December Newsletter
Warm Fraternal Greetings,
I hope that everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving with family and friends. I extend a heartfelt wish to all for a peaceful and joyous Holiday Season. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by so many extraordinary and caring friends and close acquaintances in our Masonic family, making our circumstances the best gift that anyone can ever imagine.
I extend my sincere congratulations to all of the newly-elected Lodge officers throughout our great jurisdiction. I hope that you will have an opportunity to attend their installation ceremonies to show your support and celebrate with these enthusiastic and conscientious officers as they set out to face new challenges and harvest the reward for a job well done in the coming year. I especially wish to commend all of the Lodge officers of our 2007 Masonic Year. Their term has been filled with many successes and accomplishments and I praise them for their vision, leadership and desire to achieve greatness. It has been my extreme pleasure to serve with them this year. They have set a new high standard of excellence and should serve as a notable example to follow for our incoming Lodge officers. It is my desire that this coming year will exceed all expectations. A schedule of installation events is available on the Grand Lodge website at www.utahgrandlodge.org for your reference.
136th Annual Grand Lodge Communication
The 136th Annual Communication will begin on Friday, February 1, 2008. Registration materials have been sent out and are also available from your Lodge Secretary. Remember, you can always download the information directly from the Grand Lodge website at www.utahgrandlodge.org for your convenience. Be sure to register early, though. The deadline is December 31st. On behalf of your Grand Lodge officers, I want to see as many eligible Master Masons attend as possible for a productive and informative session. Also, look for some new and exciting changes this time, such as a public, informal opening, an Entered Apprentice Degree ritual emulation presented by Sentinel Lodge #4707, Stockport, England, tours of Antelope Island and points of interest in Salt Lake City, a murder mystery fellowship banquet, and enjoyable functions for the ladies. Read the details in your registration packets for complete information on all of the activities and events.
Origianl Grand Lodge Banner on Display
Our original Grand Lodge Banner has been preserved and is now on permanent display in a protective case for all to enjoy in the lower lobby of the Salt Lake Masonic Temple. It looks fantastic and really adds to the beauty of our Temple. We are very appreciative to those Lodges who donated the necessary funds to cover the cost of preserving this beautiful piece of Utah Masonic History. We extend a very special thank you to Worshipful Brother Aaron Saathoff for his foresight and enthusiasm to complete this worthy project.
Tickets Still Available for the St. John’s Day Ball – Friday, December 28th
A few tickets are still available for THE black tie social event of the year, but you must place your reservations TODAY! The Grand Lodge of Utah and El Kalah Shrine cordially invite you to the social event of the year. The Organ Loft, 3331 So. Edison St. (150 East) Salt Lake City, will be the place to be for fine dining, dancing, and live entertainment to close out 2007. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. and diner starting at 7:00 p.m. The cost will be $50.00 per person or $90 per couple, which includes a no host cash bar, your choice of roast baron of beef, stuff chicken breast or vegetarian lasagna, salad, potato, vegetable, cheesecake and beverage. Reservations, menu choice and payment are due NOW and payable to the Grand Lodge of Utah. For more information, contact Arthur Reilly at 801-680-4981 or email at arthur5525@hotmail.com TODAY!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Dean D. Rein
Grand Master