We will have a Graveside Memorial Service for Brother Carey E. Henley on Saturday, October 12th at 10 am at the Shelby County Cemetery located at 8340 Ellis Road.   Carey's last and only wish was to have a Masonic Burial and we invite everyone to this service.   Please   take this opportunity to remember a brother and help us grant his dying wish.   The service should be less than an hour.

Happy Birthday to the following members: William Hubbard, James Hanna, Thomas Rodgers, Gary Frazier, James Hallmon, Paul Sheffield Jr. and Francis Cherry.

If it's your birthday and it is not listed here we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday also, and urge you to send us your information card completed with your current information for our new database.

          We were just notified before the Stated Meeting that Brother Mike Wilson had been found dead in his home.   At this time we have no details of his untimely death, nor of the funeral arraignments.   We wish to extend our deepest regrets and prayers to his family in their time of sorrow.   If you have lost a family member recently, the Lodge and the Officers wish to extend our deepest heart felt sympathy to you and your family in your time of sorrow.

          We did hear that Mrs. Clement fell and broke her hip.   She is recovering at home.   Also, Brother Jim Nichols had a very close call with death last month, but he beat the odds and is resting and recovering at home.

          Brother Byron Wilkinson and the Sick & Visitation Committee would like you, a family member, or a friend to notify them of anyone that is sick, housebound or in the hospital; so they can check on them.   You can reach Brother Byron Wilkinson at 386-9914 or leave a message at the Lodge at 529-4025.
 

The dinner theme for our November Stated Meeting will be barbecue with an accompaniment of side dishes and delicious deserts.   If you would like to participate or have an idea for the December Dinner Theme, please contact our Junior Warden Dennis Pope at 483-6111 or our First Lady Mary Cook at 681-0858.

The Grand Lecturer's Official Visit is closing in on DeSoto Lodge very fast.   The Grand Lecturer will be at our Lodge on Friday, October 11th.   We will eat at 6:15 pm before starting on our work.   All members who wish to obtain their proficiency cards or need to renew their cards should plan to attend.   Officers are required to attend this meeting.   If you have any questions please call the Secretary Elbert Martz at 837-4579.

The Senior Warden's Officers Meeting was held on Monday, September 23rd at Anderton's Restaurant.   We had a very productive meeting with good suggestions from the Past Masters and Officers.   Senior Warden Tim Cook, Jr. made a presentation of his goals, objectives and recommendation for officers for 2003.   He is hoping to carry this rising wave of enthusiasm we are having in the Lodge into his coming year.
 

This year we are combining the Annual Widows Dinner with the Awards Dinner.   The Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 16th at 6:00 pm.   We will honor our Widows, and praise our brothers who have given so much of themselves this year to the Lodge.   If you have someone you wish to nominate for an award or praise for work they have done this year, please contact the Worshipful Master and let him know.

We have scheduled a Charity Dinner with Bingo for Saturday, October 19, 2002 at 7:00 pm.   We are asking for a $2 contribution per person, which will go to the Pappy Warner Memorial Fund.   We have used the fund quite a bit lately for some needy brothers and it is time to put a little back.   If you would like to contribute more it would be greatly appreciated.   Reservations are required no later than Monday October 8th since the dinner will be catered and we need a head count for food.   If you have any questions please call the Junior Warden Dennis Pope at 795-5008 or the Secretary Elbert Martz at 837-4579.