Members

On behalf of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Right Worshipful Grand Master Robert J. Bateman, George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 presented Bro. Peter Calkins with the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. The award was presented to Bro. Peter Calkins by Bro. Donald Weaver, Acting District Deputy Grand Master of the 12th Masonic District for his outstanding service to youth and Freemasonry by serving as a dedicated member of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531, and a devoted Scout Leader of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council No. 501 and Dallas Troop 281 of the Boy Scouts of America. Bro. Peter Calkins was nominated for the award by Bro. Barry Wagner, past master.

Bro. Peter Calkins is currently serving as Senior Warden of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 and will serve as Worshipful Master in 2016. Calkins has been a devoted scouting leader serving as a Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 281 and currently serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 281 in Dallas.

Shown in photo above, from left are: Donald Weaver, Acting District Deputy Grand Master, Peter Calkins, Senior Warden and Donald Holdredge Sr., Worshipful Master.

Our Lodge introduced the new Stated Meeting Bulletin this month! This new version was a combined effort between Worshipful Master John Sinclair; Acting Secretary Barry Wagner, PM; and Brother Jim Byers; but was originally initiated by the late Robert Lewis, PM. It’s a tri-fold bulletin unlike the former version which was a 2 two-page notice. The front cover has a new design and lists the Lodge’s website. The PA Grand Lodge had to approve of the new bulletin before it could be mailed to members.

The old version had been printed for decades by Brother Lewis who passed in December 2011. He owned and operated Wilkes-Barre Printing for almost 60 years. Brother Lewis and the Lodge’s secretaries worked together each month to produce the bulletins. Now, the Secretary will be in charge of producing the bulletin which is printed by Nick of Time Printing in Dallas which is owned by a Brother of 531.

531 will also be revising its Bylaws in the near future which will be mailed to members and also available at the Lodge. It will most likely be printed as a tri-fold too, rather than the small pocket-sized version that Brother Lewis had also printed. The PA Grand Lodge will also have to approve of the Bylaws before it can be mailed to members. This is another undertaking be led by Sinclair, Wagner, and Byers.

New Brethren were welcomed into the Fraternity during the 1-Day Masonic Journey hosted by George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 on Saturday, October 13.

The First Degree was conferred by Brother Peter Calkins of Lodge 531; the Second Degree by Brother Thomas Craig WM, of Landmark Lodge No. 442; and the Third Degree by Brother Christopher Matus, PM, Lodge 531. Of the three Candidates two became members of our Lodge and the other joined Lodge 474. Between each Degree, a short Q&A session was held in order to familiarize the Candidates with Freemasonry. There were 13 members of Lodge 531 present and 6 visitors from Coalville Lodge. The event began at 7 a.m. with a light breakfast and concluded at 1 p.m. after a light lunch.

Members of Lodge 531 participated at the Annual Regional School of Instruction Conference held on Mach 17, at the Masonic Temple in Scranton. As Principal of the School of Instruction for District 12, Bro. Lynn Sheehan, P.M., led the group which included Bro. Jim Byers as well as brothers from Kingston Lodge No. 395; Coalville No. 474; Landmark No. 442; and Bro. Barry W. Littleford, District Deputy Grand Master.

District 12’s presentation pertained to opening a Lodge of Master Masons, accepting a visit from a District Deputy, voting upon a petition, and closing a Lodge. The day’s other programs included a discussion on Officers in respect to their stations and places and the conferring of Degrees.

Members from George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 joined Brothers from neighboring Lodges to march in the 66th annual Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 6. The 12^th Masonic District marched along with more than 1,000 people from military units and community organizations to honor Veterans. The Parade traveled along Market Street in Kingston and ended at the Square in Wilkes-Barre.

Pictured at left are Brother Grant Barall, PM, of Nanticoke Lodge No. 541, and Barry Wagner PM, Lodge 531. Pictured below are Brothers from Dallas No. 531; Nanticoke No. 541; Lodge No. 61; Coalville No. 474; Landmark No. 442; and Bro. Barry W. Littleford, District Deputy Grand Master.

George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 participated in the 1-Day Masonic Journey held on Saturday, Nov 5, 2011, at Masonic Temple, Wilkes-Barre. Worshipful Master Chris Matus gave the First Degree and Senior Warden John Sinclair gave the Second Degree. They were assisted by Brothers Lynn Sheehan, P.M., Noel Kline, and Jim Byers as well as Brethren from Landmark Lodge No. 442. The Third Degree was given by Members of 442. District Deputy Grand Master Barry Littleford led and officiated the day’s program. The event was attended by about 100 members from District 12 lodges. 25 candidates were made Master Masons, 14 from 531. The program was for Blue Lodge only, but candidates were introduced to Consistory and Irem Temple.

The 1-Day Masonic Journey was introduced several years ago as an opportunity to invite interested, quality men who may have busy schedules and numerous business and personal time commitments to join our ranks. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge’s 21st Century Masonic Renaissance, click the logo.

In August, Brother Jim Byers visited the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA, during his trip to Washington D.C.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial’s construction began in 1910 and has experienced renovations and additions all the way up until 1999. It is privately funded through the grateful contributions of Freemasons and others, yet remains open to the public, free of charge, seven days a week. Inside, there are several statues of Brother Washington along with many of his fraternal and personal items such as aprons, furniture, and even locks of his hair. A trip to the Memorial comes highly recommended. Go to www.gwmemorial.org to see more.