Masonic Life Network

On December 16th Big Bear Lodge No. 617 held it's  83rd installation of Officers in a closed ceremony.

For those of you who have never visited the Big Bear Lodge, it is , as most Lodges, steeped in local history. The furnishings came from cedar trees on land cleared by Bill Knickerbocker who provided the original meeting place for Masons in Big Bear above his Carriage house. He was also the first keeper of the original dam that formed Big Bear Lake.

This years installation was conducted by Past Master AGL Frank Lee as Installing Officer; PM Inspector Lynn Parker as Master of Ceremonies; Installing Chaplin was PM and officers coach for Big Bear Lodge, Jim Weyant.  Also in Attendance were Worshipful Chet Olsen from Rim of the World and Inspector John Channon.

Installed for Masonic Year 2014 were: Johnny Wells – Master; Kevin Mc Hugh – Senior Warden; Joe Tambe PM – Junior Warden; Steven Combs PM – Treasurer; Robert Dow, PM – Secretary; Bruce Black – Asst Secretary; Eric Schwartz – Junior Deacon; and William Meyrs PM – Tiler.

The incoming Master invited all present to draw-up two memories: 1. The day the decided to become a Mason and all the feelings and dreams they had attached to this decision. 2. For those who were Past Masters; the first moment the too stood in the East and received the gavel. The dreams and goals they had for "their Lodge", the changes they were looking towards and the difference they were going to initiate to make Their Lodge more of force for good in the community. To remember not only the energy they were willing to expend to make these happen, but the rewards too attached to their successes.

He then encouraged all Masons to rekindle those feelings and dreams, because in the year to come, for the Lodge to continue to grow and prosper, we can use all the "Masters" we can find to make it happen.

Dessert in the Lodges' "Theatre" followed with good fellowship and camaraderie.

Johnny R Wells
Worshipful Master