Feature Events & News:
New Virtual Social Portal for UP24 Zoom Events! Note the Upcoming:
Click-on the Virtual Zoom Portal (above image). If asked for a password, use "UP24" without the quotes! We use the "waiting room" service that Zoom provides, and there may be a short delay until you are admitted.
*For Lodge meetings open only to Freemasons, if you are a visitor to UP24, please contact the Secretary in-advance so that your name and bona fides can be passed to the meeting coordinator!
- Morning Coffee Meet with the UP24 Brothers Every Monday at 9:00 AM. All Brothers & Seekers welcome! No need for advance notification for guests.
- Regular Lodge Meeting Wednesday February 3rd, usual time (*All Freemasons welcome)
Click-on the Virtual Zoom Portal (above image). If asked for a password, use "UP24" without the quotes! We use the "waiting room" service that Zoom provides, and there may be a short delay until you are admitted.
*For Lodge meetings open only to Freemasons, if you are a visitor to UP24, please contact the Secretary in-advance so that your name and bona fides can be passed to the meeting coordinator!
Grand Master's January 15th Update for Masonic Activities:
- All in-person meetings remain cancelled, including the upcoming Victoria 2021 Annual Communication.
- Please click-on MWGM MacKenzie's photo (left) for the full update!
Password: 12345
Nine O'Clock Daily Toast - Sponsored by Melrose Lodge No.67 (Vancouver)
- Freemasons and members of the public are being asked to participate in a "virtual" toast to raise a glass to the people they're missing, to absent friends, family, and the many health care workers who are at the frontlines combating the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as to workers who are also keeping cities and countries running behind the scenes. This is also about helping people to feel a little less lonely, and a little less isolated.
Join the meeting by clicking-on the Melrose Lodge No.67 Square & Compasses about 8:30 PM Pacific Time so we can be together for the "Nine O’Clock Toast". If you are asked for a password, it is "12345" without the quotes!
- Freemasons and members of the public are being asked to participate in a "virtual" toast to raise a glass to the people they're missing, to absent friends, family, and the many health care workers who are at the frontlines combating the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as to workers who are also keeping cities and countries running behind the scenes. This is also about helping people to feel a little less lonely, and a little less isolated.
Join the meeting by clicking-on the Melrose Lodge No.67 Square & Compasses about 8:30 PM Pacific Time so we can be together for the "Nine O’Clock Toast". If you are asked for a password, it is "12345" without the quotes!
Our Regular Weekly Update for Masonic Events and News:
Weekly Update February 8th, 2021....
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Everyone is reminded of our Monday morning coffee chat at 9:00AM. The easiest way to get to it is to click on the UP24 badge in the Virtual Portal announcement (above). Last week we had visitors from Scotland, England, Massachusetts and Texas along with our frequent visitors and participants from Victoria and other parts of British Columbia. One of the outcomes of COVID and our isolation is the ability to connect with other members of the Fraternity from throughout the world who we might not have otherwise had the chance to chat with. Another interesting tidbit is some of the visitors are sojourning and not able to attend their own Lodge but can still meet up with us while travelling and away from home.
We had a good Lodge meeting via Zoom on Wednesday February 3rd. We covered a lot of business [under the limited parameters of COVID] and were brought up to date on initiatives from a number of our committees such as Scholarships, Charitable donations to date, Finance, Widows, planning [3 year time frame], Masonic Service Guild to name a few. We had 20+ members present [no visitors]. We are still looking for volunteers to help with the Camosun Cares project. If you would like to help please contact Bro. Danny Speirs at gd.speirs@gmail.com and he can give you the details.
I was pleased to see everyone in attendance was suitably attired in much the same manner as if we were attending a meeting in the Lodge room. It seemed a bit strange at first, wearing a collared shirt, tie and jacket, attending a Lodge meeting while at home. I think taking the time to do so, added to the decorum of the evening.
If you are a member of United Peninsula No. 24 and would like a copy of the minutes please let me know by sending an email to up24lodge@gmail.com . It goes without saying any decisions made during this time of COVID will be homologated at our first tyled meeting.
I am currently reading a book "Why Should I Choose You" written by Ian Chamandy and Ken Aber. I have turned 180* on my thinking of long term and Strategic Planning. The premise of the book is how to "...develop and express your reason for being..." and in very few words describe why someone would want to do business [or associate] with you or your competition [thus the Title].
This prompts me to ask "Why Should I Choose You" in terms of Freemasonry, rather than some other organization. Perhaps it is food for thought for our planning team. If someone who is not a Freemason, were to ask the question, how would you answer the question. And if a Freemason was looking for a new Lodge to affiliate with, how would we answer the question "Why Should I Choose You" at United Peninsula Lodge No. 24. I'm open to feedback on this question and will share with everyone after I've received some feedback & comments.
