Welcome Brethren, Family, and Friends,

    Fraternal Greetings Brother,

      I hope this communication finds you in good health and spirits. This month we celebrate Thanksgiving, so let us extend out our hand in fellowship. We should take that extra time to appreciate one another and the gifts that we can offer and share. These gifts are not just the physical ones, but the gift of friendship, understanding, compassion, good council, and empathy. A time to share with one another all the things we are so  grateful for that the Great Architect of the Universe has provided for us. On Monday, October 4th, fourteen of our Rockton Lodge Brethren ventured out to Niles-McKinley Lodge #794 to retrieve the “Kenny Gifford” Traveling Gavel. It was a wonderful night of Masonry and fellowship. I would like to extend out a special thank you to WM Rom Ross and all the of the Brethren of Niles-McKinley #794 for being such gracious hosts.

     The 212th Annual Communication for the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio was held on October 15th, in Sharonville Ohio. It was truly a great day in Masonry to see our Grand Lodge Officers accept their new roles. I would like to take a moment to congratulate our new Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio Timothy Scott Wheeland, and a special thankyou to Most Worshipful Richard Allen Dickerscheid for his service to the craft this past year.

     This year our Annual Stated Meeting falls on November 2^nd , which is the first stated meeting in November. During this meeting is when we have our election of officers; I felt it is important that our Entered Apprentices be able to witness the election process, opening this meeting in the Entered Apprentice degree. However, Masonic Law only allows Master Masons to participate in the balloting and election of officers.  I would like to congratulate all the upcoming elected and appointed officers for the next year.

    The number of Freemasons in the state of Ohio continues to drop more and more each year; however, Rockton Lodge continues to stay strong during these difficult times. We have been performing a continual stream of degree work initiating and passing new Brethren, creating a backlog of Brethren waiting patiently to be raised. There are new young Brethren taking on more responsibilities, learning more charges and lectures, and taking a place in line. Though are numbers across the state may be dropping, Rockton Lodge continues to grow.

   In closing, my Brethren, it has been an honor serving as your Worshipful Master for this past year. Even though the Covid -19 pandemic held on a strong grip on us, eventually the restrictions were lifted, and the brotherly love and affection we share for one another shined through. Though the pandemic restricted some of the events I would like to have accomplished, words cannot express how thankful I am that our Lodge remained healthy and strong. I am eternally grateful for the support from the Brethren of Rockton Lodge, and the help and guidance from our Past Masters. May Brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us.

  Fraternally,

Greg VanSuch W.M.

WM@rockton316.com