LODGE NEWS

DEVESTATION
                The worst disaster in our country’s history destroyed much of the city of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 28 causing a great deal of grief and agony for many of our members and our home of 75 years. Some brothers have no place to call home as the storm surge of Hurricane Katrina swept away any reminder of what were once their dwellings. Others were totally submerged by flood waters that slowly, some quickly, filled their homes with water from the breeched 17th street canal and others. Still others were flooded because of the emergency evacuation of the pump operators for more than 24 hours during the height of the storm.
                Our lodge building sustained severe damage as the water crept up to three feet in depth. We had wind damage also; the cedar tree in the back which has been the source of evergreen for many Masonic funerals, including my father and grandfather, was blown down. Most of our chairs, tables, lawn equipment, tents and too many other items to list were a total loss. Of great distress to me, because of its history, is the old 1765 German Bible which was submerged in the safe. My father found it back in the 50’s and had it restored for the lodge. It is currently in my freezer and I’m told that it will be salvageable but not to its original beauty.
We did not have flood insurance, it was never thought of and as far as I know we never had it. My family rode out Hurricane Betsy at the lodge in 1965! It is still structurally as strong as the day it was built but not water proof.
                The rear apartment has been stripped down to the walls, the hall walls stripped and the bathrooms up to 4 feet. Electrical, heat and AC are on the way. This has us tapped out and the insurance money for wind damage probably won’t go very far. Please help put our home back together if you can and donate to the Germania Hurricane Restoration. We will also need money for Charity and Benevolence to assist brothers in need. As usual W. Bro. Warren Hawthorne has been the first to donate a sizeable amount to the effort.

In Memorium

Donald Veasey, P. M. 1937 - 2005
W. Bro. Donald Veasey was born on November 9, 1937, initiated Feb. 26, 1969, passed March 26, 1969 and raised on May 28, 1969. He was the Worshipful Master in 1969 and 1974 and also served as Secretary. He was a Master Mason for 36 years, 4 months and 13 days. He was the Master that raised me in 1974 and it seems like yesterday! He died while evacuated to Atlanta for Hurricane Katrina. Well done thou good and faithful servant.

Gerald Skaggs P.M. 1951 - 2005
I remember W. Bro. Jerry Skaggs very well, the affable, always well meaning and easy going Past Master and secretary. He was called by the GAOFU on August 30, 2005. Because he lived in Denver Colorado, even before Hurricane Katrina, it would have been almost impossible for us to perform Masonic services for our departed brother. We owe a great amount of gratitude to our wonderful brothers from Denver Lodge #5 for providing the services that W. Bro. Skaggs and his family so much desired. He was born 12/19/1951, initiated 11/12/1973, passed 9/11/1974 and raised 11/12/1975. He served as Master in 1983 and served as secretary many years. He was a Master Mason for 29 years, 9 months and 18 days. Well done thou good and faithful servant.

December Update

There was a motion passed at the November 9th meeting to change our by-laws to allow election of officers to be held in November or December at the Worshipful Masters judgment. This will be discussed and voted on at the December 28 meeting.

We have received some donations from individual lodges and individuals from as far away as England and Washington State! One that really stood out was a $1,000 from Teutonia Lodge # 367 in West Reading, PA. They are one of two lodges that still use the German language in the state of Pennsylvania. They said they wanted to help an individual lodge so the money could be put to immediate use.

Another unique donation was from Brother Geoff Grigg,
Master Elect, The St Andrews Lodge 4276 UGLE, Plymouth, Devonshire, England. He had a rainy day jar which he decided to send to us and it added up to 200 pounds or $348.98! He said he will try to visit us some day. Bro. Geoff, Bro. Ric Bell and I have been communicating by email. I haven’t met or talked to him but I already know he is a great human being and a fine Mason.

Thanks to all these brothers and widows who have donated to our Hurricane Relief fund. I know that some were seriously impacted by the storm but still chose to donate to Germania’s restoration. Wayne Plaisance, Chuck Willis, John Masset, Willard Burley, Mark Dorsey, Steve Racca, Ken Roberts, Ted Kurz, Ramona Karcher (widow of Bro. Warren Karcher), John Schackai, Jeff Alloway, Darlene and Jerry Embree, Ric Bell and I.

