05/13/10
Our Grand Master visits District 12 & Akdar Lodge #555

   Akdar Lodge #555, during the previous yearly planning meeting, agreed to sponsor the May gathering of District 12 Lodges of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, A.F. & A.M. In effort to extend Brotherly Love and Affection, the Brethren of District 11 were invited to join our gathering and several Lodges responded in kind. In years gone by Districts 11 and 12 were combined in a single district and thereby share yet another common bond. As is custom, prior to opening a District 12 evening meeting, a fine dinner was enjoyed by all.

   Immediately following dinner Red Fork Brookside Lodge #505 made a special Scholarship presentation to Katelyn Jurney. Katelyn was graduated from Berryhill High School last year and has just completed her freshman year at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. Gallaudet University was founded in 1864 for the purpose of ensuring the intellectual and professional development of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Outside of her college career Katelyn is active in the Red Fork Baptist Church Mission program with a focus on ministering to deaf children. Like most other college students Katelyn is working diligently to fund her college education and Red Fork Brookside Lodge is very proud to be able to help Katelyn in this effort.

   In adherence to the Constitution and Code of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma a Lodge of Sorrow was properly convened. A Lodge of Sorrow is held in remembrance of our Brothers who have been called to the Celestial Lodge above but for whatever reason were buried without appropriate Masonic ceremony. In conjunction with the Lodge of Sorrow, Brothers Richard Bishop and Ronald Chambers (and the assistance of several Brethren) reenacted the Masonic Funeral ceremony. While the solemnity of the ceremony was thoroughly upheld and amply conveyed throughout the presentation, attendees had the privilege of being able to focus on the content of the message which can be otherwise difficult during one’s time of bereavement. Thank you Brother Bishop and Brother Chambers for this touching presentation.

   And finally, our District meeting had the good fortune of welcoming Most Worshipful Grand Master Chuck Belknap and Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden Randy Rogers. At the behest of Grand Master Belknap, to maintain the solemnity and spirit of the Masonic Funeral ceremony, our Grand Officers spoke but briefly of the charitable and educational programs being promoted through the Grand Lodge.

   The May District 12 meeting at Akdar Lodge was informative, instructive, and a rounding success. Thank you to everyone in attendance.