Reflecting
on my year as Worshipful Master, many highlights stand out.
This was our first year without the support of the Hiram Program
for Masonic Renewal. This program was instituted in 1992 to provide a
select number of Oklahoma lodges with guidance to rebuild on several
fronts: membership, lodge infrastructure, community involvement, etc.
Edmond Lodge was selected as one of the Hiram Lodges because the Grand
Lodge felt that we were sitting on a "hot bed" of potential
Masonic membership. Edmond, as one of the fastest growing communities in
the state, has one of the highest populations of young professional men -
exactly the right candidates for Freemasonry. My five predecessors - Gary
Wood, David Smart, Robert Owens, Stan Haffner and Clark Nail
- each contributed to the growing success we now enjoy. Each focused on
particular areas of Masonic Renewal, and left a legacy that will continue
to sustain growth for many years to come. Membership growth is the one
area where we can insure the continued viability of the fraternity. I was
fortunate that during my year the Grand Lodge conducted it's first-ever
"Chance to Advance" - a one day Fellowcraft and Master Mason
conferral for Entered Apprentices. During the three sessions held in
Guthrie, McAlester and Tulsa our Lodge raised 26 new Master Masons. Our
year end membership broke the 300 mark. We increased our charitable
donations during 1997. The normal charity projects - scholarships, Boys
and Girls State, OETA public television and Hope Center were continued. We
took on a special project during the last half of the year. Kirk
Kemper, son of one of our Past Masters, was in need of a
kidney/pancreas transplant. The Lodge ran two fund raising events for
Kirk, the pancake breakfast and golf tournament. Mr. Kemper
had a successful transplant surgery in early 1998.The Lodge had lots of
other activities during the year. We had several Family Nights where we
enjoyed good food and great fellowship and entertainment. To commemorate
the anniversary of our founding, we held a Master Mason degree which was
performed "Louisiana Style" by the Red River Road Runners degree
team from Shreveport. In July, the Lodge entered its first-ever float in
the Edmond Independence Day parade. Last but not least, I was lucky enough
to serve the Lodge at the same time my oldest daughter, Melissa,
served the Edmond Rainbow Assembly as Worthy Advisor. Fraternally Jim
Rule
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