2017 LODGE PROGRAM
Brunswick United Lodge No 924 An Accredited Lodge - Consecrated 27 July 2002
Greetings
August 15th September 19th October 17th November 21st December 12th
The Worshipful Master, WBro Don Wilkin PGStdB, summons members and invites visitors to attend the Regular Meeting of the Lodge to be held at the Brunswick Masonic Centre, 6-8 Davies Street, Brunswick North on Tuesday 15th August at
7.15 PM
Secretary Bro Steve Austin MM 0427 594 971 steveeaustin@gmail.com
Meeting Agenda Minutes and Correspondence Treasurer's Report Election - Auditors Invest Officers absent from 18th July Installation meeting Receive Visitors Work - 3rd Degree Bro Paul Aquilina 7. 1st Rising - Grand Lodge Administration - Presentation of 50-year Service Jewel - WBro Alen Monks 8. 2nd Rising - Schedules and Reports 9. 3rd Rising - Close the Lodge 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Lodge Website: www.brunswickunited-924.com
3rd Degree 2nd Degree 3rd Degree 2nd Degree
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Bro Paul Aquilina Bro Adam Mecuri Bro Michael Zampaglione Bros Ryan Wakefield and Adam Harvey & Vacant Chair 3rd Degree - Adam Mecuri NEXT LODGE REHEARSAL
Tuesday 8th August at 7.15 pm sharp. All Lodge Officers and those Brethren listed below and any who have been notified separately by the Director of Ceremonies. Obligation Retrospect Raising Ecclesiastes Secrets Badge Extension Traditional History Working Tools Final
RWBro WBro WBro Bro WBro WBro WBro Bro WBro WBro
Colin Scharp PJGW Robert Malcolm PM Eric Williams (District Coordinator) Paul O’Dea MM Mike Rich PGStdB Nick LeRay-Meyer AM PGStdB Don Wilkin PGStdB Tom Ioannou MM Nick LeRay-Meyer AM PGStdB John Polglaze PJGD
GRAND LODGE QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION The next Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication will be held on Wednesday 20th September 2017 at Kernot Hall, 50 - 70 Princes Drive Morwell, starting at 7.30pm (seated by 7.15pm). The Quarterly Forum will start at the same location at 5.30pm Due to the limited seating available at that Centre, attendance at the Communication and Forum will be by reserved ticket only. Registration and ticketing will be via 'Try Booking'. Check the Brunswick United website for more details. For those not attending Kernot Hall, the Communication will be streamed to the Preston Masonic Centre (dress as for attending the Communication). Other streaming options are detailed at the FMV and Brunswick United websites. -2-
LODGE OFFICERS 2017-2018
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION NORTHERN DISTRICT CO-ORDINATOR WBro Eric Williams 0404 034 683 eric@mpbrokers.com.au DISTRICT INSPECTOR OF WORKS (PRESTON/BRUNSWICK) RWBroRichard Heron PJGW rjheron50@gmail.com CENTENARY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No 142. Lecture Master: Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7.30 P.M. New and prospective Lodge Officers are strongly encouraged to attend! ALMONER. WBro Mike Rich PGStdB If you know of a Brother in need, ill or ailing please advise either the Almoner 9435 3847 mike.val@bigpond.net.au or the Secretary 0408 383 182 nicklm2@bigpond.com ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION The Annual Subscription (including Grand Lodge capitation element) for 2017-2018 was due on and from 1st July 2017. Metropolitan $280.00 Concessional $210.00 member resides outside of 80km radius from the Brunswick Masonic Centre or is in receipt of the full age pension Homes Donation (Optional) $ 5.00 Payment can be made by any one of the following methods: ♦ Cash or Cheque - direct to Secretary at a Lodge meeting, or ♦ Cheque - payable to Brunswick United Lodge No 924 and posted to the Secretary (1/11 Cantala Ave Rosanna 3084), or ♦ Bank Transfer: Name: Bendigo Bank BSB: 633-000 (which is the main "clearing house") Account Name: Brunswick United Lodge No 924 Account Number: 1171 38016 -3-
Worshipful Master Immediate Past Master: Senior Warden Junior Warden: Chaplain: Treasurer: Secretary: Assistant Secretary Director of Ceremonies Asst Director of Ceremonies: Almoner: Organist Choirmaster Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Inner Guard Stewards
Tyler
WBro RWBro VWBro Bro WBro WBro Bro Bro VWBro WBro WBro RWBro Bro Bro Bro RWBro Bro Bro Bro Bro Bro Bro
D Wilkin PGStdB C Scharp PJGW R (Bob) Malcolm PGIW J Aqulina MM J Polglaze PJGD G Beckett PGStdB S Austin MM S Sala MM P Scharp PGIW R (Robert) Malcolm PM M Rich PGStdB M Gealor PJGW GLOrg J Hammer OAM MM T Ioannou MM B McCallum MM W (Bill) Wilkinson PJGW E Brown MM L Crandles MM T Duchè MM D Illingworth MM K Salibo MM A Kenos MM
Lodge Education Officer Homes Ambassador
WBro Bro
N LeRay-Meyer AM PGStdB Paul O'Dea MM
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BRUNSWICK UNITED LODGE No 924 TUESDAY 18th JULY 2017
♦
OPENING 1.
