My Brothers,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve Harmony#8 for the next year as Worshipful Master.   It is an honor, and I will do my best to continue the legacy of all those who have occupied the Oriental Chair.  I would like to extend a special thanks to my appointed and elected officers for their service in the coming year.

This will be a busy and exciting year at Harmony.  Our new roof has been completed and we will be moving on to the next phase of our renovation - the encapsulation of the building and improvements to the interior of the Lodge.

We will be partnering with Ginnie’s House, the Sussex County Children’s Advocacy Center, for our annual Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner.  A representative of Ginnie’s House will be on hand for our January 7th meeting to provide an overview of their organization and the services they provide. Please make every effort to attend this communication

Other benefits, both for the Lodge and for specific charities in the area, are being planned.  And of course there will be the annual Super Bowl Party for the Brothers and friends to be held on Sunday, February 7th.   We are also planning a paint ball event with/against the other Lodges in the 1stDistrict to allow us to get together with our brethren for some fun and fellowship.

The dues notice this year is the long form, which provides for various donations above and beyond your normal dues. At our annual communication RW Jim Vander Veer suggested that we start a Harmony Scholarship Fund in memory of RW J. George Layton.  We will be forming a committee to define and govern the administration of this worthy endeavor.  Announcements will be made in Lodge and in the Trestleboard as decisions are made.  There is a spot on your dues notice for donations to this fund, please consider contributing.

Masonry offers its members many benefits, but as with most things in life you get back in proportion to what you invest.  I encourage all of you to get involved in the events this year and reap the benefits of this wonderful Fraternity.  Come to Lodge and enjoy fellowship with your Brothers.

Fraternally & Sincerely,

Wor. Patrick W. Conroy