Embedded Files
INTROSPECTIVE
I need to say first and foremost that I felt that Friendship Lodge #20 was "home" from the very 1st time I stepped through the doors and was greeted by PM Fred Johnson who answered my questions and informed me on when the meetings were and PM Archie Sheperd who was the Worshipful Master at the time of my 1st visit he greeted me with a warm smile and handshake. These two along with PM Ebie Syphoe and PM Ed Smith convinced me through their Brotherly Love that Friendship Lodge #20 was where I belonged....little did I know that one day I would become the Worshipful Master and sit for 3 years.
I admit that I am not good at talking about myself, especially when it comes to "self praises," so writing this blurb about my time as Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge #20 has been hard. I honestly didn't think I did anything worth noting. But, I was greatly reminded by my good friend PM Antonio Alston-Bey and Bro Ed Coakley about a few things that occurred during my time in the East. But let me first start with a few things that I am humbled to have occurred during my time as WM. One of the first things I made happen was being able to get 2 of our long-time members' life memberships. To be able to obtain "Life Membership" status for Bro Willie K. Nolley (60 years of service) and Bro Eddie Baker (50 years of service) have been one of my fondest memories. And my last official act as Worshipful Master was obtaining and presenting PM Fred Johnson with his Gold Card Status, I must confess I often watch a video clip of that moment, and I literally have a tear in my eye as he is well deserving of that Gold Card.
I sent PM Alston-Bey a text telling him that I didn't know what to write as I didn't feel I did anything, and he responded with a loving stern text, which I will quote verbatim:
"......You don't think leading the lodge for 3 years was an accomplishment? You reestablish the insurance and create the atmosphere that allowed me to come and work with folks without having to create new groups or dynamics. You got the ball rolling with reestablishing the Lodge and Chapter Connection.....Everything I did was built of the foundation you laid down PM. You tripping if you don't think you did a lot. You attracted folks to the Lodge that helped push it forward...."
Bro Coakley said
"....PM you did a lot. You helped me when I first came into the lodge with a lot of things. We may have had a few disagreements, but they were from growth and brotherly love, but not ill will. You got the ball rolling on the repairs and renovation that occurred these last few years. You made Brothers feel welcome and at home when they came into the Lodge...."
These words from both PM Alston-Bey and Bro Coakley mean a lot and made me humble that two people I greatly respect feel this way about me. So, I guess I did do something noteworthy. Albeit these are just a few things, they are not everything. I am always grateful and humbled to have been the Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge No. 20, One of the OLDEST Lodges here in Georgia. THANK YOU, BROTHERS, FOR 3 WONDERFUL YEARS..
PM Jeff Richardson
JAN 2017-JAN 2020
LAUDABLE RESTROSPECTIVE
" Past Master Jeff Richardson, your tenure and continued service have been a beacon of progressive leadership for Friendship Lodge #20. Your dedication to reestablishing strong ties with the Order of the Eastern Star has fostered a renewed spirit of collaboration and harmony within our fraternal community. Your unwavering commitment to our Knights of Pythagoras council, exemplified by your pursuit of a dedicated scholarship and continued support from the brethren, demonstrates your profound investment in the future of our youth.
" Past Master Jeff Richardson, your tenure and continued service have been a beacon of progressive leadership for Friendship Lodge #20. Your dedication to reestablishing strong ties with the Order of the Eastern Star has fostered a renewed spirit of collaboration and harmony within our fraternal community. Your unwavering commitment to our Knights of Pythagoras council, exemplified by your pursuit of a dedicated scholarship and continued support from the brethren, demonstrates your profound investment in the future of our youth.
Your proactive approach to updating our by-laws, ensuring alignment with Grand Lodge standards, has modernized our operational framework. The pivotal decision to advocate transitioning our stated meetings to Saturday mornings has not only enhanced productivity but also enriched the lives of our brethren by allowing for greater family time. Your visionary advocacy for technological integration has propelled our lodge into the digital age, a foresight that proved invaluable during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic.
Your proactive approach to updating our by-laws, ensuring alignment with Grand Lodge standards, has modernized our operational framework. The pivotal decision to advocate transitioning our stated meetings to Saturday mornings has not only enhanced productivity but also enriched the lives of our brethren by allowing for greater family time. Your visionary advocacy for technological integration has propelled our lodge into the digital age, a foresight that proved invaluable during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic.
Personally, I am deeply indebted to you for championing my transition from my PHO lodge to Friendship Lodge. Your recognition of my 18 years of Masonic experience and your subsequent appointments as Senior Deacon, Steward, and eventual election of Secretary under your administration have been transformative. Your mentorship of subsequent Worshipful Masters, notably PM Antonio Alston-Bey, has been instrumental in their successful leadership. Your willingness to share your experience and wisdom has ensured a seamless transition for new leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth within our lodge. Your contributions have not only shaped the present but have also secured a vibrant and prosperous future for Friendship Lodge #20."
Personally, I am deeply indebted to you for championing my transition from my PHO lodge to Friendship Lodge. Your recognition of my 18 years of Masonic experience and your subsequent appointments as Senior Deacon, Steward, and eventual election of Secretary under your administration have been transformative. Your mentorship of subsequent Worshipful Masters, notably PM Antonio Alston-Bey, has been instrumental in their successful leadership. Your willingness to share your experience and wisdom has ensured a seamless transition for new leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth within our lodge. Your contributions have not only shaped the present but have also secured a vibrant and prosperous future for Friendship Lodge #20."
Thanks so much,
Thanks so much,
Ed Coakley - Friendship 20, Master Mason
Ed Coakley - Friendship 20, Master Mason
Page updated
Report abuse