The 16th district election for 2006 is over and the new elected officers are W.M. Cullen Peel - Albert Pike, S.W. Ion Lazar – Germania, J.W. Joe Pacasio - Albert Pike, Secretary, Alvin Kirst – Kosmos, and Treasurer, Henry Thibodaux - Etoile Polaire & Germania. As you can see Germania is still well represented. It was a pleasure to sit in a lodge with all 10 members of our district represented. Each gave a lodge report and some are doing better than others. Some had 60% of their members living in Chalmette and some still haven’t heard from many members but for those that were there the fellowship was a therapeutic tonic. W. Bro. Reed Holmes was thanked by installing officer, Deputy Grand Master Chip Borne, for his years as secretary of the district. W. Bro. Reed said that he would have stayed secretary but a woman named Katrina made him and his wife decide to move to North Louisiana and they are building a house there. Due to the roof being blown off of the recreation building at 946 Jeff. Hwy. we adjourned to Carmine’s Restaurant for a delicious meal provided by host lodge Albert Pike. All present had many storm stories to tell.

BRO. JIM MILLER TO THE RESCUE
Has any one tried to find and electrician lately? We found ourselves in that predicament with Allied Music. Thanks to George Dillenkoffer of Galilieo Mazzini Lodge we were able to get our electricity at the lodge turned on almost as soon as it became available. Allied Music however had their power drop pulled down, further complicated when Entergy confiscated the meter because of it hanging off of the wall. There was no one qualified available to work on Allied. I called an electrician friend of mine and he gave a quote of $2,400 to put up a mast, meter pan and circuit breaker panel. We felt this was too much and just decided to wait until George could find the time. In the mean time Carlos from Allied was getting impatient. He said he wanted to get back in business and resume paying rent but couldn’t without electricity. He did all of the other repair work at the Allied building! We were ready to just pay the $2,400 when I got a call from Bro. Jim Miller. Now Jim hasn’t come around much because his vocation and travels have taken him all over the world but here he was saying he would like to help out in anyway he could with lodge restoration – ESPECIALLY ELECTRICAL WORK – He became an electrician after he retired from professional diving. Well the job is done, even though Entergy hasn’t turned it on yet, and he spent a full two weeks on the job. Allied is currently up and running on Germania’s power and the price was half of what the first estimate was and Bro. Jim donated all of his time. It ended up being much more complicated than any of us anticipated. I have encouraged Bro. Jim to come to the election of officers on Dec. 14 and see if he doesn’t end up in the line up. I know Bro. Fritz, his father, would be smiling down on him if he ends up in the East!
Bro. Jim and I share the distinction of having lived with our parents in the lodge apartment as children. His father, Bro. Fritz Miller, was custodian in the 50’s as was my father and grandfather throughout parts of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Masonic Birthdays

Andy Kessler 09/21/1943 - 62yrs.
John Schackai 09/19/1950 - 55yrs.
Billy Ohler P.M. 09/25/1985 - 20rs.
Craig Hart 09/09/1992 - 13yrs.
Garry McKelvey 09/08/1993 - 12yrs.
Adam Schexnayder 09/06/2003 - 02 yrs
Jacob Schexnayder 09/06/2003 - 02 yrs
Mark Dorsey 09/22/2004 - 1 yr.

Warren Hawthorne P.M. 10/22/1950 - 55 yrs.
Dencell Carter                 10/25 1961 - 44 yrs.
Henry Stegal P.M.          10/11/1967 - 38 yrs.
Dale Mims                      10/24/1973 - 32 yrs.
Andy Mims P.M.            10/24/1973 - 32 yrs.
John Masset                   10/09/1974 - 31 yrs.
Tommy Warren               10/14/1981 - 24 yrs.
David Cox                       10/13/1982 - 23 yrs.
Willard Burley P.M.       10/26/1984 - 21 yrs.
David Daigle P.M.         10/26/1988 - 17 yrs.
Ray Steele P.M.            10/12/1994 - 11 yrs.
Clayton Money              10/09/2002 - 03 yrs.

