Freemasonry in Vermont

Summer 2008

Chip (Child Identification Program) conducted in Burlington on September 13

Two of our Vermont Lodges: Washington, No. 3 and Burlington, No. 100 got together to get training from the Chip Program and conduct a Chip ID program at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center. This was a sponsored event by National Life Insurance.

The Lodges were assisted by Brothers from New York, Maine and Connecticut. It was a first in Burlington for the program and was well attended. Brothers Don St.Onge, Sandy Karstens, Chris Allen and Geoffrey Grove among many others were instrumental in getting the event set up. Clifford (Chip) Stamm, Director of the Chip Program Nationwide was on hand to help make the day a success and deserves our appreciation as do all who helped to make the day possible.

Around the State

Steak Night At Summit No. 104
Head chef for the evening Lee Martenson insisted that
the Grand Master inspect his work. He received an A+.

Palmer Martin Retires after 27 years as secretary of
Summit Lodge, No. 104. The Grand Master was on hand
to issue him a special certificate of faithful service.
He has been replaced by Brother Mikhael Yowe.

Farmer’s Degree Held Instills Fellowship With Great View

About fifty brothers gathered for District 11’s second annual Farmer’s Degree on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the hilltop field of Brothers Larry and Fay Freeman.  Despite threatening skies, the degree went off without a hitch, and the sun broke through as the morning gave way to high noon.  MWPGM Jack Campbell presided in the East while several Grand Lodge Officers assumed other stations.  MWGM Calvin K. Keyler was found in waiting, officially received and escorted to the East to witness the degree.  Candidate Andrew Bene was suitably impressed, and was welcomed into the Craft.

Following the degree, an outstanding meal was provided by brothers of District 11 at the picnic field owned by Brother B.J. Stewart for Brothers and their families.  Attendees brought pot luck items and Bro. Bill Seward provided a freezer full of delicious ice cream.

Degree Team at Farmer’s Degree, August 16, 2008. 
Andrew Bene, new Brother, is front and center.

 

MWPGM Jack Campbell presiding with MWGM Calvin Keyler in the East.  Note Bro. Cal’s feet. 
RWGJW Roger Crouse casually awaits next move as Senior Deacon.


MWPGM Jack Campbell and others at the Farmer's Degree


Roger greeting the candidate


View from the field at the Farmer's Degree

  

Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Game in Hanover, NH on Saturday, August 2, 2008.

Calvin K. Keyler, Grand Master of Vermont and
Clown/Brother Michael Luurtsema, Past Potentate
Mt. Sinai Shriners at the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Game

Brother Robert Hatfield, M. W. Grand Master of New Hampshire on the left and Brother Calvin K. Keyler, M. W. Grand Master of Vermont at the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Game


Brother Jack Campbell, MWPGM of Vermont and President of the Green Mountain Chapter No. 527 National Sojourners on the left with other Sojourners from New Hampshire.

Brother Andrew Hirst from New Hampshire is in the center.

Brother John R. Campbell, Past Grand Master of Vermont, on the left and President of Green Mt. Chapter No. 527, National Sojourners and Brother Andrew Hirst, regional Representative of the National Sojourners, on the right

August Events

Athletic Hall of Fame in Orleans County of Vermont

L-R: Robert Twiss and Charles B. Smith, Jr. were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in Orleans County of Vermont. They were 2 of 30 former Athletes to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

These two brothers were great athletes during their time at Craftsbury Academy and College. Charlie is Secretary of Meridian Sun Lodge No. 20 in Craftsbury and Robert is Deputy Secretary. Charlie will be 90 on December 11, 2008. Charlie is also my oldest Brother!

There were 200 people at this event on August 30, 2008 and this was the first induction. There will be another one next year.

July Events

Recently Sharon Lodge No. 105 and Woodstock No. 31 combined to conduct a first degree on two candidates, one from Sharon and one from Woodstock. The highlight of the evening was provided by the acting Worshipful Master, Tobin Winters. Brother Tobin of Sharon, became a member just one year ago and at this meeting he provided and almost perfect rendering of the
first degree ritual as Master.

Brother Raymond Russell, a member of
Crescent Lodge No. 66, F & A M, Lyndonville, VT receiving his Centenary Certificate from Bro. Calvin K. Keyler, Grand Master with Bro. Paul Mosher, DDGM #12 assisting. Brother Russell was born on August 10, 1908 and this Centenary Certificate was presented on August 10, 2008 on the day of his 100th birthday. Brother Russell is in very good health, his hearing and sight are very good. He carried on a good conversation with all present. He has been a member of Crescent Lodge No. 66 for 62 years. He told the Grand Secretary that he is looking forward to receiving his 65-Year Membership Button in July 2011. He was raised on July 9, 1946.

From left to right: Ray Ballantine, Wally Patrick, Douglas Forrester, Dick Omand DDGM, Robert Brown

At a picnic at the Mt. Lebanon Lodge #46 in Jamaica, VT. The following Masonic Brothers were presented with Pins for their service to Masonry. They are:

Warren S. Patrick - 60 year pin
Robert Brown - 55 year pin
Douglas H. Forrester - 50 year pin

A great time of good good and stories told by these Brothers.

