Degrees Postponed; February Regular Communication on 02/01/2026
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! The Entered Apprentice Degrees originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th have been postponed until further notice. Both candidates are traveling and unavailable to attend a Degree before our next Regular Communication on February 10, 2026 (dinner at 6:00, gavel at 7:00). We will set the date for the two Candidates at that meeting. Please also note that there will be a Temple Board Meeting at 6:00 on February 10. This is an important meeting and ALL members of the Temple Board are requested to attend. Board Officers will be elected at that meeting. All members of the Lodge who are not members of the Temple Board are also invited to attend as non-voting participants (but you can still voice an opinion on matters before the Board). Among the Agenda items at our next regular meeting is a discussion of our Social Media presence, particularly our Facebook group. There are good reasons to make it public, allowing anybody to join, and also good reasons to keep it private for only Lodge members. If you have an opinions on this, please come and voice them. It promises to be a lively discussion. We still have a number of Brethren who have not paid their 2026 dues. Please remember that you can remit them ($100) online, or prior to a Stated Communication either by cash, check, or credit card. Instructions for how to register the online option are contained in a blue link immediately below my signature line. Not only can you pay dues on Grand View, but you can also view our Bylaws, committee assignments, past minutes and agendas, the Blue Book, Ritual, and much more. Please let me know if you need assistance accessing this important resource. Fraternally, Hawk Hawkins, Secretary PH: (231) 631-5790 Email: eastbay264secretary@gmail.com |
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION POSTPONED! on 01/27/2026
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan, |
| Greetings, Brothers! The Special Communication scheduled for these evening, January 27th has been postponed by Worshipful Master Anthony Lake, PM, due to poor road conditions! The Special Communication to hold two EA Degrees will be held next Tuesday, February 3rd, at 6:00 PM. Apologies for the late notice, but road conditions are deteriorating and many of our Brothers have to travel a distance to welcome these Candidates into our Fraternity. You get an extra week to practice your lines! :-) Fraternally, Hawk Hawkins, Secretary. |
Upcoming Degrees and News on 01/17/2026
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! We had an eventful Communication last Tuesday. John Hansen, PM, gave a terrific presentation of the history of the Lodge to the many members, visitors, dignitaries and two Candidates (and one potential Petitioner). Lodge Committees were filled, the Spaghetti dinner posters are done (thanks to Logan Suttmann), and tickets ordered (kudos to Jim Gaskin, PM, with support from Steven P. Wheelock, PM). The Grand Lecturer came and addressed the Lodge about exciting new additions to the Grand View site. We had a lively discussion about our presence on Facebook and potential other social media channels. Sadly, the Traveling Gavel was transferred to the Traverse City Lodge #222 who had many visiting Brethren to this meeting. East Bay Lodge celebrated our 156th Anniversary of our charter on January 14th!! Some other upcoming dates and notes... We have TWO Entered Apprentice Degrees coming up! We will have an Entered Apprentice Practice on Tuesday, January 20th at 6:00 PM. Worshipful Master Anthony Lake, PM has requested all officers attend the practice. Then, both Entered Apprentice Degrees will be held on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:00 PM. Officers are asked to be present no later than 5:30 PM on that date to hold final preparations. Stay tuned to e-newsletters about the Fellowcraft Degrees for these two soon-to-be Brothers and potentially more EA Degrees. Our Lodge is Growing! 2026 Dues are now OVERDUE! Dues are still $100 for this year, and were due back on December 31st, as they are every year. Sadly, 22 overdue dues notices had to be sent this month. This represents a fairly sizable chunk of our budget. If you have not paid, please send in your dues now or pay online. I can also work out a monthly or quarterly payment plan if that works better for you. The Grand Lecturer spoke about the many updates available to YOU on the Grand View site, including; Full ritual, Blue Book, "Stations and Places" videos, Beyond the Northeast Corner booklets, Degree Study Guides and Proficiency booklets, and much more. I am attaching a PDF to this e-newsletter with instructions on how to sign up and navigate the site (which you can also turn into an "app" available on your tablet or phone). Please feel free to contact me if you need help getting on. You will need your membership number which is printed on your dues card or which I can give you. A list of the 2026 Committees and their members are also readily available on the site for your reference (as are all past Minutes, Agenda's, our Bylaws, and more!) We will be continuing the discussion of our presence on Facebook and other social Media in February, so please come and share your thoughts on it. Also, there will be a Temple Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 10th at 6:00 pm. The Board will be electing their officers and considering insurance options, among other topics. We have lots going on in our very active and growing Lodge, and we hope to see you at our upcoming Degrees and our Stated Communications (2nd Tuesdays, 6:00 dinner and gavel at 7:00, except for July and August when we are dark. Remember that warm weather?) As aways, feel free to call, text, or email me if I can be of service. Fraternally, Hawk Hawkins, Secretary Phone/Text: (231) 631-5790 GrandView_Overview.pdf |
