Worshipful Master's Message

January 1st 2024

Brothers of Annapolis Lodge,

We have gotten off to a good start on the year. By the time you read this, we should have completed an Entered Apprentice proficiency examination and be close to conferring the Fellowcraft degree. The officer line is practicing and helping our Senior Warden get ready for exemplification of the Fellowcraft degree.

The Board of Trustees met on 29 January 2024. We will be planning work on several needed repairs and improvements on the building. We are focusing on getting the weather‐tight then moving on to repairing issues internal to the building. I also created a committee to investigate the formation of a charitable organization to benefit the restoration of Mann’s Tavern.

For the first time in a few years, we will have a Lodge Work Day once a quarter. The focus of the Work Days will be on minor repair projects for the building and on improving the cleanliness of the building. For this quarter, the Work Day will be on Saturday, 23 March 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00, to do some needed but minor projects. Lunch will be provided. The other Work Days will be on 15 June, 21 September, and 14 December.

Upcoming events for the lodge include:
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Annapolis on Sunday, 17 March 2024.
Parade starts at 1:00 PM. Line up on Amos Garrett Blvd. at TBD.
• Friendship Night Dinner for Masons and non‐Masons at 6:30 PM
on Monday, 1 April 2024.
• Grand Lodge Bull and Oyster Roast on Sunday, 28 April 2024
from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Maryland Therapeutic Riding’s “Bourbon & Blossoms” event at
5:00 PM on Saturday, 4 May 2024.

Also, save the date for the Annapolis Lodge Charitable Foundation Gala at 7:00 PM on Saturday, 19 October 2024. More information to follow. I look forward to seeing the brothers of Annapolis Lodge in lodge and out in the community.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Worshipful Master Ricky D. Smith, PM