My Brethren:--
At the very outset I should like to express my sincere thanks to you all for having made possible the honor of serving as Master of Monticello Lodge.
The distance of travel has made it difficult for me to serve this Lodge as well as some of my predecessors, I nevertheless assure you that I have had the Lodge at heart and I know that Masonry in building up confidence and helping me has done much to make my life happier to overcome a feeling of shyness and a fear to meet and enjoy fellowship which this Lodge provides.
I give special thanks to the brethren and officers of this Lodge who have helped me to make this a successful year and particularly extend my thanks to those who have helped in degree and ritualistic work.
My year as Master was highlighted. by the fact that we raised 7 members, gained another by affiliation and restored one. However, the net gain to membership was only 4 because of the fact that five members were lost to the Grim Reaper.
The Lodge membership now stands at 289 and after granting ten life membership certificates to brethren this evening only 210 will be dues paying members. In terms of dollars and cents the net loss in dues paying members is 6.
Communications and events which will be remembered favorably by members of Monticello Lodge, inclutied an inspiring address by Bro. Leon Weiss of Fallsburg Lodge on Abraham Lincoln Ladies Night, when a most enjoyable evening was provided, Cub Pack Night with 46 Cubs and their parents attending, to witness the presentation ot a pack charter by the Rev. Paul Allen. This was a true demonstration of Masonic interest in civic and youth projects and a visit by the Fellowcraft team of Walkill Lodge. This and many other enjoyable activities including a visit by our fellowcraft team to Tappan lee Lodge atNyack and to Fallsburg Lodge strengthened greatly the ties of fellowship.
Monticello Lodge was honored this year with the appointment to the District Deputyship of our Past Master, Bro. Leland W. Silvieus.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Leland W. Silvieus took up the working tools of the craft more than a score and a half years ago and has labored long and well in our quarries. Our Lodge is proud of him and the purple rests well upon his shoulders.
The district convention was held in our Lodge on October 5, with R.W. Henry G. Meacham presiding. This was the second successive year that the convention was held here and both times a large number of brethren were present with R.W. Meacham supervising the exemplification of degrees in his usual efficient manner and with Wor. Bro. Alvin O. Benton assisting the Grand Lecturer in his work.
As I turn the Gavel over to my successor this evening I am confident that it will rest in capable hands and under his leadership there should be no doubt about the Lodges success and conduct during the coming year.
However, as I relinquish this symbol feelings of regret that I had not more to give to that which has so much meaning in my life. But yet I give it with a feeling of confidence as I hand it over to one well qualified with words and wisdom which shall light the pathway of true Masonry.