EA Degree Practice; January 13 Regular Communication on 12/30/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! A couple important things coming up. On Tuesday, January 6th at 6:00 PM we will be having an Entered Apprentice Degree practice session. We have TWO potential EA Degrees in January and getting in practice is essential for making the most of this experience for our new Brothers. Please plan on attending! Even if you don't have a speaking part, your helpful input based on your knowledge and experience would be most welcome - several of us are doing this for the first time and could use your support and guidance. Next, on Tuesday, January 13th, (Dinner at 6:00, Gavel at 7:00) we will be having an important Regular Communication. John Hansen, PM, will be giving his Education Officer address to the Lodge, which promises to be both important, timely, and informative. We will be balloting on a new Prospect and setting the dates for our upcoming Entered Apprentice Degrees. Our Lodge is growing! Also, Worshipful Master Anthony Lake, PM, will be gathering input and filling our Lodge Committees. This is an important task, and is a key component of the health of our Lodge. What talents have you been given by the Great Architect, and how can you use these abilities to shape your Ashlar and support the Brothers and the Lodge? Do you have particular organizational skills? Strategic acumen? Strong relationship-building skills? Panache for Community-building and outreach? What are the gifts you have that can be shared to make our brotherhood stronger? Please think on these things and be prepared to offer your abilities on a Lodge Committee. After all, it's better for all of us to offer our best abilities rather than being assigned to a Committee that isn't a good "fit." Finally, I wish for each of you a safe and fun New Year, with hopes that 2026 will be one of your best years yet! Fraternally, Hawk Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 |
East Bay Lodge #264 Year in Review on 12/27/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! This is the time of year when we typically enjoy (are subjected to?) many "Year in Review" presentations on television or in print, and so I thought I'd offer you our Lodge Year in Review. We had a terrific year! There are many other things and many other people to thank than are listed here, but I hope this gives you a reminder of what we accomplished and what transpired - particularly for those of you who may have missed a meeting or two, or for those of you who cannot attend Lodge. Fraternally, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January
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Happy Holidays! on 12/21/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! |
| I hope this message finds you in good health and surrounded by the warmth of your loved ones. We are now deep in the Hanukkah season, and today is the Solstice, with Christmas coming up later this week, and Kwanzaa immediately after. In this season of giving and receiving blessings, I wanted to wish each of you a safe, fun, and meaningful Holiday Season, regardless of which Holiday you choose to celebrate. And, in keeping with the season and the spreading of Brotherly Love, if you know a Brother (or anybody) that could use the Lodge's support this Holiday Season, please reach out to the Almoner's Committee (Steven P. Wheelock, PM, Worshipful Master Tony Lake, Sr. Warden Guy Tysick, or myself) if the Brother is in need of a little financial assistance. Our Sick/Distressed and Visitation Committee is also available during this often stressful or sad time as well (Steven P. Wheelock, PM, Worshipful Master Tony Lake, PM, Bob Meyer, PM, or Tim Wiley). Our Chaplain, Tracy Mariage, PM, I'm sure would do his best to assist too. If you need email addresses or phone numbers for any of these Brothers, please let me know. This Season gives us the opportunity to use the Trowel and show our Brothers and their families what the spirit of the Holidays and Brotherly Love means. Please don't miss the opportunity to do so. Fraternally, and warmly, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 PH: (231) 631-5790 |
Holiday Shopping! on 12/14/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! As you work through your holiday shopping lists, please consider patronizing the following businesses that donated to our successful Wild Game Dinner. It would be extra special if you could thank them for their donation to our Lodge with your next purchase!
