October Regular Meeting – 25 Year Pin Presentations

This October’s Regular Meeting was held on October 17, 2011 at 7:30PM and featured two 25 year pin presentations. W. Bro. Jim Gibbs and R.W. Bro. John Pollock were presented with their 25-year pins by W. Bro. Christopher Webster and our new D.D.G.M., R.W. Bro. Nick W. Ellis. Jim and John shared some memories of their early years as Masons, and John shared that Jim was his original sponsor. W. Bro. Russ Dean provided some historical commentary and humorous anecdotes to bring levity to the evening, and the Brethren applauded the new 25 year pin recipients.

Brant Lodge was fortunate enough to have some visitors, of which two come from abroad.W. Bro. Peter Muller has relocated from Zurich, Switzerland to reside in Burlington, and has visited the Lodges in Burlington now including Brant Lodge No. 663. Peter was welcomed with warmth and W. Bro. Christopher Webster welcomed him in the East. Another visitor from much further afield was W. Bro. Gordon Smart, hailing from Christchurch New Zealand. Accompanied by W. Bro. Bill Sinclair (Brant Lodge No. 45), Gordon was also welcomed in the East where Chris presented him with a Trillium Pin and a hearty welcome from the Brethren. Gordon then reciprocated with a gift to Brant Lodge No. 663, a framed certificate of Fraternal Greetings from his Mother Lodge.

After Lodge Business and the presentations were complete, J.W. Bro. Murray Johnson presented a fine piece of Masonic Education about Charity in Masonry, received enthusiastically by the Brethren. A fine job, Bro. Johnson, reminding the Brethren that Masons can make huge contributions to Charity beyond donations of money alone.

It was good to see some newer members in attendance, and plans were made to have them work with the Mentoring Committee, Chaired by Len Kay, so that they might continue their Masonic Journey.

Sandwiches, desserts and refreshments were served in an extended Banquet after Lodge, and a group of Brethren paid a visit to the Queens Head Pub afterwards for some additional fellowship, especially welcoming W. Bro. Peter Muller to his new community.

In closing, it was noteworthy that R.W. Bro. Nick W. Ellis expressed his gratitude for an enjoyable evening “one of the most enjoyable in a long time” – thanks to all the Brethren that made the evening a success!