p.m. dinner; April 1 Stated Meeting, 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.newengland4.org or call 614-885-5116.