Worthy of notation for this Masonic year is the strong move made by WM Dave Hewitt to address (as he has identified it) the need to create more “energy” in the spirit and activities of the Lodge, by its undefined mission, its reduction in the total number of members, its financial status, the physical needs of its building, and especially the involvement (or lack thereof) of many members. David has attempted to bring to light the lack of membership applications, the decrepit state of portions of this 1813 building, the cessation of one of our fund raising efforts, with the need to support our scholastic program, and the small attendance at monthly meetings.

WM David has conducted a number of informal gatherings in the last few months to receive comments and hold discussions on how to meet these existing challenges. There have been a number of recommendations considered, but they all include the need for time and energy expended by members. One action is to make visits to other lodges, either in our district or to specific other lodges of interest. In the last month there have been two visits to Boothbay Bay View, and one to the lodge in Jefferson by David and a few others. Both visits were enjoyable and well worth the effort of travel and meeting both new and former associates. More visits will be suggested, and members are urged to take notice and join in. A gathering at the Lodge for attendance at Bristol Mills Congregational Church is planned for St. John’s Sunday on June 27. It is expected that another out of town lodge visit will be proposed prior to that time.  Possibly it will be a visit to a lodge for a DeMolay or Rainbow program. Dave has a need for a few volunteers to step up to take the lead in some of the suggested activities. Please volunteer for one of your choice.

June 14 will be the next lodge regular meeting night, and it is planned to have a program speaker as well as the usual pot luck supper and lodge meeting. The time schedule is somewhat undecided (or at least not clear to me), inasmuch as it is intended to focus on the program being open to the general public, but the pot luck supper for members only, due to the complexity of serving an unknown number of attendees. The program is to be a presentation on the subject of keeping and training of homing pigeons by a noted Maine authority. The business meeting will probably be scheduled at the end of the evening, and be somewhat short. …Sorry not to have the specific time schedule available.

Great news on the subject of restoration of the old lodge building. As mentioned in prior communications, PM Stan Benner has taken a welcome and strong initiative in regard to the kitchen alteration and the replacement of all of the old exterior windows. With assistance by Mark Prior, Stan has trashed and discarded the old kitchen and replaced its cupboards, sink, walls, etc. with replacement shelving and cupboards, and painted that room throughout. The crowded dining area has been thoroughly cleaned, old tables discarded, and is now quite manageable for seating.

Even the entrance lobby has been stripped of needless space takers. While it is somewhat usual to find members responsive to requests for help, the initiative that Stan undertook was praiseworthy. Harry Lowd undertook to memoralize Stan’s efforts by arranging for a small plaque of thanks to Stan, and it will be placed in the restored kitchen. Stanley did not stop his efforts at the kitchen alone, but brought about the “window challenge” to replace all 11 old and leaky windows with new vinal type. At a “challenge” of $350 per window to somewhat meet the cost estimate for the total job, there were 9 donors of that amount (or more) for 10 of the 11 windows, and it is planned to create a small bronze plate for each of the 10 windows to commemorate the donor. Donors were: Stan Benner, Mark Prior, Carl Poole (2), Reggie Reilly, Sterling Crooker, Jack Brackett, John Hobbs, Harry Lowd, and Masters Machine. There were also 9 other brother Masons who made donations, for a grand total of $5269.63. This exceeded the estimate for the job (and probably the actual expense) and the windows have all been installed. Any additional funds will be used very soon for a contract regarding the scraping/painting of the trim areas. Next item on the agenda for building upkeep will be decided by recommendation of the committee at the June meeting. Thanks to all donors for going over the top.

At the recent regular lodge meeting on May 10, mention was made of the upcoming performances of the play at the Lincoln County Theater in Damariscotta, entitled: “The Imaginary Invalid”, a 300 year ago comedy play by Moliere. It portrays the efforts of a wealthy hypochondriac (named Argan) who wants to marry his daughter off to a doctor. The lead role is played by our own Brother Don Carrigan. With performances scheduled for the evenings of May 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7:30 PM, the lodge brothers opted to select the 21^st for joint attendance by those interested. Since a number of us have enjoyed Don’s lodge presentations and his occasional on-stage performances, it is expected that we will enjoy his latest undertaking.

Scholarship applications are available through Chad Hanna for enrolled students of basic or graduate schools who are related to Bristol Lodge members.

Early mention has been made of a Special Ladies night, with no specific plans made to date. A visit to the 1812 facility will be high on the consideration list.

The date of August 7 has been announced as “Angel Gabriel Day” at Colonial Pemaquid. There has been no agenda or schedule published as yet, but it sounds as if it could be of significant interest.

Brother George Hanna has undergone a knee replacement just last week, and after a couple of rather difficult days at Miles is understood to be mending well. He has been transferred to St. Andrews in Boothbay for a few days of rehab. Apparently Cove’s Edge was unavailable. Any potential visitors are advised to contact Chad for other information.

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