Our Annual Report for Grand Lodge has been completed. Once we take into account our most recent EA's, demits and deaths our membership roll sits at 118 members of which 11 are affiliated with other Lodges in BCY.
The Grand Master's Official Visit to District No. 1 [Victoria] is planned for Wednesday March 3rd. A focal point will be the presentation of long service awards. We have members who have passed their 50 and others 60 and 70 years of continuous service in Freemasonry. We plan to have many of our long serving members present in some form or another. Although the immediate task is to recognize our longtime members in March, I expect we will have an evening of celebration and recognizing them again once we are able to get back into a formal Lodge evening.
Dues... some due and some aren't. Our Treasurer Kees has been working tirelessly to convert our Financial System to Quickbooks. This has a number of advantages: it makes the Financial Reporting simple and consistent from one month [and thus Treasurers] to another, it has standardized formats, it allows us to electronically receive invoices and make payments as well as to receive payment for dues.
Beginning in March we will be sending invoices on a monthly basis for dues outstanding or in arrears. If you have not paid your dues for 2021, please do so as quickly as possible either by e-transfer to administration@unitedpeninsula.ca or if you prefer to send a cheque, you can mail it to United Peninsula Lodge, 8105 Derrinberg Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1T5. For those who have paid their dues, the cards have been printed and will be mailed at the end of the month [February].
Haida Lodge No. 166 will be holding a Lodge meeting this Wednesday February 10th at 7:30 via Zoom. If you would like to attend, the link to the meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81029890151?pwd=U0FmTTZxVHRZSThoSlFYdHUxZ2pnQT09
Change in email address
Please use this email address up24lodge@gmail.com for all United Peninsula Lodge No. 24 Secretary correspondence rather than my personal accounts. A reminder, the Canada Post address to use is
United Peninsula Masonic Lodge
8105 Derrinberg Road,
Saanichton, BC V8M 1T5
Another site you might find of interest is The Friend to Friend program is a recurring session hosted by the Oriental 20 Masonic Lodge in Mesa, Arizona. This program is primarily geared toward people who are curious about Freemasonry, but the more Masons that join this session, the better perspective can be given to those curious about Freemasonry. In addition to the agenda, a recurring book club starts approximately 45 minutes into the session. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to be part of this initiative, I suggest you send an email to Luke Evans - '18 Past Master - Oriental 20 Masonic Lodge - Mesa AZ luke.evans.us@gmail.com
Concordant Bodies – if you are interested: Scottish Rite – contact scottishritevictoria@gmail.com for application and further information.
Some other events/items which may be of interest…
-Ashlar College of Freemasonry – now has a web site www.ashlarcollege.ca The website offers both to students already registered with the college, as well as brethren curious in becoming members of the college, - an opportunity to register. The website contains all the coursework as well as soon to have the ability to pay on line [Pay Pal or a Credit Card].
-Victoria Lodge of Education and Research [VLER]– As we have seen changes in our individual Lodges related to declining membership the VLER is facing similar challenges. In addition to interesting and informative presentations; the VLER offers an opportunity for any Master Mason to present a paper exploring something of interest to them personally and then open the discussion afterwards to further explore their interest. Please contact VWB Ron Cawthra at ron.cawthra@telus.net if you are interested in paying them a visit.
-EBee – Grand Lodge Electronic Bulletin/Newsletter - The current issue of EBee is available on line at http://anyflip.com/xrkv/evxi/
Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Everyone is reminded of our Monday morning coffee chat at 9:00AM. The easiest way to get to it is to click on the UP24 badge in the Virtual Portal announcement (above). Last week we had visitors from Scotland, England, Massachusetts and Texas along with our frequent visitors and participants from Victoria and other parts of British Columbia. One of the outcomes of COVID and our isolation is the ability to connect with other members of the Fraternity from throughout the world who we might not have otherwise had the chance to chat with. Another interesting tidbit is some of the visitors are sojourning and not able to attend their own Lodge but can still meet up with us while travelling and away from home.
We had a good Lodge meeting via Zoom on Wednesday February 3rd. We covered a lot of business [under the limited parameters of COVID] and were brought up to date on initiatives from a number of our committees such as Scholarships, Charitable donations to date, Finance, Widows, planning [3 year time frame], Masonic Service Guild to name a few. We had 20+ members present [no visitors]. We are still looking for volunteers to help with the Camosun Cares project. If you would like to help please contact Bro. Danny Speirs at gd.speirs@gmail.com and he can give you the details.
I was pleased to see everyone in attendance was suitably attired in much the same manner as if we were attending a meeting in the Lodge room. It seemed a bit strange at first, wearing a collared shirt, tie and jacket, attending a Lodge meeting while at home. I think taking the time to do so, added to the decorum of the evening.
