VOLUME 5 - January, 2009

To the officers and members of Balfour Lodge, and to your families,

Greetings from the East. This past December 13th was an important date for me. It was only three
years ago on that day that I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at Enterprise Lodge
#752 in Arcadia, NC. Freemasonry had been something I was interested in for several years. I didn't
know how you became a Mason, but I always knew I’d be one someday. It was just four months
earlier that I’d walked up to my uncle, W.: Bro. Bob Sparks, and asked that question that we all asked
at some time, “How do I become a Mason?” and from that day on, it’s been a whirlwind of degrees,
coaching sessions, meetings, fundraisers, etc… I had several coaches and I met with one or the other
almost every day of the week. I went to every degree I could attend.

Early into my Masonic career my uncle asked me if I planned on “going through the line?” I told him I
had no interest in being an officer in a lodge. I hated to speak in front of people, and I really didn't
think I was ready to bear that kind of responsibility. It’s now three years later, I’m going into my
second year in the East, I've had the honor of conferring many degrees in 5 different Lodges, and
somehow, speaking in front of groups of people doesn't seem that bad anymore. In attendance that
night at Enterprise Lodge were my grandfather, Walt Sprinkle, and my uncle Bob Sparks, who was
Master at the time.

Since that time, my dad, Dan Strucinski, became a Mason in my home state of Michigan which now
makes me a 3rd generation Master Mason, of which I am very proud. I have visited lodges outside
North Carolina both as a Master Mason, and as Master of a Lodge and I am humbled at not only the
hospitality I've received, but at the high honor in which the office of Master is held. Balfour Lodge is
not my mother Lodge. It isn't even the first Lodge I affiliated with. But it has become my adopted
home, and I couldn't ask for a better, or harder working group of men to call brothers.

For round 2 we are going to pick up right where we left off last year. We have two new candidates to
initiate in January, and a couple more petitions out already. We have work still to be done on the
building, and several events throughout the year planned. If anyone has something in particular you
would like to see happen this year, please bring it up at a meeting as we are always open to something
new. One concern I have to voice going into 2009 is for our finances. We have been relying on interest
from our CD’s to help make our budget in the past. Those CD’s are paying less than half of what they
paid last year. We are counting on our membership to help offset that deficit, otherwise we will have
no choice but to consider a dues increase and to cash in our CD’s to meet our budget. Replacing the
heat and air last year, although unavoidable, was a major hit for us and it has really thrown a wrench
into our finances. I understand that these are tough times, but we have an obligation to ensure the
financial stability of our Lodge. Our membership came through last year with some very generous
donations, and I have faith that they will continue to do so. Also, please consider purchasing an
endowed life membership as a way to contribute to your lodge’s future. A one time payment of
$1050.00 makes you a lifetime member exempt from future dues, and the lodge will continue to receive
you annual dues perpetually from then on. This can also be paid in annual installments. Please call the
secretary for more details.

On a final note, one of the most important things you can do to support your Lodge is to ATTEND!!!
I would love to see each one of you at a meeting this year.  We meet the first and third Tuesday, and
we practice every other Tuesday. Dinner is at 6:30 before our stated meetings and is always open to
your family as well. If you know of someone who would like to attend and needs a ride, of if you
know of a need in general within our membership, please do not hesitate to call me anytime.



Sincerely and Fraternally,




Jason D. Strucinski
Master, Balfour #188
(336) 824-2552
jstrucinski@uniquetool.net




CLICK HERE TO READ THE VOL. 4 (NOVEMBER, 2008) EDITION

CLICK HERE TO READ THE VOL. 3 (JUNE, 2008) EDITION

CLICK HERE TO READ THE VOL. 2 (APRIL, 2008) EDITION

CLICK HERE TO READ THE VOL. 1 (JANUARY, 2008) EDITION
From the East - A Message from Wor.: Jason Strucinski
Balfour Lodge #188 AF & AM
Chartered December 2, 1856 - Grand Lodge of North Carolina
Balfour Masonic Temple
632 Sunset Ave.
Asheboro, NC  27203
(336) 625-5363
info@balfourlodge.com
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