Broad Ripple Lodge No. 643 hosted a Feast of St. John (the Evangelist) on the evening of Monday, December 27, 2004.
Twenty-two Brothers were in attendance including nine (9) from Broad Ripple, seven (7) from Brookside, three (3) from Calvin W. Prather, one (1) from Brightwood, one (1) St. Luke's, and one (1) from Lodge Vitruvian.
The three (3) Brothers representing Calvin W. Prather included Brother Dan Gowin, Chaplain Tyson Johnston, and myself.
WM Todd Ebbert brought the meeting to order. Following an invocation by Chaplain Chris Hodapp, PM, we enjoyed a dinner of beef stew and corn bread.
The lesson presented was Psalm 133.
Odes sung included "Great Source of Light and Love," "Let Masonry from Pole to Pole," and "Hail, Brother Masons, Hail!"
The Box of Fraternal Assistance was passed about the room and, as a result, $100 was raised to support the Masonic Home Foundation.
Our featured speaker was Alan Milligan, Chief Executive Officer of the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, who spoke about the Home, and projects planned for 2005.
The Masonic Homecoming is scheduled for the fourth Sunday in August 2005.
Brother Milligan's presentation was followed by seven (7) toasts to Our Country, the Holy Saints John, the Memory of Our Departed Brethren, the Grand Master, Broad Ripple Lodge, Our Visiting Brethren, and to All Freemasons Wheresover Dispersed.
We concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," the Chaplain's Benediction, and the singing of Our National Anthem.
I expressed to WM Todd Ebbert, and to PM Lee Hargitt, our thanks to the Broad Ripple Lodge, for their generous hospitality.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
I remain, yours, aye!
carsonsmith@aol.com
Carson C. Smith, Senior Steward
Calvin W. Prather #717