The Lodge was opened in a Regular manner by the Worshipful Master, WBro Don Wilkin PGStdB, at 6.30 pm ♦
Service jewels Past Master's Certificate Emails to: District Coordinator on Administration matters the Treasurer and members re subscriptions and administration members advising the Passing to GLA of RWBro R (Bob) L Found PJGW July Summons and Newsletter
MINUTES 2.
The Minutes of the last regular meeting held on the 20th June 2017, having been printed and circulated were taken as read and confirmed. CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE 3.
4.
Inward ♦ Correspondence from Grand Lodge Approval of 20th June Lodge Meeting report Service Jewels Resignations of VWBro Peter Wood and Bro James Mann ♦ Notice Papers and 4th Schedules from Sister Lodges ♦ Emails from District Coordinator ♦ Emails from members re subscriptions, administration etc ♦ Emails re the Passing of RWBro R L Found PJGW ♦ Emails and Letters re resignation of WBros Rhett Jenkinson and L Glazner Outward ♦ Lodge Meeting Report - 20th June 2017 ♦ Letters and Emails to Grand Lodge concerning: resignations Engagement Officer -5-
Moved by Bro Jack Aquilina SD and Seconded Bro Tom Ioannou JD that the correspondence as read be received. CARRIED TREASURER’S REPORT 5.
The Treasurer, WBro Beckett PGStdB, advised that the General Account balance was $7,013.59 with accounts totalling $1,235.69 plus catering to be paid. Moved VWBro Bob Malcolm PGIW SW and Seconded WBro Robert G Malcolm JW that the Treasurer's report be received and the accounts as detailed be passed for payment. CARRIED
6.
The Treasurer informed the Worshipful Master and the Brethren that the Notice of Motion concerning the 2017-2018 fee structure he gave at the 20th June meeting would be deferred to at least the September meeting due his absence interstate.
ELECTIONS 7.
Treasurer. WBro Garry Beckett was nominated as Treasurer by the Secretary and Seconded by WBro Mike Rich PGStdB. There being only the one nomination the Worshipful Master declared WBro G Beckett duly elected as Treasurer for 2017-2018. -6-
8.
Tyler. Bro Anges Kenos JP was nominated as Tyler by the Secretary and Seconded by the Treasurer. There being only the one nomination the Worshipful Master declared Bro Anges Kenos JP duly elected as Tyler for 2017-2018. Bro Kenos was admitted and congratulated on being elected as Tyler. Bro Kenos confirmed his intention to serve the WM as well as he can.
9.
Joining Member. Bro Steve Austin MM, having submitted his Schedule 7 at the June meeting was supported in his Application by the Secretary and Treasurer. After the ballot had confirmed his acceptance by the Lodge members, Bro Austin was admitted to the Lodge where he was presented to the Worshipful Master and received his name tag.
14.
Note: The Director Ceremonies, Organist, Choir Master and four Stewards are to be invested at the August meeting. 1st TIME OF RISING 15.
Grand Lodge. The Secretary advised that no formal advice had been received as to the next Grand Lodge Communication but information to hand indicated it would be held at the Traralgon Masonic Centre on Wednesday 20th September and streamed to the Preston Masonic Centre. More details should be available at the August meeting.
16.
At the direction of the Worshipful Master, WBro Nick LeRay-Meyer AM PGStdB presented Bro David Illingworth with his Master Mason's Certificate.
GENERAL BUSINESS 10.
Resignations. The resignations of WBro Rhett Jenkinson and WBro Len Glazner were accepted with regret.
VISITORS 11.
The following visitors were received and welcomed: ♦ 6 Worshipful Masters ♦ 12 Past Masters ♦ 2 Master Mason
2nd TIME OF RISING 17.
