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FROM THE EAST
I’ll
start this message with a
highlight that the City of
Aberdeen is looking to
accelerate the purchase of our
building, meaning we may be
moving out as soon as this
summer. Here’s a rundown of
current discussions:
-
On 24 March, we held a committee
review of the purchase agreement
wherein the Lodge would agree to
sell the building upon the
City’s security of funds by
grant. The contract is “as is,
where is” and includes mostly
reasonable terms. We are
recommending clarification of
the “$1 lease back” terms;
ensuring the Lodge nets the
cited purchase price (ergo, the
City cover/waive all closing
costs); and, relieving the Lodge
of any new tax burdens by
becoming a temporary tenant.
-
Separately, BGE and the City
plan to run underground
electrical to the new brewery
next door to us: this will
temporarily impact our rear
parking and accesses.
-
Within 2 months, the city is
also planning to close and pave
Cypress Lane, the alleyway where
our rear entrance into Dula Hall
is located – this would force
all who park there (including
handicapped members) to park in
the adjacent lots or at the
front of our building as this
would become a pedestrian area.
-
As a reminder, Watchtower
Brewing is moving into the
former dry cleaner property, and
Edgewood Creamery is moving into
the museum. The city intends to
transform our building into a
complementary downtown
dining/social venue.
To this end, I am calling on the
Lodge to discuss these updates
and impacts, review the terms of
an updated purchase agreement
from the City, and vote on
accepting such agreement. This
discussion will be at the 7
April meeting – we will move
Brother Radish’s EA catechism and FC
degree to 21 April (or a
special communication).
Regardless of our acceptance,
the City will be proceeding with
the closure of Cypress Lane and
redeveloping our block to
revitalize downtown appeal.
On a related note, I have been
reviewing available venues
downtown as alternate places to
hold our meetings, either
temporarily or as a long-term
lease. The TB3 Event Center,
owned by PHA Br Terrell Booth,
is nice but has no
handicap-friendly access. I am
reconnecting with Dr Mohammed
Chaudry who is renovating the
former Aberdeen Grade School
building regarding the gymnasium
space there. Br Dan Lambrose,
who leads the City’s Economic
Development Committee, is also
investigating options for us. I
also have calls into
Susquehanna, Stephenson, and Mt
Ararat Lodges to determine
potential options at their
locations.
I want to thank the brothers who
participated in our 3 March
meeting, especially PM Jared
Gwaltney of Harmony #53 for his
presentation on the “Roman
Eagle.” On 17 March, we
reviewed the EA charge: I
enjoyed hearing each brother’s
personal reflection on the
ritualistic meaning. Also, we
had a great time entertaining
the residents and guests at the
Maryland Masonic Homes on 14
March. And, our 7am Tuesday
breakfasts at the Aberdeen Diner
continue to be my favorite way
to start the day! We truly have
a strong Brotherhood at #187!
Thanks for your trust this year
as we navigate some choppy water
ahead. This is a team effort,
so please plan to provide your
inputs, trucks, and backs as we
gear up for a likely move out of
our 20 Howard Street home. And
yes, we will surely have a big
party to celebrate all of the
memories made at this location,
and to launch us into our next
chapter!
Sincerely and fraternally,
Michael
J. Bowen,
PM
Worshipful Master
"When you visit Please bring one can of food to
help the needy in our community"
FROM
THE SECRETARY
According
to the By-Laws dues shall be
paid to the Secretary, annually
in advance of the first regular
communication in January. Dues
cards for 2024 are now
available. $76.00.
Pay
Pal is also available for 2024
Dues. https://www.paypal.me/Aberdeen187
If you use Pay Pal be sure to
update your payment amount to
$76.00 and include $2.50 for
fee.
If you would like to receive the
trestle board by e-mail, send
your e-mail address to the
secretary at the lodge e-mail
address.
TRESTLE
BOARD
Stated communication of
Aberdeen Lodge No. 187 will be
held, Mon April 7, 2025 at 7:30
p.m.
Regular Order of Business
Discuss updates and impacts,
review the terms of an updated
purchase agreement from the
City, and vote on accepting such
agreement.
Regular Meeting Scheduled for 21
April 2025
CANCELLED
Special Communication of
Aberdeen Lodge No. 187 will be
held, Mon April 28, 2025 at 7:30
p.m.
EA catechism and FC degree
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| 6th |
Justin W. Winney, Jr. |
| 2nd |
Charles D.
Crockett |
| 12th |
William Conzalesz |
| 12th |
Bryon C.
Hardaker |
| 13th |
Michael J.
Bowen |
| 17th |
Andrew K.
Friedel |
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DATES
TO REMEMBER
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April 3, 2025
County School of
instruction starting at 7:00 pm.
Esdrealon Lodge # 176
Working on Fellow
Craft Degree.
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GRAND LODGE ACTIVITIES
************************************************************************************
Grand
Lodge Bull & Oyster Roast
April 27th
2-5 Food
2-6 bar
$50.00 Per Person
**********************************************************************************
Semi-Annual Communication Grand
Lodge
May 17, 025
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
***********************************************************
Family Day Picnic
June 7, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
***********************************************************
Grand Master's Ball
July 26, 2025
6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
***********************************************************
Harvest Home Day
October 4, 2025
6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
**********************************************************
Annual CommunicationGrand Lodge
November 15, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
**********************************************************
For
information about any of the
Grand Lodge activities contact
the Grand Secretary’s Office
(410) 527-0600.
Grand
Lodge of Maryland e-mail:
office@glmd.org
Grand
Lodge of Maryland Website:
http://www.mdmasons.org/
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