Dallas Lodge #231 F&AM

December 4 - Extra Meeting #1

Again this month, we are fortunate enough to have two extra meetings. As petitions keep rolling in, its all that much more important to be diligent in our Degree work. Things look to be busy yet again, so we will begin as close to 7 pm as possible. Scheduled for the evening are the conferral of one Entered Apprentice, two Fellowcraft Masons, and one Master Mason’s degrees. Please join us to support these brothers and new members.

December 6 - Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication

All officers and members are invited to attend the December Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.

December 10 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

The election and installation of officers will be rehearsed by Doric Lodge #630. Also, the election of officers for the School of the Instruction for the ensuing Masonic year will be held. All senior officers and Past Masters are encouraged to attend. The meeting begins at 7:30pm.

December 11 - Extra Meeting #2

The trestle board is again full as part two of our degree conferrals this month will consist of two Fellowcraft Mason and two Master Mason’s Degrees. Come out and support these brethren and show them the strength of our lodge.

December 18 - Stated Meeting

The regular stated meeting of the lodge, as usual, is preceded by a complimentary dinner at the masonic center at 6:30 pm. This month’s meeting will feature the election and installation of the new officers of Dallas Lodge #231. Be sure to attend! The business meeting will begin at 7:30 pm.

December 22 - Hanukkah Begins

The Jewish festival of lights begins at sundown. Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish brethren.

December 25 - Christmas Day

Merry Christmas to all! Please take a few moments with your families away from all of the commercialism to remember the true meaning of this celebration.

December 27 - Saint Johns Day

Saint John the Baptist, whose festival falls on the 24th of June, and Saint John the Evangelist, whose festival occurs on the 27th of December, have been selected by most American Masons as the patrons of our order, and to us, under the appellation of the ‘Holy Saints John,’ the lodges are dedicated. The official change in control of the lodge passes to the newly-elected officers at high twelve (noon).

December 31 - New Year’s Eve

Be safe and have a wonderful new year!

November 6 - Extra Meeting #1

This is the first of our two extra meetings this month. Things look to be busy yet again, so we will begin as close to 7 pm as possible. On the trestle board for the evening are the conferral of two Fellowcraft Masons and two Entered Apprentice Mason’s degrees. Please join us to support these brothers and new members.

November 11 - Veteran‘s Day

Let us remember to honor our service men and women - active, retired, or in reserve - both past and present, who have given of themselves in defense of our country and the laudable principles of freedom and democracy for which we stand.

November 12 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

The election and installation of officers will be rehearsed by North Hills Lodge #716. All senior officers and Past Masters are encouraged to attend. The meeting begins at 7:30pm.

November 13 - Extra Meeting #2

Part two of our degree conferrals this month will consist of both the Fellowcraft Mason and Master Mason Degrees. Come out and support these brethren and show them the strength of our lodge.

November 20 - Stated Meeting

Dallas Lodge’s regular stated meeting is preceded by a complimentary dinner at the masonic center at 6:30 pm. This month’s meeting will feature a visit from the District Deputy Grand Master with the PA Grand Lodge Unity Gavel. This icon of Masonic brotherhood is comprised of woods from all over the commonwealth and is being used to open and close lodges across the entire state during the term of our current Grand Master, Stephen Gardner. The lecture this evening will be a brief presentation entitled “Freemasonry and the Fabric of America” after which we are all invited to watch the Steeler football game in the Grotto with complimentary food and beverages. Join us for this interesting meeting beginning at 7:30 pm.

November 26 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

All lodge officers advancing to the chair of Worshipful Master in 2009 are expected to attend this meeting in order to schedule the school rehearsals for that year. Individual instruction will also be available at this meeting, which begins at 7:30pm.

November 27 - Happy Thanksgiving!

October 2 - Extra Meeting #1

So much to do, so little time. Given the amount of degree work we have upon the trestle board, our regularly-scheduled officers’ meeting is now an additional extra meeting (if such a phrase is not redundant). Please join us in the initiation of four new brothers this evening beginning at 7:30 pm.

October 8 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

The Fellowcraft Mason Degree will be rehearsed by Avalon Lodge #657. The meeting begins at 7:30 pm at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

October 9 - Extra Meeting #2

Part two of our degree conferrals this month will consist of both the Fellowcraft Mason and Master Mason Degrees. Come out and support these brethren and show them the strength of our lodge.

October 16 - Stated Meeting

Dallas Lodge’s regular stated meeting is preceded by a complimentary dinner at the masonic center at 6:30 pm. This month’s meeting is dedicated to our lodge’s Past Masters - men who have given selflessly of their time and energies to make Dallas stronger. Join me in honoring them this evening beginning at 7:30 pm.

October 22 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

The election and installation of officers will be rehearsed by Crafton Lodge #653. All senior officers and Past Masters are encouraged to attend. The meeting begins at 7:30pm.

September 4 - Officer’s Meeting/Practice

Owing to the large number of applicants we’ve had over the summer, Dallas will be heavily involved in conferring degrees for the remainder of the year.  Our typical first-Thursday rehearsal nights will necessarily become extra meetings beginning in October.  Get your practice in now, while you still can.  The meeting begins at 7pm at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

September 10 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

The exemplification of the Fellowcraft Mason degree by Dallas Lodge #231 has been canceled.  Instead, the school will be offering open instruction and certification of senior wardens looking to advance to the East in December.  Instruction is available beginning at 7:30 pm.

