Regards from Warren E. Huff WM            EQUITY Lodge 591            January 2012

Our modern society is often criticized for running about, consumed with the moment and material achievement. This does seem to be the case and even necessary for most of us as we rarely have the opportunity to think and do.

In Freemasonry and in particular Equity we have an exceptional implement for both thinking and achieving. Being both contemplative and dynamic, Freemasonry provides an opportunity to connect with the distant Enlightenment and a tool to work toward an improved future.

This year I hope to: a) nurture the philosophical foundations that bind us as brothers and set Freemasonry apart form other fraternal societies, while b) also doing the “Business of the Lodge”. In fact these two ideas are not exclusive of each other.

In regard to “Business of the Lodge”, I am not speaking here about the ritual opening and closing, balloting and petition reading components of the Stated Meeting. I am speaking about the care and concern for our brothers, the attendance of their funerals, the work of the committees, the education of candidates, the increase of our numbers and the recognition of work well done.

Since I was raised a Mason in1995 I have quite often heard stories of a golden past when brothers numbered in the tens of thousands and every one wore spats. My brothers our golden time is now. Let us be positive, especially with our new candidates so they can experience the same pride, the affirmative qualities of our fraternity and come believe in its relevance to a modern society.

As a means of achieving a better understanding of our ancient but still relevant philosophy and a call to Work, I would like to concentrate on two simple ideas.

1)      Increasing the opportunity for participation and

2)      Improving our proficiency and education

I see these ideas as fundamental to achieving and sustaining growth. People feel better when they are informed and involved. They in turn want to share their experiences with friends and family. And we will be the better for building new brothers.

The following are several actions that I will take immediately and in the coming months:

a. Appoint Active Officers to floor positions and committees

b. Institute Quarterly News Letter with pertinent articles, social events, family announcements, business association reports, well being report, etc.

c. Institute new Equity Education/Instruction meetings

d. Institute a mentor Program

e. Achievement / Recognition awards for serving on committees and at degrees

f. The King James Bible will now be given to candidates upon the 3^rd degree

g. Remake Extra Meetings as “Working Nights” and counter the idea that our most important meetings are “extra”

h. Reinstitute the Opening and Closing Charges

i. Assign investigation and well being committees from the East at the stated meetings

j. Require the Committees and Associations to develop action plans and set goals (Committees should define their tasks, fulfill their assumed responsibilities and make reports to the lodge)

2) The following are Social Activities that I hope we can provide to the Lodge

(I am open to more ideas although some are now being prepared. If you come forward with an idea be prepared to work on seeing it brought to fruition)

a. Anniversary Dinner/Bruch with our ladies

b. Winter Holiday Party for Brothers

c. 1 or 2 Day trips and or Lunches with family

3) the following is a list of Speakers and Programs you will see 2012

January 11th:

Announce goals and plans for year, appoint officers committees to Lodge, Masonic rededication ceremony.

February 8th: Brother Ben Olshin, re. Masonic Travels in Taiwan

March 14th: Brother Elliott Meltzer PM, Exemplification of the 3^rd Degree

April 11th: Bro. Matt Dupee PM, re. The Lesser Know Orders of Masonry

May 9th: Bro. Dr. Herbert Henney, re. the History of Prince Hall Masonry.                              

June 13th: Docent of the Phila. Zoo, Joseph McLaughlin

July: dark

August: dark

September 12th: Chris Owens, re. Historic Rittenhouse Town

October 10th: Huff, re. Masonry in the American Civil War or Masonry under Catherine the Great or other.

November 14th: Veterans Day: the story of the Negro Soldiers All wars Memorial by Prince hall Bro, Michael Roepel PM with Buffalo Soldiers

December 12th: election of Officers and Memorial Service

Back Up Presenters:

Daniel N. Rolph,Ph.D., The Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Your Suggestions are welcomed, see me.

I hope you will help me to underwrite the notion of Equity 591 as a community of brothers dedicated to our mutual wellbeing and care, where everyone is welcome and work is expected and rewarded.