Brethren,

The conclusion of this Masonic year approaches and another cycle will soon begin as it has for over 170 years beginning with Holland Lodge No. 1 in Houston in 1838. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the opportunity you have given me to serve Richardson Masonic Lodge as Worshipful Master.

1. I was extremely lucky to have talented officers on the team that smoothly accomplished their duties and made my efforts more productive and much easier to accomplish. I also want to especially thank those of you such as Past Master Dick Davies who have not held formal offices but have still contributed your time and talents on a regular and substantial manner week in and week out that I could count on when I walked into the Lodge.
2. We knew going into this year that the budget would be tight but 52 of you contributed significant monetary gifts to the Balance the Budget Program and 19 of you worked the two day Girl Scout Cookie Distribution Project fund raiser. These two projects made the difference in closing our budget gap and thereby enabled us to do most if not all of our regular activities. Next year we shall have tax relief but will still receive little if any income from our endowments so we will continue to need to watch our expenditures. Our Grand Master commented in a recent meeting that our endowment unit value which was 75 a year ago is now back up to 96. But until it is over 100 they are not expected to even consider resuming payments again.
3. Through your hard work it appears that Richardson Masonic Lodge will again be successful in completing the thirty activities required for the annual Vanguard Award which will be presented at Grand Lodge in December. Looking back over our history, Richardson Lodge has been successful in its pursuit of that award nearly without exception for the last 20 years. That is indeed a worthy goal to pursue.

 

 

Fraternally,

BILL IKER

Worshipful Master