Brethren,
As Spring has finally arrived, I write this last message for the bulletin. In May the ceremony of installation will occur and I will hand over leadership of Bytown Lodge to Bro. Jon Orazetti. This past year has been a whirlwind of activities, learning and enjoyment. The many opportunities to visit other lodges and engage with the members have been great moments of which I am the better for it. While this year has not been as busy with degree work as last year, we had meaningful events each month. We welcomed three new Brethren into the Craft, received our District Deputy Grand Master once for his official visit, once for his fraternal visit and again during our regular meeting in April. We have successfully organized and reviewed our By-Laws to be sent to Grand Lodge for approval, had a successful Robbie Burns event in January and an outstanding turn-out at our annual chili cook-off raising over $1500 towards our District 2 charity, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
I would like to take this moment to thank all of you for your support over the past year, but in particular W. Bro Fraser who kept me on track with the summons and various points of order, and V.W. Bro Hawkins in his role as IPM keeping me calm in the East and providing that whispering voice in my head. To be honest, I could name every Brother that has attended Lodge faithfully this past year and the something you have contributed to me over the year, and from my full heart I truly thank you for your support.
In closing I would like to express my final thanks to Bro. Howard Schwartz who took on the role of editor for the Bytown Bulletin when I became Senior Warden. He has done a great job in rounding up our activities, collecting photos and telling the stories of our membership.
I look forward to seeing the Lodge move only forward in the years to come.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
W. Bro. Peter Ruttan
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge
