77 Tide Mill Road - P.O. Box 1202
Hampton, New Hampshire, 03842
Phone: 603-926-9563
Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM (Dark during months of July and August)
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Our February meeting was a great KFC meal with plenty of leftovers. We had 25 people at our last stated meeting and several brothers who we don’t see much but showed up and had a good time. Our meetings open at 7:00 pm dinner at 6:00 pm. No business before 7:30 pm per our bylaws which I’d like to change. We have a program for every meeting until the end of the year. We need much more involvement from the committees for Finance and Standing committee We attempted to capture the Traveling Gavel from St. Andrews. We had 7 lodge members at their stated meeting but so did Federal Lodge, #5 Dove,r so we lost on a coin flip. When we were leaving, we had an 8th brother who went above and beyond to get there at all, but it was too late. We need to get it back as it was started by brother Ken Zharndt who was one of us at St. James #102. I know St. Andrews was going to try and reclaim the gavel but I haven’t heard anything yet. We opened discussions on a DUES INCREASE for 2027. The treasurer is working on the budget and looking to the exact increase we need to sustain our lodge. We are currently at break-even. Some lodges are over $300 per year. We’re thinking of around $150.00 dues. If you have any comments on this please come to our next Stated meeting on March 19, 2026. We need input from members before we finally vote on it in September 2026. What occurs during a well governed meeting? a. WM should greet everyone who comes through door b. Politics & Religion should be restricted in dining room as well as Lodge c. Opening on time d. Appropriate attire e. Lodge room set up ahead of time f. ?? Rope off areas causing Brethren to sit together?? g. Well executed Ritual h. Designated prompter (No prompting from sidelines) i. Welcoming remarks j. Responsive Marshal (DoC) k. Introduction of visitors l. Brief overview of agenda m. Expectations of WM communicated to all i. Requirement for harmony n. Excerpt from Constitution o. Educational program p. Allow for discussion q. Keep business brief i. Secretary should have greeting cards available r. WM should know what Secretary and Treasurer will present s. If balloting – Explain procedure t. Assure everyone knows how to vote on a regular business question u. Use hourglass if necessary v. Prepare ahead of time for Annual Meeting i. Committee Reports ii. Secretary/Treasurer reports iii. Balloting (Explain to everyone) iv. Lodge of Sorrows w. WM copied on notifications to GL x. Assure all business and announcements are complete prior to closing y. GL Officer remarks z. Close without interruption Thank you. W.M. Ray Gamble |
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