Also, several members and friends donated generously, and also deserve our thanks:
A HUGE thank you to these businesses and individuals for their generous support of our Lodge! Fraternally, Hawk Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 |
East Bay Lodge News & Events on 12/04/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Fraternal Greetings! Our Last Regular Communication on November 11th was a terrific gathering. The evening was highlighted by a Veteran's Dinner served up by Jr. Deacon Jim Gaskin, PM, and included a moving ceremony to honor the Lodge's Veterans. See the attached photo (credit: Brandon Darin, PM), pictured left to right, Harry Kerlin (Army), Skip Lake, PM (Army), Victor Hernandez, PM (Marine Corp and Army), Hawk Hawkins (Army), Larry Albert (Navy), Dean Reid (Air Force), and Jim Gaskin, PM (Navy). Officer elections were held in November as well, and approved Tony Lake, PM (Worshipful Master), Guy Tysick (Sr. Warden), Logan Suttmann (Jr. Warden), Max Anderson, PM (Treasurer), Hawk Hawkins (Secretary), Jim Gaskin, PM (Sr Deacon), Ed Storch (Jr. Deacon), Stewards Larry Albert (Senior) and Taylor Ellenberger (Junior), Tracy Mariage, PM (Chaplain), Dean Reid (Tiler), Guy Hissong, PM (Marshall), and John Hansen (Education Officer). We are indeed fortunate to have so many Past Master among our leadership team for 2026, and just as fortunate to have a great mix of others on the team. We also had terrific educational presentations by Past Masters Guy Hissong and John Hansen, and a recap of Dean Reid and Skip Lake's "Honor Flight" to Washington DC to visit the many Veteran's memorials. And - of note, the petition for Prospect Zachary Biehl was unanimously approved by the Lodge. Upcoming events: * Saturday, December 6th, 2:00 PM - 2026 Officer Installation (OPEN EVENT) * Tuesday, December 9th, 6:00 PM Temple Board * Tuesday, December 9th, Stated Communication at 6:00 PM, gavel at 7:00 PM. Please come and support our new Worshipful Master Tony Lake, PM at his first meeting as a 2026 officer! Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or if the Lodge can help support you in any way. Fraternally, Hawk Hawkins, Secretary Email: eastbay264secretary@gmail.com 2025 Veterans Day East Bay Lodge 264.jpeg |
Terrific Evening Planned - Tuesday, November 11 on 11/09/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Fraternal Greetings! We have a terrific evening planned for this coming Tuesday, November 11th! Worshipful Brothers Jim Gaskin and Victor Hernandez have a special Veterans Day dinner planned for 6:00, gavel falls at 7:00. We now DO have the ability to accept credit/debit cards for meal donations. Lots on the agenda! Want to hear how we did with the Wild Game Dinner? We've got that planned! 2026 Officer Elections as well, and we've got a terrific slate of nominees. The 2026 Budget will come up for consideration as we start our planning for 2026. Worshipful Master Steven P. Wheelock, P.M. has a special Veterans recognition ceremony planned that you won't want to miss. And, a very exciting balloting on TWO individuals who want to join our Lodge! 2026 Officer Installation is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, at 2:00! Please note this is an OPEN event, so families, friends, prospects, and the public are invited to attend, celebrate our incoming officers, and get an inside look at who we are and what we do. Please consider adding this to your calendar! Looking further into the future, the Grand Master has approved our revised Bylaws which include “going dark” (no meetings) in July and August. So, take those OFF your calendar! Look forward to seeing you on Tuesday! Fraternally yours, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary |
