From the Worshipful Master

Brother of the Craft,

We have had a wonderful year here at wayfarers Lodge. It is hard to pick one big thing that happened, but a series of little things that occurred. We fulfilled 2 of our main goals. We kept our charter on the wall and we voted at grand lodge. We have maintained a strong arm in Masonic education. We have continued our monthly Masonic education program, and we have even had 2 Entered Apprentice group study sessions, designed to bring all of our Entered Apprentices together (and our other Brothers of the Craft) to study the principles and proficiency of the 1st degree. We have also maintained Masonic education in every stated meeting. One of my goals was to win Grand Lodge awards for our Lodge. In 2017 we were not successful, however though careful planning with my pedestal officers we have organized activities and promote stable Lodge habits that will ensure enough time to achieve awards. We have had many visitors this year, as well as had many opportunities to travel other Lodges and buld bonds of brother love. We have the privilege of having raised a Brother to the sublime degree of Master Mason, as well as guiding four entered apprentices in their Masonic Journey. We have also started the beginning of or every-other-month Long Range Planning meetings to ensure that our Lodge is on the right track to stay operational for years to come.

It is no secret that our Lodge is ran by mostly younger Masons. By younger I mean Brothers who have not been in the Craft for 1 to 4 years. We all have a lot to learn and a lot to practice. We have had several practice nights for this purpose.

One thing I am extremely concerned about is the Masonic activity of our Brothers. This does not necessarily mean activity in Wayfarers, although that is always appreciated. The Masonic world here in Arizona is still very strong with many things to experience. Thus, we have increased our social media presence to include advertising to fun or interesting Masonic events. These included special degree nights, Lodges of Instruction, educational nights, Table Lodges, fundraising events and participation in the appendant bodies. . There is no shortage of Masonic activities in Arizona; sometimes the hard part is choosing which activity to do. I believe Masonic activity is good for us and good for our community.

My Brothers, it is my hope that that you will give the next Worshipful Master that same (or better) respect that you have given me. I’m confident next year’s officers will work hard to serve you and lead the Lodge with wisdom, strength, and beauty.

Christopher Huson
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

This last year serving as the Senior Warden has been a learning experience for me. I have seen many changes to our lodge.

Some new brothers have joined, but mostly what I have seen is the growth in the brotherhood of the members, I hope this change continues into the future of the lodge as we gain members and our lodge strengthens and grows. Also the fact that running the lodge takes a great deal of time and work, but the reward of it is well worth the time and effort.

Ken Olsen
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Brothers and Friends,

I am here to talk about my perceptions for what we have accomplished for this last year. This year was by no means easy. It was a challenge. We continue to dwindle in membership and participation, and some very tired brothers are pulling the slack. And while we have reduced costs within the lodge, we needed to make the tough decision to raise our dues and to make sure that we can stay solvent as we weather the storm.

But not all is negative. We did petition and vote to make Masons some very excellent candidates. One of the things that warms my heart is that we will see the future of our officer line secured for several years before we need to worry about recycling our officers. I also believe that we have gained better fraternal relations with our beloved Eastern Star chapter, and we continue to stretch ourselves as we meet these challenges.

For me personally, this year was very hard. There was family tragedy in my life, and work called me away on several business trips this year, impairing my ability to serve this lodge like it deserves. And while I completed all of the duties assigned to me, I would have liked to have given them better attention.

Finally, I want to announce to those that have not yet seen, that I have decided to not take an election to Senior Warden for the upcoming year. The original intention was that I would move through the line once again, so long as the Craft would continue to have me, but life does not always line up with your plans. My wife and I have decided that I should take a new role with my current employer and that we should accept a relocation package to move to Austin, Texas. But I wanted everyone to know that this decision did not come lightly. It has been an honor like no other given to me in life to serve Wayfarers Lodge, and a huge hole in my heart is now created by my absence. I will be back to visit, but it will not be the same. What gives me hope is that the officer line elected this month will surely carry us forward, and I have full confidence that we will thrive. I will not be leaving until June, but this will be my final post for our Trestle Board.

It has been an honor Brothers, an honor indeed! Thank you for all the love and support I have been shown over these last seven years. Wayfarers truly is a beacon of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

Yours in the Craft,

Jason Michlowitz, PM
Junior Warden