Brethren and friends,

In my first message as Master I want to focus mostly on our upcoming events. We’ll be busy at McKinley Lodge in January and February, so I hope you are able to join us on one or more occasion.  Since our first stated meeting in January falls on the New Year holiday on the 1st, I’ve chosen to postpone the business meeting and just get together for a night of fellowship and games.  Come out to the lodge at 7:00pm. Bring your favorite games and a snack to share, the lodge will provide beverages. This is a family friendly event and a great night to bring a prospect, so feel free to bring the kids, prospective members, and friends - the more the merrier!

Our next event is also for the whole family. We’ll have brunch at the Athens Family Restaurant in Milwaukee on Sunday, Jan. 11th at noon. The restaurant is located at 5547 N. Lovers Lane Rd. - just north of Silver Spring at Hwy 45. They have both a brunch buffet and their full menu available, so come hungry. Please get reservations to WM Chris Goodwin by January 8th at 262-470-7591 or worshipful.master@mckinleylodge.org.

Jan. 22nd will be our first Officer Meeting of the year. Officers please plan to attend and invite your ladies as they’ll have items to discuss while we do our best to get the year off to a good start.

On Jan. 31st McKinley Lodge will host the first annual WI Masonic College in our area. This is open to any Mason and the lodge will cover the cost.  See the separate article below for more information.

The last event to mention for now is our main event in February, our 2nd Annual Bunco Night. It will be on the evening of Saturday the 21st. This event is targeted at the adults and open to all masons and their friends. Bring your significant other and friends for a night of good food, wine and fun as we enjoy getting to know one another better over the Bunco game tables. No experience is necessary, the game is easy to learn, fast-paced and fun. More details to follow in our next Temple Topics.

Finally, I want to say another thank you to all those who have made it possible for me to be in the position to write this article and to lead the lodge over the coming year. To my brothers, thank you for your years of encouragement and instruction and your vote of confidence in me. To my family, especially my wife Sherri, for supporting me thus far and being willing keep doing so in this year of greater responsibility and more duties. And to all the Brothers who have gone before and kept the fraternity strong and vibrant, I’ll do my best to continue your traditions, improve the lodge, and strengthen the craft.

Fraternally,

Chris Goodwin

Worshipful Master