From the East
Greetings Brethren and Ladies,
As we go into month two on the Corona virus lock down, I am hoping everyone out there is safe. A new normal is now upon us with social distancing and people wearing masks everywhere they go. There have been runs on bread, toilet paper, and disinfecting supplies. If someone told me at the beginning of the year that toilet paper would be the hottest commodity around, I would have laughed my head off!
It feels very weird not to be going to the lodge at least once a week. I miss the fellowship and all the times we had. Practices, though sometimes rough, were always fun and full of well intended jabs and laughter.
As of now, I do not know if we will have a Stated Meeting in May. Per the Grand Master, all Masonic activities are still canceled. If this changes and we are able to meet, I will let everyone know.
That all being said, I truly pray for everyone’s safety and well-being. Please stay safe and healthy in this unprecedented time. I look forward to seeing everyone back in the lodge again soon.
I also have some sad news to bring up. Our Brother, Kevin Hogan, has laid down his working tools and has entered the Celestial Lodge above. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. More information to come on the services.
If anyone needs anything, please let us know and we will do our best to help out.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Ken Bychak - Worshipful Master
Senior Warden Dave Murray
From The West
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear… Psalm 46:1-2
The emerging situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus and the many news reports around us are creating anxiety and worry for the future and our well-being. In times like these, it is especially important to remember God’s promise to be with us.
“He who made us and gave his own Son for our salvation, will not leave us in this time of need.” (quote unk.)
He is with us as he welcomes our prayers. Prayer is not a last resort, but a loving promise from God that he hears us. Please join in praying for those suffering from the coronavirus, those caring for the sick, our first responders, our military, those serving the less fortunate, and those who serve in their own way. Pray for those experiencing anxiety and worry. And please know that each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God, and our Masonic pledge, call on us to serve our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our country through our vocations and outreach. He works through us to provide for human needs. So, this crisis is one where we are called on to be a blessing to others.
As Masons, we should recognize that we are connected with people not only in our immediate family but across the nation and the world. Our actions can have an effect across the country and around the globe. As such, as we respond to this crisis, we should consider the effect our actions have on others.
Prior to this outbreak, loneliness and isolation were serious problems in our nation. Social distancing, so very important now, will no doubt, exacerbate those feelings. As Masons, we need to reach out to our brothers in a tangible way to let them know that they are not alone.
As you are able, consider how God might be calling you to listen to others or speak a comforting word, to help provide food or necessities to those who are lacking, or to share other blessings with those who are struggling.
A phone call can be very encouraging to those who are isolated.
Consider writing letters and placing them in your neighbor’s mailboxes with your contact information. Encourage them to reach out if they need to anything.
Drop off extra supplies to an elderly person who was not able to prepare.
Perhaps, you can join a social media platform for local neighborhoods, so that you can connect digitally to those around you.
Even in times of social distancing, we can safely reach out in mercy and love. God is calling for us to be a blessing and, most importantly, to provide hope to those who are fearful.
There will be many inconveniences, challenges, and frustrations in times like these. Just remember:
[He] is our refuge and strength…therefore we will not fear
Stay safe brothers. If you know of anyone who is in need, PLEASE contact me personally.
Fraternally,
Your Senior Warden.
Dave Murray
Junior Warden (Elect) Chase Murray
From the South
Greetings Brethren and Ladies,
As we continue to deal with the pandemic, please do your best to keep yourself and your families safe. Though our small town is fairly secluded when compared to our neighboring towns and cities, there is still risks associated with traveling. Wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain distance from others and keep yourself and other safe. I agree that many of these measures can be troublesome at times, however the safety of you, your loved ones, and the community is not something to disregard.
As again stated by the Worshipful Master, we will not be holding a Stated Meeting this month, so please DO NOT show up at the lodge.
In other news, SMMBA has continued moving forward with selling the bank building located 1175 Main St. and has found a new potential buyer. Thanks to the diligent work by Wor. Brother Krickhuhn and Brother Dave Murray, we have obtained approval from the Grand Lodge for the offer provided by the buyer, and it is hoped that we will have the building sold in the coming months. More to come on this subject as information becomes available!
