Article by Right Worshipful Brother Dennis Sheridan

On April 22, 2015, the Lodges of the new 8th Masonic District again held their long awaited program titled John Baker Night. Each of the four Lodges in this District gets together and holds a speaker competition which is judged by members from the new Seventh Masonic District.

An award is given to the Lodge whose presentation is chosen and they display it in their Lodge for the following year. Also, an award for the best attendance has the same recognition.

This has been an ongoing custom in this District since 1978. There were 3 years in the 80’s where it was not held, which was then the choice of the District Deputy Grand Master. This evening marked the last chance for our current District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Ronald N. Crane, to reign over the ceremonies.

The four Lodges fill the chairs for the opening and closing made up of a composite degree team from all of them. The chairs are drawn by chance and one never knows what chair each Lodge will get to fill.

We were pleased to have Right Worshipful Brother David S. Collins, our Senior Grand Deacon and Most Worshipful Brother Paul M. Leary, Past Grand Master, join us for the evening. It was an enjoyable event.

The Speaker Award was won by Worshipful Brother Dale L. Sollars from Golden Dawn Lodge No. 66 this year and the attendance award was won by North Star Lodge No. 8. Pictured are the members from each Lodge present.

Parker Lodge No. 97 will hold their version of this evening entitled the “Old Man Speaks” on Thursday May 28th with members of the 7th Masonic district participating and judges coming from the 8th District. You are encouraged to attend if within the length of your cable-tow.