Freemasons' Association (NSW and ACT): 11 Nov

On our last membership meeting in October, VWB Fidel Pamplona, IPP; requested that a letter from Senior Grand Warden Bro Walid Mehanna be read for the benefit of all brethren and ladies present.

Excerpts are as follows:

"In December 2008, the Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers Association of NSW (P&PGLOA) will achieve 100 years and it is proposed to hold a special function to celebrate the occasion, details of which will be advised later.

... a number of important and exciting changes to the Rules of the "Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers Association of NSW"... were approved at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on Tuesday, 14 August 2008.

Firstly, the Association has a new name which now reflects the fact that membership is no longer restricted to present and past Grand Lodge Officers but is open to all members of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT.

Of even greater importance... is the fact that membership is now open to the wives, partners and widows of departed Brethren of this jurisdiction. The admission of ladies to our Association supports the Grand Master's stated intention to pay tribute to the women who have supported their men in Freemasonry, to encourage and support the contributions of all women of this Grand Lodge, and to apply their talents for the betterment of Freemasonry in this jurisdiction.

The structure of the Association has also changed and has reverted to that operating prior to 2006. The Senior Grand Warden is again the constitutional President of the Association and the Junior Grand Warden is one of two Vice Presidents. A second Vice President is filled by election.

In an effort to progress the Association and to provide a forum in which members are able to share ideas and to enjoy each others company through social interaction, the Committee of Management will be arranging a number of special functions. It is proposed to continue with the format of the regular luncheon meetings of the Association on the second Tuesday of February, May, August, October and December.

On [the] Tuesday, 11 November 2008, it is proposed to celebrate Remembrance Day with a Special Meeting of the Association at which MW Bro A Lauer APM, PGM, will be the guest speaker. The function will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 6:00 pm for 6:30 PM. Further details will be supplied shortly.

I sincerely hope you will support your Association through your attendance at Association meetings and by encouraging those who are not members of the Association to join."

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

04 November 2008 - Special Luncheon Meeting at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 12.30 pm. The meeting will discuss and if agreeable, adopt changes to the Rules of the Association. The view of those present on the future directions of the Association will also be sought. Cost $15.00 per person includes a light lunch, tea/coffee. RSVP: Friday, 31 October 2008 .

11 November 2008 - Remembrance Day Dinner in the presence of the Grand Master MW Bro Dr Greg H Levenston and his partner Miss Judith Morrice at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. The guest speaker will be MW Bro A (Tony) Lauer, APM, PGM. The dinner will be in the form of a carvery at a cost of $30.00 per person including beverages . RSVP: Friday, 07 November 2008.

December 2008 - In December 2008, the former Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers' Association, now the Freemasons' Association (NSW & ACT), will celebrate its centenary. The event will be marked by a special luncheon to be held on Saturday 6 December at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 1.00 pm for 1.30 pm. The $60 per person cost includes a seafood buffet with beverages. RSVP: Wednesday, 03 December 2008.

Yours fraternally,

RW Bro Walid Mehanna SGW
President
24 October 2008