Front row left to right…
SS Jimmy Zettagram, JD Richard Hix Jr., SD Richard Hix Sr., Tyler Bob Lasher, Chaplain Don Waymier
Back row left to right…
SW Aaron Lauber, WM Derek Cheek, Treasurer Ancle Jones, JW Frank Jackson, Secretary Brian Hooten
SW Aaron Lauber, WM Derek Cheek, JW Frank Jackson
Richard Hix Sr. and Richard Hix Jr. – very proud father and son!!
EA- Master!
The officers of Oakland Lodge #140 were installed on December 17, 2021…
Here are a few photos from the installation. Much thanks to the Ladies of Oakland OES 150 for the refreshments after the ceremony!
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.
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.
Oakland Lodge #140 F&AM 