Newsletter from the Grand Secretary
Hollis G. Dixon, Grand Secretary
January 2009
Grand Lodge Officers to Perform Degree: The line officers of the Grand Lodge of Maine have been invited to perform the Master Mason degree at Piscataquis Lodge No. 44 in Milo on Saturday, January 17, 2009. The Grand Master requests that the Grand Lodge line officers report to the lodge dressed in Tuxedo with white gloves and full regalia. There will be a 6:30 p.m. supper and lodge will open at 7:30 p. m.
Secretaries Workshop: A workshop for lodge Secretaries has been scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Auburn Masonic Center. We will have coffee and donuts available from 8:00 a. m. to 9:00 a. m. and the workshop will start at 9:00 a. m. Secretaries who attend this workshop may become certified to access the Grand Lodge data base via the internet for the purpose of maintaining the records of their lodge.
Annual Returns: During the past three years, we have been able to certify 147 lodge Secretaries of our 187 Masonic lodges to enable them to access the Grand Lodge computer via the Internet for the purpose of maintaining the records of their lodges. One of the benefits of doing this is that they are then able to complete their Annual Returns by accessing those records and printing them directly from the Grand Lodge computer.
Annual Returns must be submitted to Grand Lodge as of February 1, 2009. If you have not yet been certified, you should have recently received a set of the Annual Return Forms. Once you have completed the forms you should submit them with the Abstract and a check in the amount necessary to cover your per capita tax, assessments and insurance. Should you need assistance with the forms, please call the Grand Lodge office and speak with one of the girls that process these forms. They will do everything they can to assist you with that process.
Welcome 2009: As we welcome in the New Year, we can’t help but reflect back on the year 2008 as a difficult year, not only because of the economy but because of the violence and destruction taking place around the world. Many Masonic lodges in Maine have found it to be a difficult year and some have found it necessary to consider vacating their lodge hall while consolidating with another lodge or merely renting space in another hall. During these difficult times, when important decisions must be made, it is important to remember that our Constitution requires that we take certain steps in making such changes.
Section 86 (Page 1-37) of the Constitution sets forth certain requirements when a lodge wants to move its lodge hall or change the location of its meetings.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Hollis G. Dixon
Grand Secretary
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