We are thrilled to present to you the August edition of The Cornerstone Connection from Rosenberg Lodge No. 881!
Past Master David C. Berndt
Greetings Brothers,
I hope that your summer has been enjoyable and that your families are doing well. As we enter August and approach another school year, let us take the opportunity to continue our own education in Masonry. In addition to our First Tuesday Study and Fellowship Nights, next scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., there are several Committee on Work Forums and Exams in our area.
Even if you do not intend to sit for an esoteric certificate exam (which I highly encourage), attending the forums is an extremely worthwhile use of every Master Mason's time. R∴W∴ Cockroft does a fantastic job of explaining the nuances of our work and the "words behind the words". The next Committee on Work Forum and Exam in our area is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Sul Ross Lodge No. 1300 in College Station. It would be an excellent opportunity to gain some more education for any of us. The Forum begins at 8:00 a.m.
We are continuing to collect non-perishable food items in support of Helping Hands of Richmond. Items may be dropped off at the lodge or at Past Master Davis' shop in Rosenberg.
There are some events happening in August that I'd like to bring to your attention. Grand Master of Masons in Texas, M:.W:. Reader, will be making an official visit to Anahuac Lodge on Thursday, Auugst 7, 2025. Some of us are planning to make the drive out there, and we would love to see you there! Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. that night. At our Stated Meeting on August 19, 2025, we will begin collecting for our toy drive benefitting Child Advocates. More information will be forthcoming. There will be boxes at the lodge to drop items for both the food and toy drives, and I encourage everyone to help as you can. We will make the donations in late fall or early winter.
In addition to our charity drives, we will hold our first quarterly fellowship event of the year at Rudy's BBQ. This event will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. If you are able to attend, please let me know so that we can be sure to have a large enough table. I can be reached at david@karateclarinet.com or 713-562-4864. I look forward to seeing you all there.
I hope that each of you have a wonderful month. I look forward to seeing all of you at a study session soon.
Past Master Carter R. Sharbrough
Lodge Membership Observations from the 2024-2025 Masonic Year:
Here is a recap of our membership as of June 23, 2025 according to our Annual Return:
We began the 2024-2025 Masonic Year with 106 Master Masons.
Four Brethren were call from Labor.
We begin the 2025 Masonic Year with 102 Master Masons.
Six of our Brethren are Service-Exempt 50-Year Masons.
Brethren called from Labor during the 2024-2025 Masonic Year:
Past Master Robert Bird, aged 88
Gordon Broughton, aged 90
Jeremy Shepard, aged 50
Charles Werlla, aged 95
We are honored to have six Service Exempt Brethren:
Billy Boyd - 64 years
Gaylord Randel - 56 years
Past Master Jerry Yount - 56 years
Don Wright - 53 years
Past Master Alfred Johnson - 50 years
Hugh Cline, Jr. - 51 years
Brother Wayne Poorman will join the ranks of our 50+-year Brethren during this Masonic Year!
Fun Facts:
Of our 102 members, 72 are endowed
Six are Service Exempot
24 are dues paying members
We have a packed schedule of events in August that provide ample opportunities for fellowship, learning, and service. Please mark your calendars and join us as we strengthen our bonds and further our Masonic journey together.
Monday, August 4, 2025 - Grand Lodge Treasurer's School via Zoom
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - First Tuesday Study and Fellowship
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Rosenberg Lodge
Thursday, August 7, 2025 - Grand Master's Official Visit
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Anahuac Lodge
Monday, August 11, 2025 - Rosenberg OES Stated Meeting
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Rosenberg Lodge
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - Morton Lodge Stated Meeting
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Morton Lodge
Wednesday: August 13, 2025 - Cornerstone Ceremony
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Forrest Lodge No. 19 (Huntsville, TX)
Thursday, August 14, 2025 - Richmond Chapter Stated Convocation
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Morton Lodge
Friday, August 15, 2025 - Kumntakit Grotto Stated Meeting
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: TBD
Monday, August 18, 2025 - Sugar Land Lodge Stated Meeting
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Sugar Land Lodge
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - Rosenberg Lodge Stated Meeting (Food and Toy Drives begin)
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Rosenberg Lodge
Monday, August 25, 2025 - Fort Bend Commandery Stated Conclave
Time: 6:15 PM
Location: Rosenberg Lodge
We are thrilled to see so many opportunities for engagement in the weeks ahead. Each of these events serves as a reminder of the strength and unity of our Masonic community. Your attendance and participation are what make our lodge and the broader Masonic family thrive.
Should you have any questions about these events or need additional details, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Please join us in congratulating the following brethren of Rosenberg Lodge on their Masonic Anniversaries this August:
Dean Ammann
Steven Bell
Billy Boyd
Mark Brandt
Andrew Hopmann
Alred Johnson
Ernest Keessen
Douglas Lightfood
Michael Lorenz
David McDonough
William Russell
Each of these brothers has contributed immensely to the strength and unity of our lodge. Their steadfast commitment to our fraternity exemplifies the values we hold dear and underscores the enduring power of Masonic fellowship.
This newsletter is published monthly by Rosenberg Lodge No. 881, serving as a resource to keep our members informed. We welcome your feedback, ideas, and contributions! Please direct any comments, suggestions, or submissions to Worshipful Master David Berndt at karateclarinet@gmail.com. Thank you for your support and engagement!