Joe Ulrick                          11/22/1942 - 63 yrs.
Ernest Freund                   11/25/1953 - 52 yrs.
Louis James P.M.             11/28/1956 - 49 yrs.
Paul R. Geiger P.M.         11/20/1969 - 36 yrs.
Robert Rebouche             11/24/1971 - 34 yrs.
Butch Blake P.M.            11/22/1978 - 27 yrs.
Nolan Pansano                11/22/1979 - 26 yrs.
John Tsatsoulis                11/12/1995 - 10 yrs.

John Wood P.M. 12/19/1992 14 yrs.

Lon Lazar P.M.            01/12/2000           06 yr.
Daniel Cox                01/27/1999           07 yrs
Glen Cupit                   01/23/1999           07 yrs.
Charles “Chuck” Willis 01/22/1997           09 yrs.
Richard "Ric" Bell P.M. 01/27/1993          13 yrs.
Patrick Nichols P.M.    01/27/1982          24 yrs.
Mitch Baggett                01/28/1976           30yrs.
Reed Holmes P.M.        01/12/1963          43 yrs.

TRESTLE BOARD

♦November 9, 7:00 p.m. regular meeting at Germania. (first meeting at our hall post Katrina)
♦November 23, 7:00 p.m. regular meeting
♦November 30, 7:30 p.m. 16th district meeting @ Albert Pike - 946 Jefferson Hwy.
♦December 14, 7:00 p.m. election and installation of officers for 2006
After the 16th district meeting at Albert Pike, due to the roof being blown off of their reception hall, refreshments will be at Carmine’s Restaurant on Vets.
♦Wednesday, December 14, 7:00 p.m. election of officers
♦Wednesday, December 28, 7:00 p.m. vote to change by-laws and strategy planning for 2006.

GERMANFEST/OKTOBERFEST
Unfortunately it has been cancelled. The Deutsches Haus sustained even more damage than the lodge and had huge amounts of food prepared for their Oktoberfest. It’s another Mid City organization on the ropes because of Katrina. Liuzza’s Restaurant and Micks Irish Pub, neighborhood establishments within walking distance didn’t fare well either but… It’s time to start planning for next year.

Our membership is now at 106, we lost W. Bro. Jerry Skaggs but elected another member to plural membership on August 24 and raised one October 26. We welcome Bro. Brad Michael Maruschak to Germania. He has been very active in Demolay since he has been a Mason and had plans, which have just been put on hold, to revive the Concord Chapter Demolay at Germania. He is a member of East Gate Lodge in Baton Rouge. Welcome Bro Brad. Also Bro. Donald Freeze was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on October 26. Bro. Donald had his family at his raising and they provided delicious refreshments for the meting. Welcome Bro. Donald.

DUES
We were doing quite well collecting dues for 2005 with six brothers not paid before Katrina. It is possible the lodge will cover the dues of any brother who has lost their homes or been forced to move due to flooding. If you fall in this category please give me a call. If you haven’t paid for 2005, please do or call an officer for assistance. Check your dues card, it should say 2005.

PERPETUAL MEMBERS
Two more members of our lodge have decided to become perpetual members. This is definitely the way to go as it will provide income for as long as there is a Germania Lodge. Thanks to Bro. Richard Hastings who has gone on the 5 year plan at $262.00 annually and to Bro. Vince Vance who has taken the $1,000 one payment plan. If you are interested in learning about perpetual membership give me a call.




