In accordance with the Grand Master's orders, Acacia Lodge no. 315 is re-opening in a limited capacity. Phase 1 of re-opening lodge requires the following:

• Masks are required. No exceptions.
• Social distancing is required.
• The meeting will last 1 hour to limit exposure.
• The meeting will being at 8pm; there will be no meal before the meeting.
• Temperatures will be taken before entering using a contactless thermometer.
• A health questionaire will be required, using your own pen. Please remember to bring your own pen.
• Avoid touching and handshaking.
• You will not sign the registry. The lodge Secretary will record your presence.
• Visitation from members of other lodges is not permitted. Acacia Lodge brothers may not visit other lodges.
• Room is limited. Members will meet in the dining hall, and will be admitted one at a time after officers. If capacity is reached, all remaining brothers will not be admitted.

There will be a group photograph of all the members of the lodge on this, our 100th anniversary. There are several members coming in from neighboring states.

The photograph will be taken at Sweetwater Baptist Church in the Family Life Center (gym). This is located at the end of Five Notch Road where it dead-ends into Sweetwater Road. We will begin assembling at noon and the picture will be taken at 12:30pm. Preferred attire is suite and tie, with officers wearing their aprons and jewels.

On Saturday, December 2, 2017, M.W. Michael D. Smith, Grand Master of Masons of South Carolina will be at Acacia Lodge for the purpose of lodge rededication. The Grand Master, with the assistance of the other Grand Lodge officers will open Grand Lodge at 4pm. The ceremony of rededication will follow. Following the ceremony, dinner will be served in the lodge dining hall. Wives, family members, and non-Mason friends are welcome. If you will be attending, please contact the lodge secretary for head count purposes.

Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded about what a Mason is. A Mason to my account is a man more willing to give than receive. A man willing to see to the good will and well-being of his family, fellow brother, his friends, his community, church, and anyone he can help who may need a helping hand. A man who gives a little extra to see projects through to the end.

Dues are due! I had to read the names of 19 Brothers at our June meeting who have not paid 2017 dues. Please remit them or call me if you are having issues.

Also, Grand Lodge is having a Secretary's Workshop in August and will be talking about the ability to pay dues online through Grand View, among other things. I'll learn more at the meeting, but if you don't have access to the Grand Lodge System call me for instructions so we can be ready when the system is implemented.