The Installing Master, RWBro Graham Pitcher PJGW, presented: ♦ WBro Don Wilkin with the Worshipful Master's Perpetual Jewel; A Grand Lodge Past Master's Certificate; and a bound copy of the Summons issued by the Worshipful Master during his 2016 - 2017 term of office; and ♦ RWBro Colin Scharp PJGW with the IPM Perpetual Jewel
18.
Lodge officers were then directed by the Worshipful Master to resume their stations.
WORK 12.
The Worshipful Master invited the IPM, RWBro Colin Scharp PJGW, to take the Chair and conduct the Obligation of the Master-elect.
13.
Entered Apprentices were retired, the Lodge opened in the 2nd Degree and the Master-elect, WBro Don Wilkin PGStdB, was obligated according to the Ritual. -7-
Fellow Craftsmen were retired and the Lodge opened in the 3rd Degree. The IPM then invited RWBro Graham Pitcher, PJGW, to accept the gavel and conduct the Installation of the Master-elect. RWBro Pitcher, assisted by the Northern Districts Installation Team installed the Worshipful Master and invested the officers present at the meeting in accordance with the approved Installation Ritual.
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19.
Schedules. The Secretary, Bro Steve Austin MM, read the following: ♦ 4th Schedules. Fairfield Lodge No. 254: Mr. Vikas Wadhwa, age 36 23 Tamar Avenue, Point Cook CEO Danford College, Melbourne -
20.
The Army Lodge No 478 Trooper Christopher Mark Sullivan, age 27 (7/11/1989) 7 St Leonard Drive, South Morang Teacher
Reports ♦
Almoner. The Almoner, WBro Mike Rich PGStdB, sadly informed the Brethren that RWBro Robert (Bob) Found PJGW had passed away during July. He noted that Bob will be certainly missed by Brunswick United and the Craft in general as he was so involved with Freemasonry, especially in the Brunswick and Coburg area. He was the Lecture Master at the Centenary Lodge of Instruction and we hope we can find a replacement for this office and keep his Legacy continuing. Bob was: initiated in Thistle Lodge on the 19th July 1962, passed on the 15th November 1962, and Raised on the 17th January 1963. a Freemason for 55 years and was a Master a total of five times, at three different Lodges. The Brethren stood for a few moments, in silence, for a most respected man and Freemason.
♦
P&GPC. The Chairman of the P&GPC, WBro M Rich PGStdB, advised that the next P&GPC meeting will be held on Tuesday 29th August at 7.30 pm in the Brunswick Masonic Centre Library. All are welcome to attend. -9-
3rd TIME OF RISING. 21.
After the Worshipful Master had received greetings from the assembled Brethren the Lodge was closed in Peace, Love and Harmony at 9.45pm..
CONFIRMED Signature……………………….…………………………. WBro Don Wilkin PGStdB Worshipful Master Tuesday 16th August 2017
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The Brunswick United Lodge No 924 An Accredited Lodge of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria
Newsletter Edition No 164 - Tuesday 15th August 2017 Editor - WBro Nick LeRay-Meyer AM PGStdB Lodge Room and Festive Board Reporter and Photographer - Bro Paul O'Dea
Reinstallation of Master. Right Worshipful Bro Graham Pitcher PJGW led the Northern Districts Installation Team with the reinstallation of our current Master, Worshipful Bro Don Wilkin PGStdB and investiture of officers. The Team conducted the ceremony with precision and professionalism. This was a special experience for the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts who have not witnessed an installation previously, especially the “Grand Lodge” precision, unique steps, trumpeting and post-installation protocols. Bro Adam Mecuri had a 'special' front seat during the investiture - under guidance of the Herald he received instruction on the various collars and jewels before handing them to the Proclaiming Officer for investiture of the elected and appointed Lodge Officers. There were quite a few changes this year. Apart from the usual progression of Brethren already in Office, this term will see a new Secretary, Organist and Tyler.
INSIDE THE LODGE ROOM Lodge Business The Lodge was opened in a regular manner with the retiring Master, Worshipful Bro Don Wilkin PGStdB welcoming all BU Brethren to this, the first night of his second consecutive term in the Chair of King Solomon. After completion of the usual Lodge business, which included the Treasurer deferring the Motion re the 2017-2018 Fee structure until a later meeting (due to his forthcoming absence interstate), elections saw WBro Garry Beckett accept yet another term as Treasurer, Bro Anges Kenos JP, a newcomer, elected as Tyler and Bro Steve Austin MM as a 'joining' member. Visitors. As befits the installation of a Master, BU Lodge was pleased to welcome many visitors including 7 Masters (one of whom was a member of the Installation team), 12 Past Masters including members of the Northern Districts Installation Team and two Master Masons. Obligation of the Master-elect. The IPM, RWBro Colin Scharp PJGW, assumed the Chair and proceed to obligate the Master-elect in the 2nd Degree. While this is generally conducted at the meeting preceding the Installation meeting, it provided a cohesive flow to the night's ceremony.
