The August Stated Meeting was held at Dallas Lodge #760
Meeting opened at 7:30pm with Opening Remarks by President Hill.
After prayer and pledges to our nation’s and state’s flags, Vice President Bostain introduced Officers, Past Presidents, and other Masonic Dignitaries. All officers were present. 1 Past President, 5 DDGMs, and 1 GL Officer were in attendance. 21 were physically present with an additional 26 attending virtually via ZOOM, for a total of 47 in attendance.
President Hill then introduced the current Master of our host Lodge, Andrew Franklin, who spoke briefly about Dallas Lodge and their plans for the upcoming year.
Old Business – President Hill informed everyone that the Traveling Gavel is currently on hold due to COVID.
New Business – President Hill gave a quick review of this year’s budget, including a change to miscellaneous items the MWSA would not be charging lodges for this year (i.e. directories).
Brother President then gave an event review of scheduled meetings planned in the upcoming year; all meetings have been posted to the MWSA website.
Brother President announced intentions to partner with Love Field Chapter and Council for a joint Christmas party. Historically, Love Field has hosted a Christmas party each year in December with proceeds going to the Lena Ruth and Leonard P. Harvey Scholarship. In lieu of an actual party this year, due to COVID restrictions, Chaplain Morton brought up the idea of raising money each MWSA meeting to donate. Members present thought this to be a good idea. Chaplain Morton then motioned that the MWSA match whatever donations, up to $500. Second made by Herb Garon, motion carried.
President Hill appointed Robert Weston and Chris Livingston to the Audit Committee this year, both cheerfully agreed.
Secretary Alston announced that minutes from prior meetings had been posted online and made a motion that they be approved as posted. Second was made by John Samuels, motion carried.
Treasurer Bindel gave a report of the Association’s finances, which were in good shape, and motioned motion to reimburse President Hill for the cost of the directories. Second made by Richard Schlaudroff, and the motioned carried.
President Hill kicked off the evening’s program, which was a panel discussion on Lodge Consolidation, by introducing the panel: David Ritter (Hillcrest), Kyle Wahlquist (Hillcrest), Kevin Morton (Carrollton), Robert Weston (Oak Cliff), and Roy Miller (Oak Cliff). Brother Ritter started by explaining the procedures for consolidation as well as the pertinent Grand Lodge Laws. Each member gave a short account of their experiences with their lodges consolidating. President Hill then moderated through a series of questions to each panel member ranging from “What hurdles did you encounter from your membership?” to “Was the consolidation a success?”.
Multiple questions were asked from the floor, as well as from the virtual chat room. All panel members related their positive experience from their lodges consolidating.
After the panel discussion, Announcements from The Floor were made, including RW Jim Rumsey updating his Forum and Exam schedule.
A handful of Brother’s and Brother’s families were mentioned, and Chaplain Morton closed the meeting with heartfelt prayer.
Meeting was closed at 8:45pm
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