Brethren, I bring you my final Trestleboard update as Worshipful Master.
This Saturday Raytown Lodge will complete our annual installation ceremony, a rite of passage which has been observed every year since the lodge was formed. It provides us the opportunity to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the future.
To say that this past year has been interesting would be an understatement. At our installation ceremony last September I outlined an multi point plan to begin revitalizing Raytown Lodge, which included an increase in civic, charitable and social activities. We did start down the path of each of these goals. We began a pot luck dinner at the second meeting of each month, inviting families to joins us for fellowship. We started the process of adopting an official lodge charity. We also worked to align ourselves more closely with other civic organizations to perform such events as the annual barbecue competition.
Unfortunately outside influences served to change our plans. Coronavirus concerns ultimately caused us to suspend all social activities. We were forced to cancel our barbecue competition, which is the fundraiser for our charitable activities. We were even forced to suspend regular meetings from late March through early May.
Although we have been able to begin to resume lodge meetings, we are still very limited due to the threat of virus spread. In order to maintain social distancing requirements and limit exposure we are unable to open lodge past the first degree. We are also restricted by the Grand Master’s edict from completing any degree work. I expect these restrictions to continue for a while until community health and Grand Lodge leaders determine things are under control.
However, in spite of these challenges we had some notable successes. We seated a full line of officers to progress through the advancing line, none of which have previously served as Masters of this lodge. This in itself is an accomplishment that many lodges are unable to claim.
We had a very successful fundraising activity with our annual fireworks tent. As you know, the fireworks tent provides the lodge with a good portion of our operating budget, and is the reason we have been able to keep our dues lower than many area lodges. We successfully transitioned to running just the smaller tent in our lot which is much more manageable and increases our opportunities for success.
Even though we were only able to complete degree work through mid March, we were able to confer three first degrees, three second degrees and two third degrees. We have a list of brothers awaiting degree work when we are again able to do so.
Raytown Lodge was able to complete our Bronze ritual award in the fall of this year. We were prepared to complete our Silver and Gold awards as well, but due to social distancing requirements it was determined that we were not able to be examined for those awards. It is my hope that the lodge will continue this path and pursue these awards next year.
We completed one MoChip child identification event and had another that was cancelled due to the virus. We also won the attendance award for the combined 18th and 19th District Lodges of Instruction.
Even with the restrictions in place Raytown Lodge was able to achieve the Grand Lodge Achievement award with Honor Lodge distinction. This was only made possible due to the dedication of our officers and members.
Finally, at this year’s abbreviated Grand Lodge session, the 18th and 19th Masonic Districts of Missouri were recognized as co-Districts of the Year. This award is in recognition of the lodges of the districts working together across district lines, our community outreach and Masonic education. As part of the 19th Masonic District this reflects well upon the brothers of Raytown Lodge.
As I close this communication I would like to thank the brothers of Raytown Lodge for the opportunity to serve you this past year. I would to thank the officers who went above and beyond numerous times to see that our objectives were completed. I would like to thank the members who supported the lodge, both with your attendance at meetings and events as well as financially. Our lodge is a family and I am proud to be a part of it.
I also wish to congratulate Brother Doug Jonesi on his election as your next Worshipful Master. Master-Elect Jonesi has a full year planned and I am confident the lodge will be well served by his leadership.
I will be again serving the 19th District as District Deputy Grand Lecturer in the coming year, so while my attendance may not be quite as regular in the past I will still be actively involved in helping the brothers of Raytown Lodge with what I am sure will be a successful 2021.
Fraternally,
Rick Kingcade
Worshipful Master 2019-2020