Secretary. Bro Steve Austin takes over from Worshipful Bro Nick LeRay-Meyer AM PGStdB. WBro Nick, despite serious recent illness, will probably continue his expert ability to anticipate, react, action, deliver and multi task for considerably beyond the end of 2017, albeit at a more leisurely pace. Organist. Right Worshipful Bro Mark Gealor PJGW GL Org replaces Right Worshipful Bro Bob Beacham PSGW as the BU Lodge organist. A special thanks to RWBro Bob for his long melodic service in the Lodge room and the South. We’ll miss some of those old favourites that had many brothers singing and tapping to the beat. However, all is not completely lost since Bob has offered to play for us at meetings where Mark is required by the Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team. Tyler. Bro Ange Kenos JP has commenced duties as Tyler for 2017/18 and hopefully for many years thereafter. Ange is replacing RW Bro Ray Porter PJGW who is looking forward to being able to join brethren inside the Lodge room. Brunswick United express our special thanks to RWBro Ray for your efforts in keeping us safe during your tenure “guarding” the Lodge doors and asking the difficult questions! -2-
Almoner’s Report. Worshipful Bro Mike Rich PGStdB spoke briefly about the passing of our Right Worshipful Bro Bob Found PJGW who served as Master five times, once at BU Lodge, and devoted 55 years to Freemasonry (see below). The Lodge stood in silence in his memory. Post script: Brother Bob received a farewell on 21 July befitting his popularity and long service with many mourners standing both inside and outside of the Cordell Chapel. We’ll all miss you Bob. RIP
Bro Don had the honour of cutting a very large and delicious fruit cake which was thoroughly enjoyed by the grateful attendees. We hope Brother Don took a large piece home to Lorraine to aid her recovery.
HAPPENINGS IN “THE SOUTH” SONGS, MERRIMENT, PRIZES AND TOASTS WBro Don Wilkin commenced his second year as Master with a celebration in the Aquila Room accompanied by the Brethren of BU, the Northern Districts Installation Team and many visiting brethren. WBro Don was in high spirits and was greeted with the traditional welcome for the newly installed Master. Regrettably, his wife Lorraine was unwell and thus unable to join the ladies, who assist in setting up the Aquila room every meeting, for the celebration of Don's s installation. WBro Don proposed a number of toasts – the Loyal Masonic and to the Grand Master. RWBro Graham Pitcher responded on behalf of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Don Reynolds, and then turn discussed the new Master's preceding year as well as his experience before proposing the traditional toast. In responding to Bro Pitcher’s toast, our “new” Worshipful Master expressed his willingness to face another challenging but exciting year as both Brunswick United and Grand Lodge embrace many changes. All BU brothers congratulated WBro Don on his reinstallation as Master. All present then wished him another successful year in the Chair of King Solomon followed by a rousing 'Scotch Fire'. RWBro Graham also took the opportunity during his post-installation address express the value of “younger” and “newer” Master Masons in accepting the challenge of becoming Lodge officers. He encouraged participation in the constitutional and other proposed changes rather than simply criticize decisions reached. -3-
Worshipful Brother Steve Cusack responded to the BU Visitor’s toast delivered by Right Worshipful Bro Colin Scharp. As always Bro Steve was gracious in his response wishing the Worshipful Master hearty congratulations and the gratitude of the visiting brethren. -4-
Service Jewel. On a night of excitement with the reinstallation of the BU Master, RWBro (William) Bill Wilkinson PJGW celebrated 65 years in Freemasonry. Although usually conducted in the Lodge Room, the busy agenda therein required that Bill be presented with his 65-year Service Jewel in 'The South'. WBro Nick LeRay-Meyer AM PGStdB had the honour of presenting Bro Bill with his latest jewel and shared with Brethren the interesting and varied background of this long-serving Brother. This has included working as a tradesman, teacher and technical school Principal both in Victoria and overseas. Bro Bill has been in Freemasonry for much longer than most will spend in their working life. He has been a Master and finally promoted to PJGW for his considerable contribution to the craft. Bro Bill has mentored many brethren and utilises a unique and relaxed personality to transfer that considerable knowledge to the Lodge office bearers of the future. Hearty congratulations Bro Bill and your brothers look forward to your 70th celebration.