September 11 - Extra Meeting

Conferrals of the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Mason degrees are slated for this evening.  Please come and support our newest brothers in their further travels in the craft.  Our labors begin at 7:30pm.

September 18 - Stated Meeting
The regular stated meeting of Dallas Lodge #231 will be preceeded by a light dinner at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.  The evening’s program will include a presentation by the 55th Masonic District Education Chairman on masonic actions during the American Civil War.  The business meeting begins at 7:30 pm.

September 24 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

By popular demand, the School of Instruction will yet again be conducting individual instruction and certification of senior wardens who are working to advance to the office of Worshipful Master.  The meeting begins at 7:30pm.

Though Dallas Lodge has called off from labor for July and August, don’t let yourself get rusty! This fall looks to be an exciting time as we take several new candidates through the degrees, honor our past masters, and prepare for a changing of the guard in December. Don’t miss out when we begin again with an open instructional meeting for officers and interested brethren on Thursday, September 4 at 7pm at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center. See you there!

July 4 - Independence Day

Show your colors and remember our brave men and women who are in service to this great country.

August 10 - Dallas Lodge Family Picnic

This afternoon of fun and food is open to all - members, families, friends, EVERYBODY! The party runs from noon until sundown at Emmerling Park in Indiana Township (Allegheny County).

June 5 - Officer’s Meeting/Practice

Once again, we will be working to assist our two new conferring officers who will be rehearsing the Entered Apprentice Mason degree. Officers should be present to help and support these brothers. The meeting begins at 7pm at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

June 11 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

McKinley -Stuckrath Lodge #318 will be rehearsing the Entered Apprentice Mason degree beginning at 7:30 pm.

June 12 - Extra Meeting

Come out to support our two new conferring officers as well as our candidates in the Entered Apprentice Mason degree. Our labors begin at 7:30pm.

June 14 - Flag Day

Hoist the colors!

June 15 - Father’s Day

Remember your Dad and how much he’s done for you (I really hope my kids read this).

June 15 - Stated Meeting
Dallas Lodge #231 holds a ride-in and bike night for all aficionados of motorcycling. The featured speakers this evening represent various motorcycle clubs within the Masonic fraternity, all of whom do fine work for charity and are looking for your company in their two-wheeled activities. We plan to hear from the Hiram’s Riders (Scottish Rite), the Shrine Motorcycle Corps, and the motorcycle club from the Grotto. Dinner will be a cookout on the patio behind the Grotto this evening and everyone on two wheels should ride in (weather permitting)! Please note that this is our last stated meeting before September and we will be calling off from labor for both July and August.

June 20 - Outdoor Meeting in the Hills

On Friday, June 20, the 11th Annual Outdoor Meeting in the Hills will be held at Christner’s Grove near Dawson, PA. This is an event attended by the Grand Lodge officers and includes a HUGE steak-fry dinner. The cost is $25 per person, a dress code is in force, and the event is only open to Master Masons. For reservations, please contact Bro. Richard E. Bigley, PM at (724) 547-2367 - DEADLINE: FRIDAY JUNE 13!

June 21 - Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Quarterly Communication

The June Quarterly Communication of PA Grand Lodge will be held at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow. Masonic dress is REQUIRED.

May 1 - Officer’s Meeting/Practice

We have two new conferring officers who will be rehearsing the Entered Apprentice Mason degree in preparation for the June extra meeting. All officers should be present to help these brothers practice. We will also be helping some of the senior officers fulfill requirements for advancement by working on the business of the lodge and receiving the District Deputy Grand Master. The meeting begins at 7pm at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

May 8 - Extra Meeting

No extra meeting this month. However, officer rehearsals will be available by request. Please contact the Senior Warden if you are interested.

May 11 - Mother’s Day

Call your Mom (you really ought to, you know).

May 14 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

Crafton Lodge #653 will be rehearsing the Entered Apprentice Mason degree beginning at 7:30 pm.

May 15 - Stated Meeting
Dallas Lodge #231 honors its 50-year members this evening with an open dinner invitation (family and friends are welcome to attend). The District Deputy Grand Master will make an official visit to the lodge and personally present Masonic service awards on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. A brief business meeting will precede the ceremony. The presentations will be public and all are invited to attend.

May 28 - Pittsburgh School of Instruction

Chartiers Valley Lodge #725 will present the Master Mason Degree. This is a 7:30 pm meeting.

 . . . or, “How My Dog Ate the Lineup Card.”

Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties, the entire month of April failed to make and appearance on this site.  Fear not, though.  We have it on the highest authority that April did, in fact, take place and is not lost to the realm of purgatory as once believed.  Remain calm - all is well.  We now return you to your regularly-scheduled posting.

Dallas Lodge #231 will begin using the automated phone reminder system provided by Grand Lodge. This simple messaging system allows lodge leaders to easily record a message and send it to every brother’s phone number. It’s a quick and easy way to improve communication and participation within our lodge.

Please keep in mind that this is not intended to be a solicitation or annoyance, but an informational tool to keep you abreast of events going on in the lodge. At any time, when a person answers the call, he is given the option of having the system remove his phone number from the call list. It’s that easy. This system could prove to be a tremendous benefit to the lodge, especially useful in broadcasting cancellations, announcing special events, important reminders, and passing along funeral details. Please be open to the many positive aspects of this new system as we incorporate it into out lodge.