2023 Race Day Experience
Calling all Competitors!
Join us for Dinner!
Congratulations to our newest Master Mason
Oakland Lodge #140 is proud to announce the raising of their latest Master Mason – Mitchel R. Martin. The degree was held on March 22nd with 28 brothers from Oakland and surrounding lodges present. The event was made even more special as both his grandfather and his father-in-law were present to assist with the ceremony. A special thanks to all the Brothers that assisted with the conferring of the degree!
2022 Lodge Officers
The officers of Oakland Lodge #140 were installed on December 17, 2021…
Back Row (L-R) Aaron Lauber (JS), Rob Hons, PM (JW), W. Russell Taylor III (JD), Joey Cline, PM (SW), Derek Cheek (SD)
Here are a few photos from the installation. Much thanks to the Ladies of Oakland OES 150 for the refreshments after the ceremony!
2021 – The First Annual Oakland Lodge Open House
This past weekend we had our first open house in the new Lodge building. Though attendance from the community was less than we had hoped, we still had several folks stop by to say “Hi” and check out the building. The thing that I am most proud about is the number of Brothers and Sisters from the lodge that either worked, or stopped by to support the event. It was incredible to see so many turn out for the event. We did learn a lot, and hope to make this an annual event with even more local vendors showing up and participating. A huge THANK YOU to everybody for your support and encouragement!!
Bottom Row (L-R) Brothers Joey Cline, PM and Earl Jacobs, PM; Brother Wayne Moody, PM and Deb Hooten – Worthy Matron OES 159; OES Memory Table
We also want to thank the local vendors who came out and supported our efforts…
As you can see, they are making some beautiful tiered serving platters – perfect for get togethers, parties, or formal tea’s.
Entertainment was provided by Abracadabra! – who did some absolutely adorable and fascinating balloon twisting.
Bottom Row – Contact information for Abracadabra!
A huge round of thanks goes to Derek Cheek for all of his hard work in putting this event together. His hard work and commitment is so very much appreciated by the Lodge. But, I was a bit concerned at one point. I really thought the stress of the event was getting to him. Take a look at the photo below and make your own decision about that….
Or maybe that was how he was able to see what all of us were doing at the same time. We may never know!!
At the end of our event, we drew the winner of our Ammo Raffle – CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Joe Davenport for winning!!
Anyway – Thanks again to all who participated or stopped by. We really appreciated it and loved talking with everybody. We are already in the planning stages for next year – so hopefully it will be even bigger and better!! Stay tuned for information – hope to see you there!!
BBQ Photos
A few photos from the Lodges BBQ dinner on May 1, 2021. The menu this time was a half rack of ribs, a chicken quarter, mac & cheese, green beans, rolls, and choice of dessert. Our pitmasters were Derek Cheek and Frank Jackson. Thanks to all the brothers that help make this meal a success. Also, a big thank you for our OES chapter for providing the sweets!!
The only regret – I wish we had thought to take a picture of the MOUNTAINS of mac & cheese that we had.
We will be hosting an Open House on May 29th – details will be posted. Also, make sure you keep an eye out for our next BBQ event!
The Silent Summons
A friend sent me this – I thought it appropriate to share…
A member of a certain Lodge, who previously attended meetings regularly, stopped going. After a few months, the Worshipful Master decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening, and the Worshipful Master found his brother at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.
Guessing the reason for the Worshipful Master’s visit, the brother welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The Worshipful Master made himself comfortable, but said nothing.
In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After several minutes, the Worshipful Master took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth, all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
His host watched all of this in quiet contemplation. As the one, lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and its fire was no more. Soon, it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.
The Worshipful Master glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow once more, with all the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the Worshipful Master reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your fiery summons, my brother. I’ll be back in our Lodge next meeting.”
— Author Unknown
Though you may not be at the meeting – know that you are my Brother – and you are missed.
Congratulations Dan Gates – 75-years!
On February 24th, Oakland Lodge #140 had the honor of presenting Brother Dan Gates, PM with his 75-year Masonic pin. Though we could not be together to make the presentation, several brothers gathered at the Lodge and through the coordination of Dan’s children, we were able to make the presentation virtually.
Brother Gates was born in 1925, initiated as an Entered Apprentice on 11/8/1946, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft 12/9/1946, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason 12/20,1946. Of the brothers who were present at the presentation, none of them had been born when Dan was raised as a Master Mason. His life exemplifies what it means to be a Mason. Throughout his life, Dan gave back to his community. He served for many years as the official photographer for the City of Lawrence Fire Department. He served in the same capacity for the City of Indianapolis Fire Department. Both of his sons – Greg and Scott are also Master Masons.
To say this is a tremendous milestone in an individual’s Masonic history is an understatement. The number of lives that Dan has touched over the course of his Masonic career is countless. But, from talking and hearing from those that know him – he has made a profound impression and remained true to his Masonic teachings.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of Kenneth Roy, Jr. – Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Though unable to be there in person, our Grand Master joined in the celebration virtually, and congratulated and praised Dan on his momentous achievement.
Presentation of Dan’s 75-year pin and certificate was completed by his son Scott and his daughter Pam. Also present was Marcia Greene, past matron of the OES, who assisted in the coordination of the virtual call.
Thank you, Dan, for your dedication and commitment to your family, your community, and our fraternity. You serve as an inspiration to us all. CONGRATULATIONS for achieving 75-years as a Mason.
2021 Lodge Officers
The installation of the 2021 officers for Oakland Lodge #140 occured yesterday, January 2nd. Though the ceremony was abbreviated due to COVID precautions, it was still a very special moment shared with Brothers and family.
Junior Deacon – Derek Cheek, Senior Warden – Joey Cline, Worshipful Master – Skip Donnell, Junior Warden – Ken Whitcomb, Senior Deacon – Douglas Bondy, Tyler – Wayne Moody
Back Row (L-R)
Treasurer – Ancle Jones, Secretary – Brian Hooten, Chaplain – Wilber Russell Taylor III
Oakland Lodge #140 F&AM 