On Saturday April 21, 2007, the brothers of Masters Lodge conferred an exemplary Third Degree. At the conclusion of the degree, 15 new brothers had been raised in due form, one of whom was from Wadsworth Lodge. RW Robert Walenta sat in the East and conferred the degree. Brother Ken Gibson, who was raised during the one day class held in 2001, sat as the Senior Deacon for the entire degree and did a great job. As did our Junior Warden, Joseph Chappelle, who was also raised in the 2001 one day class. Brother Mike DeMartino, one of the men responsible for the influx of new members into Masters Lodge, performed magnificently on Third Base and for the very first time. Brother Fred Stuto from Van Rensselaer Lodge and Brothers Geoff Rogers and Russ LaGrange did a great job with the questions and answers as did Brother Henry Diehm who played the organ beautifully. The Fellowcraft Team was composed entirely of brothers from Masters Lodge (all 12 of them) as were all the other positions.

At a time when many lodges are struggling, Masters Lodge is thriving. Last year we raised 12 new brothers and for next year we already have a waiting list of over a dozen. I believe the keys to our success are the dedication our brothers show to the Lodge, the pride we all take in performing our ritual well, and the strong belief we all have in the tenets of the Craft.

It was pointed out to me that as I step down from the East, I am now considered an old timer, but I have only been a Mason for six years. I could go on and on about our Lodge and how many of our members have flourished but I invite you to see for yourself. Come visit us. If you are a member of another Lodge we would love to have you affiliate with us. We meet the second and fourth Monday of the month, September through May. Or, if you are thinking about Freemasonry and interested in becoming a member of Masters Lodge, please just contact our secretary, Paul Karamanol (email) paul [at] masters5 [dot] org, who will be able to answer all your questions.

Kevin Kermani, Master