October 2024 Trestleboard

The October stated meeting was quite busy. Our Inspector made his official visit to the lodge. We learned about the legislation to be voted on at this month’s annual communication of Grand Lodge. We elected two applicants for the degrees: Mr. Daniel Weikel and Mr. Sean Cox. Brother Daniel Miller returned his first degree proficiency. The lodge will be conferring two first degrees, one second degree, and one third degree in the coming months. Look for the announcement of their degree dates in the weekly Info and Events email updates.

The Hiram Award presentation for Worshipful Brandon Lippincott on Saturday, October 5, went very well. Thanks to all who attended. The remaining Tuesdays of the month will be used for practices for the 2025 officers, our annual Past Masters third degree, and the Burgers for Badges social event on October 29. This event will include pumpkin carving for children and young adults of all ages, recognition of local first responders, and a magic show by a member of The Academy of Magical Arts, perhaps better known as The Magic Castle. The pillar officers and other voting delegates and members will be attending the Annual Communication in San Francisco on the weekend of October 25-27.

The November stated meeting will also be busy. This meeting will include the annual election of lodge officers, Conejo Valley Masonic Center Association directors, and lodge investment trustees. For newer Masons, this offers a glimpse into how the leaders of the lodge are chosen. The November stated dinner will be the conclusion of the Midnight Mission clothing drive. Please continue to bring gently used or new clothing (particularly underwear) to the lodge for this worthy cause. The donations will be delivered to the Mission on November 17. November will also include two fun social events: line dancing on Saturday the 9th and bowling on Friday the 15th. There will also be a mobile blood drive at the lodge on Saturday, November 16, from 10 AM to 1 PM sponsored by Vitalant, a non-profit organization committed to servicing communities through blood donation and transfusion medicine services and cutting-edge blood science research.

Greetings from the South, Worshipful Sirs and Brethren. The 2025 Officers have been working hard on qualifying and are set to wrap up this month prior to Grand Lodge. We have a surge in applicants and new members, with some upcoming degrees to close out the Masonic Year. We look forward to having as many Brethren as possible in attendance as your cable tow permits. 

Brothers, Friends, and Family,

This past Saturday (10/5/24), I had the honor of receiving the Hiram Award at Conejo Valley Lodge. When I first joined in 2012, I never envisioned this moment. I’m deeply grateful to all of my Brothers and Sisters for their support and mentorship, and I appreciate the Job's Daughters for presenting the flag. A special thanks to my wife, Inbar, my son, Ric, our baby-to-be, and my family for their unwavering love.

To me, this award represents more than personal recognition—it reflects the collective strength and unity that define our Masonic Brotherhood. As we work together, each of us plays a unique role, like instruments in a symphony, harmonizing to create something greater than ourselves. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a lodge and look forward to continuing the important work ahead, guided by our shared values.

Thank you all for being part of this journey. Together, we can illuminate the world.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Brandon Lippincott, PM