June Events

60 Membership Buttons

Left to Right: Brother Paul Mosher, District Deputy Grand Master #10, Brother Robert Lee, Brother Omlah Smith, Jr., Brother Edward Smith and
Brother Calvin K. Keyler, Grand Master.

These three brothers, Robert Lee, Omlah Smith, Jr., Edward Smith received a 60-Year Membership Button from Calvin K. Keyler, Grand Master.

The two Smith brothers were raised the same night by their father.


Chadwick Twins Win Sharon Masonic Scholarships

Emily and Elyza Chadwick of Sharon, both students of Sharon Academy, are each the winners of a $500.00
college scholarship given by Sharon Masonic Lodge No. 105, The girls are headed for Wheaton College in
Norton Massachusetts where they will concentrate on Environmental Science studies. They are the
twin daughters of Jim and Pam Chadwick of Sharon. The Masons in Sharon have been donating scholarships
for Sharon Students for more than ten years. Above, at the presentation ceremony, are shown Cal Keyler,
Grand Master of Masons of Vermont, of Sharon, Emily Chadwick, Eliza Chadwick and Leon Sheldon, Master
of Sharon Lodge, No. 105.

Last year the eighty-eight Masonic Lodges in Vermont donated more than $50,000.00 in scholarships to assist Vermont students on their way to colleges and technical schools.

York Rite Bodies June 30, 2008

Summer is just underway, and the Grand York Rite Bodies have been busy. On Monday June 30th, Sir Knight Brent N. Martin, Past Grand Commander and Sir Knight Donald C. Murray, Right Eminent Grand Commander presented Sir Knight John T. Colby from Mt. Zion Commandery #9 with the Knight Templar Cross of Honor award. That same evening Sir Knight Murray installed Sir Knight Steven Leach as Commander of Mt. Zion Commandery.

Brother John Colbly is Grand Organist Emeritus of The Grand Lodge of Vermont, F & A M. He served as Grand Organist for 25 years retiring two years ago.

Annual Communication, June 11, 2006


Governor and Brother James H. Douglass attending the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge on June 11, 2008.

Governor and Brother James H. Douglass attending
Grand Lodge on June 11, 2008.


Brother Warren Williams, member of Meridian Sun Lodge No. 20, Craftsbury, VT receiving his 50 year golden lapel button from Grand Master Calvin Keyler. Brother Cedric Smith assisting.

Brother Alexis Parent receiving his 60-year membership button from Calvin Keyler, Grand Master at Grand Lodge on June 11, 2008. Brother Parent's two sons, Michael and David looking on.

Brother Opkar S. Sandhu, M. W. Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Quebec address The Grand Lodge of Vermont on June 11, 2008.

Brother Earl Washburn, M. W. Past Grand Master and
Executive Director of the National Masonic Foundation
for Children presenting Brother Calvin Keyler, M. W. Grand Master with a plaque thanking the Grand Master and the
Grand Lodge of Vermont for the continued support.

Brother Winfred Pike, District Deputy Grand Master, District No. 4 receiving the Chishire Award on behalf of Lee Lodge No. 30, Castleton, Vt. Lee Lodge had the largest increase in numbers (members) and the largest percentage increase in membership
for the Masonic year.

Rev. and Brother Sidney Lambert, W. Grand Chaplain,
receiving the Grand Chaplain Emeritus award from
Calvin Keyler, Grand Master. Brother Lambert has retired
and is moving to the State of Georgia. He was Grand Chaplain
for the Grand Lodge of Vermont for 9 years and
he will be missed.

Brother Thomas MacPhee, Grand Marshall, receiving the John Barney Award from Calvin Keyler, Grand Master.

Brother Sean Selby, a member of Island Pond Lodge No. 44
receiving the "Young Mason of the Year Award" from
Calvin Keyler, Grand Master. Brother Errol Hinton assisting.
This award is given to a Brother Mason 40 years old or under
for outstanding work in his Community. Brother Selby is
with the Vermont State Police.

Brother Russell Goslant receiving the John Barney Medal at
Grand Lodge on June 11, 2008. Brother Goslant is a Past Master and present Secretary of Wyoming Lodge No. 80, Plainfield, VT.

Brother R. Randall Cary receiving the John Barney Medal
from Calvin Keyler, Grand Master with
Jack Campbell, Jr., Past Grand Master, assisting.

""

Calvin K. Keyler, Grand Master, presents John M. Faulhaber, Past Grand Secretary of The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island the Philip C. Tucker Medal at the Annual Communication.

The Grand Lodge Officers of The Grand Lodge of Vermont
on June 11, 2008.

Rev./Brother Sidney Lambert, Grand Chaplain and Brother Cedric Smith, PGM, Grand Secretary at the Grand Master's Banquet on June 10, 2008.

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