Yesterday was a busy day. The morning started with me attending the Graduating Student Leaders Celebration & Breakfast at Boise State University and then the Winter Commencement ceremony. I was able to watch several of my friends walk and receive their Bachelor's degrees.
Once finished I spent my day getting ready for my Lodge's installation. I was concerned as it started to snow and many of my guests had a distance to come. One of our Brothers cooked a delicious Prime Rib meal that was served by one of the local Bethels.
The Installation was well attended, even with the inclement weather, and I had the honor of being installed by a Brother who served as Master when I was Raised and he was my mentor. Tonight was an amazing night as I am the first Worshipful Master to be recycled in 98-years. My Installing Marshall was the Brother who preceded me in the line my first time around and currently serves as the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Idaho. My Installing Chaplain was a good mentor of mine who is a Past Grand Master of Idaho.
I gave my speech and entered into the Presentation stage of the night. This was a definite highlight of the night as my Senior Deacon approached me some weeks before with the idea that he wanted to propose to his girlfriend. I was very excited and agreed to take part in it all. At the end of all the presentations I had the Senior Deacon, the boyfriend, escort his girlfriend to the East where after a small speech I took the staff and allow the Brother to go on bended knee to propose to his girlfriend. She was so surprised as was her family who was in attendance. We ended the night with the opening of a Lodge of Tribute then heading to a local pub to have a few drinks.
I thank all of the Brethren for electing me to this honored station. It is a pleasure to preside over such a great Lodge and with a great corps of officers. I look forward to this next year and what surprises it brings into my life.
My Senior Warden took several pictures and once he has them uploaded I will update this post with them.
Congrats Brother Barry. Glad to hear that all went well with your installation and with the rest of your meeting. We've had a few serve as Master twice. Next year will be my turn to serve in the East again. It's been 31 years !!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your officers for a successful year !!!