If you are a member of United Peninsula No. 24 and would like a copy of the minutes please let me know by sending an email to up24lodge@gmail.com . It goes without saying any decisions made during this time of COVID will be homologated at our first tyled meeting.
I am currently reading a book "Why Should I Choose You" written by Ian Chamandy and Ken Aber. I have turned 180* on my thinking of long term and Strategic Planning. The premise of the book is how to "...develop and express your reason for being..." and in very few words describe why someone would want to do business [or associate] with you or your competition [thus the Title].
This prompts me to ask "Why Should I Choose You" in terms of Freemasonry, rather than some other organization. Perhaps it is food for thought for our planning team. If someone who is not a Freemason, were to ask the question, how would you answer the question. And if a Freemason was looking for a new Lodge to affiliate with, how would we answer the question "Why Should I Choose You" at United Peninsula Lodge No. 24. I'm open to feedback on this question and will share with everyone after I've received some feedback & comments.
Our Annual Report for Grand Lodge has been completed. Once we take into account our most recent EA's, demits and deaths our membership roll sits at 118 members of which 11 are affiliated with other Lodges in BCY.
The Grand Master's Official Visit to District No. 1 [Victoria] is planned for Wednesday March 3rd. A focal point will be the presentation of long service awards. We have members who have passed their 50 and others 60 and 70 years of continuous service in Freemasonry. We plan to have many of our long serving members present in some form or another. Although the immediate task is to recognize our longtime members in March, I expect we will have an evening of celebration and recognizing them again once we are able to get back into a formal Lodge evening.
Dues... some due and some aren't. Our Treasurer Kees has been working tirelessly to convert our Financial System to Quickbooks. This has a number of advantages: it makes the Financial Reporting simple and consistent from one month [and thus Treasurers] to another, it has standardized formats, it allows us to electronically receive invoices and make payments as well as to receive payment for dues.
Beginning in March we will be sending invoices on a monthly basis for dues outstanding or in arrears. If you have not paid your dues for 2021, please do so as quickly as possible either by e-transfer to administration@unitedpeninsula.ca or if you prefer to send a cheque, you can mail it to United Peninsula Lodge, 8105 Derrinberg Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1T5. For those who have paid their dues, the cards have been printed and will be mailed at the end of the month [February].
Haida Lodge No. 166 will be holding a Lodge meeting this Wednesday February 10th at 7:30 via Zoom. If you would like to attend, the link to the meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81029890151?pwd=U0FmTTZxVHRZSThoSlFYdHUxZ2pnQT09
Change in email address
Please use this email address up24lodge@gmail.com for all United Peninsula Lodge No. 24 Secretary correspondence rather than my personal accounts. A reminder, the Canada Post address to use is
United Peninsula Masonic Lodge
8105 Derrinberg Road,
Saanichton, BC V8M 1T5
Another site you might find of interest is The Friend to Friend program is a recurring session hosted by the Oriental 20 Masonic Lodge in Mesa, Arizona. This program is primarily geared toward people who are curious about Freemasonry, but the more Masons that join this session, the better perspective can be given to those curious about Freemasonry. In addition to the agenda, a recurring book club starts approximately 45 minutes into the session. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to be part of this initiative, I suggest you send an email to Luke Evans - '18 Past Master - Oriental 20 Masonic Lodge - Mesa AZ luke.evans.us@gmail.com
Concordant Bodies – if you are interested: Scottish Rite – contact scottishritevictoria@gmail.com for application and further information.
Some other events/items which may be of interest…
-Ashlar College of Freemasonry – now has a web site www.ashlarcollege.ca The website offers both to students already registered with the college, as well as brethren curious in becoming members of the college, - an opportunity to register. The website contains all the coursework as well as soon to have the ability to pay on line [Pay Pal or a Credit Card].
-Victoria Lodge of Education and Research [VLER]– As we have seen changes in our individual Lodges related to declining membership the VLER is facing similar challenges. In addition to interesting and informative presentations; the VLER offers an opportunity for any Master Mason to present a paper exploring something of interest to them personally and then open the discussion afterwards to further explore their interest. Please contact VWB Ron Cawthra at ron.cawthra@telus.net if you are interested in paying them a visit.
-EBee – Grand Lodge Electronic Bulletin/Newsletter - The current issue of EBee is available on line at http://anyflip.com/xrkv/evxi/
Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe
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PEOPLE JOIN AN ORGANIZATION BECAUSE OF THE IDEALS, BUT THEY STAY BECAUSE OF YOU.
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United Peninsula Lodge No. 24 & Mount Newton Masonic Hall Calendar
For District Calendars, please visit the Grand Lodge Of British Columbia & Yukon
For District Calendars, please visit the Grand Lodge Of British Columbia & Yukon