September Quarterly Communication Recap

By Robert Huke |

The September Quarterly of the Grand Lodge began at 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, September 13th. The Grand Master M.W. Paul F. Gleason was escorted to the East by Grand Marshal R.W. Richard Maggio, consulted his notes, and began the day’s work in earnest.

Before formally opening Grand Lodge, the Grand Master received the Colonial Craftsmen for the purpose of presenting the colors. They were represented by:

  • R.W. David Newcomb
  • R.W. Walter Hunt
  • Bro. Geoff Turi
  • Bro. Chris Tourtellot

Following the color guard’s dismissal, the Grand Master opened the business meeting in ample form.

After the introduction of distinguished guests, R.W. Robert V. Jolly, Jr. delivered the report of the committee on charters and by-laws, and R.W. Warren Richardson, Jr. delivered the report of the committee on records.

The Grand Secretary, M.W. Albert T. Ames, then gave an update on the pending merger of Morning Star Lodge and Quinsigamond Lodge. Following the confirmation that the merger will proceed, he also called for a vote to approve the 2018 fiscal year budget of the Grand Lodge, which passed.

Every September, the Grand Master announces the candidates for December’s elections for the offices of Senior and Junior Grand Warden.

The following candidates were introduced for Junior Grand Warden:

  • R.W. Michael J. Jarzabek
  • R.W. Nicholas J. Mantello

The following candidates were then introduced for Senior Grand Warden:

  • R.W. Fred A. Dobson, Jr.
  • R.W. David J. Raymond

M.W. Gleason then provided a clarification to a rule in the Grand Constitutions in regards to the requirements for election or appointment of lodge officers, stating that lodges may elect their top five officers by a show of hands if so authorized in the by-laws of the lodge and upon receiving dispensation from him.

Two distinguished brethren were also appointed to serve as Grand Representatives:

  • R.W. James H. Birch, III – Switzerland
  • R.W. Warren E. Johnson – W. Australia

The Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Kevin J. Willis then read the necrology report to pay respect to the distinguished worthy brethren who passed away since the last Grand Lodge meeting.

The Grand Master accepted three donations from the brethren assembled, one for the benefit of the Brotherhood Fund, and two for the benefit of victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

Following the presentations to the Grand Master delivered his Quarterly address and closed the meeting in ample form.