THE TRESTLE BOARD     

The Monthly Bulletin of

Gastonia Lodge No. 369, A.F. & A.M.

Gastonia, North Carolina

FROM THE EAST: Brethren, The year has started out as a busy one. We examined five candidates on the catechism of the Entered Apprentice degree and will pass them to the Degree of Fellowcraft on January 25^th. One new candidate was elected to receive the degrees and will be initiated on February 1^st. Bro. Mark Heffner will confer that degree in his debut in the East. We would like to see a large crowd at both degrees. Also, we would like to welcome Bro. Bobby Joe Alt to our lodge after being elected for Affiliation. Bro. Bobby is the father of Bro. Doug Alt.

 It was my honor as Master to present gavels to Bros. Dan Cauthran and Mark Heffner for their use in the roles as Wardens. Additionally, I was pleased to present W. Bro. Robert Biggerstaff a plaque from the officers, a Past Master Certificate and a Past Master apron as tokens of his service to our lodge as Master in 2007. In accordance with the precedent set by W. Bro. Biggerstaff, I plan to schedule degree work on the 4^th Friday of the month whenever possible.

 Don’t forget that February 14^th is Valentine’s  Day. Be sure to show your special lady how much she means to you. I hope to see you at a Communication real soon.

Randy L. McClure, Master 

FROM THE SECRETARY: Brethren, at the recent meeting of the Temple Association Board of Directors it was voted to raise the per capita fee to $37.50 per member. This was done to help cover the costs of operating the temple. We can all do our part by making sure lights are cut off when not in use, keeping the thermostat at the lowest setting possible and making sure it is cut off after each use. Other measures are being discussed and we will notify you of any change. Of course, if anyone would like to make a donation to the temple for help with operating expenses, it would be appreciated.

 We express our sympathy to the family of Bro. John Albert Rhyne who passed away on January 9, 2008.

ILLNESS: The following brethren need your prayers: Bro. Dalwin Coleman, Bro. Don Tolbert, W. Bro. Joe Harris, Bro. Harry Cathey, Bro. Frank Walker, Bro. John Fletcher, W. Bro. Burmah Carpenter, Bro. John Long, Bro. Fred Gilreath.  Please let us know of any others who are sick or indisposed.