well received on a chilly July night. A most popular staple of a big bowl of hot soup and followed by roast beef with vegetables. It brought back fond memories of Mum’s Sunday roasts Special Effort A wide selection of prizes went to good homes. One brother can report that a beautiful cream sponge was taken to his wife’s workplace and devoured within 10 minutes (He didn’t get a slice!). MEMBER'S DRAW The first draw for 2017 - 2018 went unclaimed; WBro Fred Tullberg's being absent means the prize jackpots to the August meeting. FACES WE MISS Ron de Lisle, Neil Parsons, Tony Morris, Bill Baini, Terry Ramadge, Frank Wiley, Tony Doumit, Charles Doumany, Bassam Saoud, Rupert Knox, Bashir Younes, Kamilo Saliba, Fouad (Fred) Fares, Thibault Duchè and Ryan Wakefield. We hope your work or family commitments will soon allow us to enjoy your company in the near future. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rupert Know (92), Neill Pratt (85), Fred Stewart (84), Don Wilkin (83), Frank Wiley (61), Lucas Crandles (32), Alen Harry (32), Michael Zampaglione (32), Thibault Duchè (31), Knut Ratzeburg (31) and Ryan Wakefield (31). May the GAOTU continue to grant each of you good health and happiness and many more birthdays. HAPPY MASONIC BIRTHDAY (From date of Initiation)
What a smile! Food Glorious Food The Wizards (Kevin and Marie) presented a lovely hot meal which was -5-
Colin Scharp (52), Nick LeRay-Meyer AM (50),Reg Martin (43), Bill Baini (28), Howard Ball (27), Charles Doumany (16), Fouad Fares (12), Brendan McCallum (3) and Paul Aquilina (1). May good health and fortune be your constant companion -6-
SOCIAL CLUB NEWS The next Social Club function will be a lunch at the Olympic Hotel, corner of Albert Street and Bell Street Preston on Saturday 19th August meeting at 12 noon. Names, not numbers, to either me ( 0408 383 182 nicklm2@bigpond.com) or Mike Rich ( mike.val@bigpond.net.au) 9435 3847. Mike tested the menu last week and pronounced it good!! Don't forget, the Social Committee meetings are open to every Lodge member and if your partner wishes to attend, even better. The meeting usually lasts for about 60-75 minutes followed by a light supper; everyone attending is asked to bring a small plate/platter/packet of goodies. Tea/Coffee is provided free of charge as is the conversation!. RAFFLE WBro Mike Rich and Bro Tom Ioannou conduct the raffle at each meeting. Tom donates a 'special prize' (usually a fine cut of meat) which at the July meeting was won by WBro Garry Beckett. The remainder of the prizes are purchased by Mike (the costs being refunded). If you wish to donate a prize for the Raffle, let Mike know or just bring it along. I can assure you it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied. CHARITY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT Just a short reminder to Brethren of the Lodge that the donations we make each year to Charities and Community Groups, are, in the main, derived from interest on bequested Lodge funds. Consequently, most of the interest earned must be donated and is therefore unavailable for general use - such as supplementation of annual fees and the like. Further, by donating to registered tax-deductable organisations, the resulting tax credits enable our fees to be well below many (if not most) other Lodges in the District. Do you have a charity or Community Group that you would like the Lodge to support? If so, please provide the details to the Chairman of the P&GPC and Almoner (both offices held by WBro Mike Rich). If it is a one that does not attract Federal or State Government support, the Lodge may be able to convince the Freemason Victoria Foundation to supplement the Lodge's donation. -7-
Vale RWBro Robert (Bob) Laurence Found PJGW A Tribute to a Real Brother By Bro Paul O'Dea A genuine man’s man with commitment, lifetime dedication and long service to our fraternity Right Worshipful Brother Found has been called to the Great Architect for a restful eternity Bob gave of himself and served as a model for all brothers to follow in their life’s adventure His hard work, resilience and other brother’s education all part of a considerable indenture An ability to remember long passages of ritual that would challenge someone much younger Bob knew them all and encouraged brethren to develop a deeper Masonic education hunger Therein lay a brother with a rare mixture of many adrenalin pursuits and quiet contemplation It is a great loss to those mentored, peers at the Lodge, Freemasonry and the nation Hard to summarise this special man in few words; a carer, a brother, a nice bloke and a mate Brother Bob be assured the Great Architect has been asked to let you through the pearly gate Though we may mourn, reflect on the past, and the many fun times by shedding a few tears Bob would be humbled by his brothers’ time spent on one very worthy of three Scotch cheers SMIB -8-