Building Reconstruction When I first saw satellite pictures of Mid City I figured we might be away form our worthy building for more than a year, it just looked terrible. I got home a week after the storm but the City was closed. I was beside myself trying to figure a way to get to Mid City. I finally got a lift into town with a neighbor who had a pass. He took me to the lodge and upon entering it; it was a mixture of grief followed by optimism. It was extremely bad – but repairable. My neighbor assisted me in clearing a path to the safe in the downstairs storage room and after a few tries I was able to open the safe, even though it went under water. I had consulted Bro Tommy Ingersol beforehand and he said the brass tumblers should still work - he was right. It was absolute horror to see our old 1765 German Bible totally soaked. Ironically the old jewels were in the top of the safe and dry. The bible is now in my freezer, as I was instructed by a few experts, until we can get it professionally dried and rebound. Since then the house committee authorized hiring Uhl Construction, my brother in law, to remove sheetrock, paneling, ruined items and treat for Mold. W. Wayne Gilmore and I, along with a few others worked on it for two weeks and it is now looking much better and ready for the “reconstruction process”. It has been stripped of all paneling, it has been rewired thanks to DDGM George Dillenkoffer of Galilieo Mazzini Lodge. The wiring is about 85% complete. The big thing that has to be done now is AC & Heat plus sheet rocking or what ever type of wall beautification we end up using. Thanks to Brothers Wilson Revelle, Wayne Gilmore, Henry Stegal, Lynn Seymore, Warren Hawthorne, Eldred Gilmore, Marc Conrad (Hiram Lodge), George Dillenkoffer and our custodian Ken Cox who have come out on different work parties. There will be more work parties and you are invited. It’s imperative to save as much money as possible.

PHILOSOPHY (sent in by Bro. Glen Cupit) In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?" "Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test." "Triple filter?" "That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student, let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" "No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and ..." "All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?" "No, on the contrary..." "So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, even though you're not certain it's true?" The man shrugged, a little embarrassed. Socrates continued. "You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?" "No, not really..." "Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?" The man was defeated and ashamed. This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem. It also explains why he never found out that Plato was having an affair with his wife!

CHARLES SCHULTZ PHILOSOPHY The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life. "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."

Forwarded to me by Bro. Steve Kujawa. Brethren This is from Brother Jeff Haines of Plano Lodge. He is a police officer and recently spent time in the New Orleans area. This is an email to make you think... Carl: I wanted to send you an updated email with a special experience that occurred in the middle of chaos. I arrived in Metairie La. last Saturday 09-17-2005 at 6pm. I wasn't exactly prepared for what I was going to see. I have never experienced anything that could prepare me for the stench that filled the air being only 3 miles from downtown New Orleans. No electricity for the first two days in the hotel we were assigned to guard, with Bell South employees staged for emergency phone repairs. You couldn't drink the water, not that you would want to since it smelled like raw sewage each time you turned on the tap or shower. At night you heard nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing except military humvees with .50 cal machine guns attached to the back patrolling the streets and black hawk helicopters circling the city. There were no dogs barking, no crickets, no cars, but the occasional yell from looters in the apts behind our post at night. Daytime wasn't so bad, but the hair on the back of your neck would stand up each night at dusk. Tuesday there was a ray of hope, Walgreens opened up and certain essentials could be bought. You would have thought it was the best thing in the world. After checking out I stood by the door waiting on my partner when a military Officer approached me and stated “I like your necklace". (It was a Masonic pendant). After a brief q and a between us we shook hands and patted each other on the back. As we were doing this an elderly man approached and again the same thing...But this time it was different, this city was his home....How I wish I could remember their names ...but I can't, the emotion had between us was of friendship and brotherly love in an area so devastated. It is a moment I shall always remember and would not have been possible without our fraternity. People crowded in the lines waiting to check out must've been confused as to our laughter and smiles in a time of such desperation, if they could only know. As we parted we circled close and a strong "handshake" was given by each of us wishing the other God Speed and safety. As we go to sleep tonight let us not forget to say a prayer for those people who have lost so much and for our military who is once again in harms way. God Bless.........Fraternally Jeff Haines

Please make every effort to make the December 14, election meeting. Due to Neil Hartnett, our Junior Warden, moving back to Massachusetts after Katrina there is an opening for the Senior Warden’s chair. We will need effective leadership now more than ever because of the damage to our building and the losses of so many of our members. The officers we elect will have to steer us through some very turbulent waters and will need the wisdom of King Solomon.

LODGE NEWS

Building Reconstruction