Fraternally,
Chase Murray, Junior Warden
Worshipful Bill Graham (PM)
Secretaries Corner
I hope everyone is staying safe! In these trying times we must learn to do our best to keep ourselves and our families safe and sound. If any Brother needs help, please contact the Master, one of the Pillars or myself. We will do our best to help or refer you to a service that can help. Even as we Social Distance from each other, remember, we are one family and it our duty to help one another!
At this time, we do not know if there will be a Stated Meeting in May. We are waiting to hear from the Grand Lodge. As soon as we receive word, the Master will get it sent out and inform you of our status.
The year continues to move on and there are still approximately 36 Brothers who have not yet paid their dues. As you know, the Lodge pays Per Capita to the Grand Lodge every August. The Lodge must pay this every year, whether you pay your dues or not. By not paying your dues in a timely manner, you infringe on the Lodge finances and affect your Brothers.
If you are two or more years behind in your dues, I have sent out Notice of Intent to Suspend letters. I did not want to have to do this! You have a duty to pay your dues in a timely manner. Per California Masonic Code, Section 809.370. Suspension for Non Payment of Dues, after notice is sent, and you do not pay up to date or reply, a Vote will be held at the Stated Meeting to Suspend. Neither the Master, I, nor any other Brother in Lodge wishes this to happen! PLEASE get caught up and pay your dues. If you are financially unable to pay your dues, please contact the Master to discuss.
Please remit a check in the envelope provided with your dues notice. If you have lost your envelope, you can mail your dues to:
Santa Maria Lodge No. 580 PO Box 68, Ramona, CA 92065
You can also go to our website, http://www.santamaria580.org, and pay online. You can make payments for 2018, 2019 and 2020 there. If you have paid and have not received your card in a reasonable amount of time, please contact me at 951-970-4294 or e-mail me at secretary@santamaria580.org and I will take care of it.
S/F
Bill Graham, PM
Donations to the California Masonic Foundation when you shop Amazon!
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To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
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Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.
Fraternally,
Michael Reher, Marshall
Calendar of Events
3rd Degree Anniversaries
Richard Walworth (60 Years)
George Kesler (54 Years)
Darwin Ouderkirk Jr. (45 Years)
Ralph Knudsen (38 Years)
Van Leer Reeder Jr. (29 Years)
Robert Hentzen (19 Years)
Jason Terry (11 Years)
Wor. Ken Bychak II (6 Years)
Phylip Peltier (6 Years)
Birthdays
Guy Shidner (7th)
Michael Norton (10th)
Melik Mesherdjian (18th)
Daniel Reese (19th)
John Boyer (20th)
Glen Jarvis (22nd)
Keith Cochenour (25th)
David Shiflet (27th)
Darrel Brown Sr. (30th)
Note: If your birthday is listed as the wrong day, please contact the Secretary by using Contact Us located above.
Lodge Officer Directory
Master - Ken Bychak (Laura)
Senior Warden - Dave Murray (Catheren)
Junior Warden - Chase Murray
Treasurer - Bob Weldon (Brenda)
Secretary - Bill Graham, PM (Teri)
Chaplain - Keith Cochenour (Caren)
Senior Deacon - Peter Johnson
Junior Deacon - Rex McCray
Marshall - Michael Reher
Senior Steward - Michael Norton (Nhan)
Junior Steward - Kenneth Bychak
Tiler - Bruce Smith (PM) (Beverly)
707-328-9617
619-302-1223
619-607-2935
760-789-5254
951-970-4294
619-843-3019
858-943-1079
760-788-4957
760-566-6953
858-924-2558
805-268-6270
760-788-9475
Santa Maria Masonic Building
Association (SMMBA) Directory
President - Peter Krickhuhn (PM)
Vice President - Chase Murray
CFO - Pete Johnson
Secretary - Michael Rehar
760-612-1978
619-607-2935
858-843-1079
760-566-6953
