The Cornerstone Newsletter

Welcome Back!

Our Stated Meetings begin again Monday, September 15, 2008. Don’t forget to freshen up, dust off that old suit, put on your best tie, shine your shoes, and be at the Temple no later than 7:30 P.M. every first and third Mondays of the month. The officers and Brethren would really like to shake your hand and welcome you back to Lodge in the upstairs lounge of the Temple before we open our meetings!

We will NOT be exemplifying the Fellowcraft Degree September 15th or calling a Special Meeting for the Master Mason Degree September 29th. These presentations will be delayed due to a vote to be taken at our September 15th meeting - more following . . .

. . . Speaking of a new building

To bring you up to date, everyone has heard of the many problems we have experienced with building maintenance and utilities at the present Masonic Temple in Niles. The building is now over eighty years old and has been showing its age for some time. Yearly utility/maintenance costs alone are in excess of $30,000. Gas bills during the winter months can be as high as $4000 - $5000 per month and will be going up. Both boilers are currently inoperable and need either fixed or replaced. The front porch, roof, and restrooms need major restoration and repair. Painting and decorative improvements are also needed throughout the Temple. The Ida McKinley Chapter of Eastern Star has folded and no longer meets in the Niles Temple thus reducing a major source of income.

Niles McKinley Lodge, William Farr Lodge in Girard, the Niles York Rite bodies, and the Sunrise Chapter of Eastern Star in Girard joined together to look into the possibility of constructing a new, smaller, energy efficient building. Property was purchased in Liberty Township. It now appears that the construction of a new building has been abandoned because of excessive expenditures involved in new construction making the project cost prohibitive.

The purchase of an existing, smaller building that can be adapted for everyone’s needs is now being considered to see if an appropriate financial planning and remodeling details can be arranged.

A letter was sent out in August about an informational meeting that was held at the proposed site. Many concerned Brothers and Sisters turned out to hear explanations of financing, building accommodations, needed renovations, and costs to be incurred at the building. They were also given a chance to tour the building and grounds and ask questions.

Our Worshipful Master has scheduled an informational meeting for our Lodge Monday, September 8, 2008, 7:00 P.M. concerning the purchase of the building and what our responsibilities and liabilities might be if the purchase is completed. This is very important - a vote will be then taken at our Monday, September 15, 2008 Stated Meeting to accept or reject a proposal to join with the above named organizations in purchasing the building. Your attendance and participation is vital!

Bicentennial Parade and Celebration in Columbus

An estimated 10,000 Masons and family members were drawn to Columbus Saturday (June 21) to participate in a full day of activities helping the Grand Lodge of Ohio celebrate its 200th anniversary.

The Bicentennial Parade, celebrating 200 years (1808 - 2008) of Freemasonry in Ohio, had an estimated 4,000 participants and lasted one hour and twenty minutes while snaking through Columbus. W.B. Dale M. Anderson, Past Master of Newton Falls Lodge No. 462 from our own 25th Masonic District, was the builder of the “Grand Master’s Award” parade float, awarded by the Grand Master for the best overall entry!

After the parade, thousands gathered on the Statehouse lawn and officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio reenacted a traditional Cornerstone Ceremony for the Statehouse building.

After the ceremony, a picnic was held at the Ohio Historical Society for all Masons and family members who participated. Nearly 8,000 persons went through the lines to receive a picnic lunch. Many sat on the grassy area near I-71 for their lunch while others toured the Historical Society Museum and enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort inside. Tours of Ohio Village were available and many took the opportunity to visit Ohio Village Lodge No. 10, the historic Masonic Lodge in the village sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

District Outdoor Raising

The 25th Masonic District Blue Lodge Association is sponsoring an outdoor raising, Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9:00 A.M. at the outdoor lodgeroom facilities of Cortland Lodge in Cortland.
A bonfire will be set ablaze Friday evening for those who want to stay overnight in a tent or RV. Bring your hot dogs, buns, and condiments for a roaring good time.

From 7:00 - 8:30 A.M., before lodge opens, Cortland Lodge will serve breakfast for those attending the Outdoor Raising. There will be a nominal charge per person. Get there early to get your place in line - or stay over Friday night in your tent or RV.

Golf scramble

One of our teams that played in the golf scramble included W.B. Brian Williams, W.B. Doug Nutter, W.B. Thomas Redmond, and Bro. Ted Theodore. We didn’t actually win the traveling plaque but, our Brethren did win a special prize this year! Come to our Installation and find out all about it at a special presentation!

Building fundraiser at TNT

With a new building possibly in sight, the Tibbetts-Wick Masonic Association, the board responsible for the acquisition of the property, is sponsoring a fund raiser at TNT Theater on Youngstown-Warren Rd. in Niles.

The comedy, entitled The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), will be presented for everyone’s enjoyment Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at a cost of only $12.00 per person. Curtain call is 7:00 P.M. with refreshments served prior to curtain.

The play is an irreverent, fast-paced romp through all 37 of the Bard’s plays. It’s a high-speed roller-coaster condensation of all of Shakespeare's plays.

This show was London’s longest-running comedy - 10 years at the Criterion Theatre. Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “wildly funny” and by the Montreal Gazette as “the funniest show you are likely to see in your entire lifetime”. The Today Show says, “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like the show. If you hate Shakespeare you'll LOVE this show!”

It’s rumored that our own Senior Steward, Bro. Brent Whetstone performs in the play. At the very least we have a connection with the play because Brent’s wife, Heather, is the Director!
Please contact W.B. James Cunningham at (330)793-6710 to make your ticket reservations today. Your continued support is really needed.

Membership fee payment

Membership fee notices will be mailed out shortly. If you do not receive yours by Monday, September 8, 2008, call me as soon as possible. Please, mail your check, made payable to Niles McKinley Lodge #794, in a timely manner to prevent suspension for non-payment of dues. Remember, your membership fee is payable NO LATER THAN OUR ANNUAL MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008. You have been given several months to plan your payment.

If you are in need of financial assistance at this time and unable to make your payment, let me know so the Brethren can take appropriate action. Thanks.