Had a very pleasant evening at Broad Ripple Lodge #643, in Indianapolis, Ind, last night. No degree work, just a regular stated communication after a nice meal (never had Pad Thai before, but it needed more HEAT!), opened, paid the bills, and some great discussion of matters before the lodge: was this petitioner REALLY needing to join the Craft, should we raise our dues, can we get interest in a cookout or a blood drive? The acting Senior Deacon gave me a few minutes warning, then asked me to talk for Masonic Education about my lodge back in NC, as it is named for a Revolutionary War hero who was active in Indiana. And thanks to the WBro from that lodge who invited me to attend, should I be in the area when they met, he's one of their trustees, Chris Hodapp. He's not only funny on the Forum, he's alarmingly witty in person! S&F
Thanks for coming and visiting, Brother Bob. Great to meet you in person. And thanks for your contribution to the evening. The brethren enjoyed your comments very much. Normally, we have some sort of educational portion of the evening, but the June meeting is designated by Grand Lodge as "the dreaded dues discussion night," and the investigation and vote discussion went longer than usual, as well. As for dinner, we have a rule at Ripple: no green beans allowed in the house. And we have a great lineup of budding chefs. What you saw for turnout was pretty usual. Not bad for a lodge that was ready to close 10 years ago. I'm proud as I can be of these guys.
You indeed have a Lodge to be proud of! It is surprising that it was precarious 10 years ago; hard to believe with the fellowship and harmony I saw there. I hope to visit again, but for now, pack up the camper and move down to Friendship, Ind, [named for a Lodge] for a week. Maybe Fireman will find me a degree to attend. That's a little dangerous, though. Last year I went to a nearby EA Degree and was asked to deliver the Lecture! S&F
