Shortly after our Installation this past December, I received a phone call from a young lady, who is one of our dearest sweethearts at South Pasadena, Erika Sietz.   She told me she had lost a rather expensive piece of jewelry somewhere between leaving Home for the Installation, while at the Installation, or on her way Home.  She said this particular piece was something that her Husband Jake had given her.  Of course it was of great monetary value, but it was worth far more for it's sentimental value. I assured her I would make some phone calls and see if anyone might have found it at the Lodge.

        Time went by, and everyone I spoke with replied that they had not seen anything like it anywhere. More and more I felt like it just would not turn up. Either because it had been lost outside somewhere or someone at the event had, like many humans, succumbed to the weakness of seeing this beautiful piece of jewelry, and simply slipped it into a pocket.  We as Masons take an obligation not to cheat wrong or defraud, yet being imperfect Human creatures there is still always that chance that even a Mason can fall prey to the same weakness. This was a possibility I didn't want to think of but one I had to consider.

        Brethren, I had one last person to ask at this point. One Mason I had not yet asked. I have to say, by this time I was ready to hear the all too common "I haven't seen anything like that" reply.  When I asked this one Mason, his reply was that he had found this piece of jewelry that looked like an earring and put it in his locker for safe keeping.  I asked him to retrieve it for me, and the moment I saw it, I knew it was the missing piece!  I returned it to Erika, and to see her face light up and fill with so much happiness at it's discovery, was enough to make a grown man cry! This truly was the reward

        What touched me from a Masonic point of view, was sadly, not every Mason would have done that, even though they should have. This Mason however, did honor his obligation. This Mason is Brother Eddie Montenegro.  Since becoming a Mason, there have been incidents I have seen or heard of in which Brothers have, sadly, not lived up to and honored their obligations. These incidents have been rare thankfully.  As Masons we should be able to leave our wallets full of cash anywhere in the Lodge, comfortable in knowing we will find it as we left it, untouched and unmolested. Sadly this is not necessarily the case. Happily in the case of the missing pearl it was!

        It touched me so much that I wanted to share the story with you about this truly good man and Mason. Brother Montenegro is your Tyler, and is very active around the Lodge.  Always volunteering to help out in any way.  Brother Montenegro is also our newest Hiram Award recipient.  A recognition he so richly deserves.  As a Mason I was so very proud to see how this piece of jewelery, and its safe return exemplified a true Mason, Masonry in action, and that I had such an honorable man as my Brother. Brother Montenegro thank you for being that Mason!

        Brethren, we have a 1st degree on January 27th, and will be concentrating on passing the many 2nd degrees in February. I encourage you to come out and join us for these degrees. There will be updates on Facebook, Twitter and on our website, on times and dates. Also, if you're not computer literate, you can contact myself or either of the Wardens for specifics.

        Our Saturday's at the Lodge has really caught on!  As evidenced by the many Brothers and their families who have been attending. If you haven't been to one of these Saturdays, I strongly encourage you to come check us out. There is fellowship galore, always good eats, a game of pool or darts, and something on the big screen TV. Always a good family activity.  Our Masonic Education Program has also begun. Many Masons never received the Masonic education they should have. We will be meeting each Friday, and Saturday for discussion, debate, review, to dissect, deliberate, and more fully understand our craft, our ritual, and our role through out history. Join us for a good time, good fellowship and more Light in Masonry.

        This year's "Sweethearts Night" will not be at the Lodge as usual.  This year we will be attending Ray Bradbury's drama/musical Wisdom.  I am very excited about this very special event, and hope to see you there.  There might still be time to reserve seats. Contact Wor. Tony Fairfield or our Secretary for reservations.

        Brethren, in support of the Greand Master's projects this year, I am requesting that all Brethren contact the Lodge to Ensure we have your correct phone number and address.  Also, If you are a WWII Veteran we would like to honor you by making it possible for you to go to Washington DC to see the Beautiful Memorial dedicated to your honor, and to honor those who never came Home. 

        Speaking of Washington DC, have you made your reservations yet? This is an event geared around Family. For some it will be a once in a lifetime experience. This is an opportunity for Parents of children up to the age of 17 to travel to Washington DC with your children and create many life long memories.  There is limited availability so I strongly encourage you to act now,  Make your reservations. For some of us, even the reduced rates feel like an impossibility. Not so in this case as we have set up a pay "On Time" account, so that you can make easy payments throughout the year, rather than having to pay out a large sum at one time. Check with the secretary or Wor Tony Fairfield for details.

        If you missed our Bobby Burns Night, you really missed out on a fun evening of great food, great music, a touch of Haggis, and a wee bit o' Scottish Waters for the toasting! I want to thank Wor Tony Fairfield for Chairing this event and enlightening some of our younger members on some of the great Masons of the past.

        This year at Lodge will have lots of fun, fellowship and offer a variety of events for your enjoyment. If you happen to think of something you feel might be missing for events, community involvement, or perhaps an educational topic you would like to learn about at Stated Meetings, please let us know.

        I look forward to seeing you at Lodge, and for those not able to attend due to health reasons, or geography, I look forward to speaking to each of you on the phone!