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Sunday, March 23, 2014
1:00 PM

Latham Masonic Hall
206 Old Loudon Road
Latham, NY

New this year – we will have two heats! In addition to the non-Worshipful competition, there will be a heat for Worshipfuls and up! Each competitor must be a Master Mason in good standing. Previous years’ contestants, who did not place in the top three, may compete again. A District may send up to four people to compete – two non-Worshipfuls, and two Worshipfuls. If a District sends two competitors for a given heat, the competitors must be from different Lodges! Very Worshipfuls and Right Worshipfuls will be allowed to compete, in the “Worshipful and up” heat only.

The work performed by non-Worshipfuls will be the conclusion of the Middle Chamber, starting with “My Br,…” and ending with “…and forevermore.” (pp. 130-132 of the Standard Work & Lectures). Worshipfuls and up will present the five orders of architecture, including the italicized work, starting with “The five orders…” and ending with “…builders’ art.” (pp. 121-124 in the SW&L) Contestants will be scored on their technical proficiency as well as their overall presentation.

Right Worshipful William Thomas, Deputy Grand Master, will be our Guest Speaker.

Guests and spectators are invited to come and support their District at this incredible event! Because the work of the evening is from the Fellowcraft Degree, Entered Apprentices will not be able to attend.

A dinner, and the presentation of awards, will follow the competition. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. The cost is $25 ($10 for competitors); anyone without a reservation will be charged $30 at the door. Checks can be made out to Jason Dzembo and sent to the address below. Your payment is your reservation! Until we receive your check, you are not reserved! Attire for participants and judges will be formal; tie and jacket for guests.

If you are interested in participating, please contact your Assistant Grand Lecturer, or the Regional Assistant Grand Lecturer (see below)!

For questions, or to RSVP no later than Sunday, March 16, 2014 contact:
Jason Dzembo, 46 Second Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144
(518) 935-3323 or jasondzembo at gmail.com

Members of Richfield Springs Lodge present at the official visit of RW Roy Bilby, DDGM.
It was the last meeting at that site.

On Tuesday, September 17th, Otsego Lodge No. 138, F. & A.M., 77 Main Street, Cooperstown, will conduct a Stated Communication which will be the Official Visitation of RW Roy Bilby, District Deputy Grand Master of the Otsego-Schoharie Masonic District. Lodge opens at 7:30 p.m.

Prior to Lodge opening, all are welcome to gather at 6 p.m. in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown for a brief dedication ceremony for the monument installed this summer on the Lodge-owned cemetery lot. The cemetery is located on the East Lake Road (County Highway 31) just outside the Village limits. Enter through the main gate (located by the white brick gatehouse) and immediately turn left. After passing the house, continue straight and the lot is located on the right. If it is raining that evening, the dedication will be postponed. Following the ceremony at the cemetery, all are welcome to gather at the Cooperstown Masonic Temple for an informal repast of chili, etc. provided by the Worshipful Master.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

RW Peter A. Deysenroth, Secretary
Otsego Lodge No. 138, F. & A.M.
Cooperstown

The Grand Lecturer's Convention will be held at Schenevus Valley Lodge #592, 82 Main Street, Schenevus. NY on September 25, 2013 at 7:00P.M.

There will be a dinner at 6:P.M. at a cost of $5.00 to help defray the cost of the evenings activities. For those of you planning to attend the dinner please make reservations by September 23, 2013 to WM richard.scheiner at dot.ny.gov or call at 607-437-2465.

The subject for the lecture will be either opening and/or first section of the first degree with emphasis on preparing the candidates and the importance of the conductors. Bring your questions.

Hope to see you there.

Fraternally,
Richard S. Transue
AGL Otsego-Schoharie District

We are bringing out the "Traveling Gavel" on our visits this year. This was done years ago to promote fellowship and travel between the Lodges. At each Official Visit attendance will be taken by the District Staff Officer. Each Lodge represented will receive 1 point per member and 2 points per officer present. The Lodge with the highest score at each visit will receive the Traveling Gavel to carry to the next Official Visit.