Upcoming Meeting Notes and Events on 10/07/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! We WILL be returning to having a dinner prior to the meeting next Tuesday, October 14th, at 6:00! Come out and see what's cooking! The meeting itself will include a vote on some important Bylaws changes, and your voice and vote are important. We will have at least one Petition and possibly more! Our Lodge is growing! Officer nominations will be opened, for a vote at the November Stated Communication. It's going to be a busy meeting with lots to consider, so please consider attending both the dinner and our meeting. Thanks to our Senior Deacon and Assistant Treasurer, Brother Logan, we'll soon be able to accept credit/debit cards for dinners and special events. This is a big step forward for our Lodge and should allow us to increase revenues to continue our monthly dinners as well as special events. Thank you, Logan! The Annual Wild Game Dinner is coming up! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1st. We'll have some great raffle/door prizes this year, thanks to the tireless efforts of our Worshipful Master, and Worshipful Brothers Jim G., Tracy, and Tony, among others. This will likely be our biggest year yet. Tickets will be $70 and raffle/door prize tickets will be available at the door. This is always one of our biggest fundraisers, and we really could use your help setting up, serving and bussing tables, and cleanup afterwards. PLEASE consider helping out this year. Remember, it takes a group effort to help our Lodge be successful. 2026 Dues notices and cards will be sent out this month. Dues for 2026 are $100 and are due by December 31st! Remember, you can pay online on the Grand View platform, and PLEASE register if you haven't already at: Michigan Grand View. Once you are on the Grand View system, you can pay your dues, view upcoming events, download copies of important documents such as the Blue Book and a full PDF of the Ritual, among many others. Please contact me if you have any problems accessing the system! Notes of Pride: Our Lodge was able to donate $1,800 to Project Feed the Kids due to a very successful Yard Sale in August. Thanks to Bro. Ed S. for his work on this again this year. Also, the Grand Master attended our Stated Communication in August, and we had 28 Brethren attend. He was impressed with our Lodge and spoke highly of us. We had a successful Adopt-a-Highway road cleanup in October. Thanks to WB Tony, Brothers John H., Hawk, and Taylor (and his wife again!) for going out to beautify US-31. Future Dates: * October 14, Stated Communication * November 1, Wild Game Dinner * November 11, Stated Communication (Officer Elections, 2026 Budge, voting on one or more Petitions) * December 6, 2:00 PM - Officer Installations (open to all Brethren and guests) and Festive Board * December 9, Stated Communication Looking forward to seeing each of you at an upcoming event! Fraternally, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary |
Upcoming Meeting(s) Notes - Please read! on 09/04/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! A few notes about upcoming meetings and events... Our next Temple Association Board meeting is next Tuesday, September 9, at 6:00 PM. The Board is required to meet four times per year, so this is your chance to attend and find out what they've been up to or have planned! All members are welcome to attend. Our next Regular Communication is also next Tuesday, September 9th, at 7:00 PM. An important note is that there will be NO DINNER prior to the meeting. The expenses for the monthly dinners have far exceeded the donations, so the pre-meeting dinners are suspended for now. There will be light refreshments after the Lodge meeting is closed. There are some important items on this month's agenda, including - sadly - voting on the Suspension for Non-Payment of dues for eight of our Brothers who have not responded to four mailings or phone calls and emails about their delinquent dues. We also have some potential Bylaws changes that need your input. These will be reviewed during the communication and will lay over one month and be voted on in October. Worshipful Master Steven P. Wheelock, PM, will also be appointing the Mason of the Year committee. Continued planning for the Wild Game Dinner on November 1st will also be a topic (HINT - we need YOU to solicit donations for the raffle drawings!). As always, any Brother can bring up topics of interest to the Lodge toward the end of the meeting. Another upcoming event of note is the Grand Lodge's Secretary-Treasurer Day on September 12. This is a full day and a very informative gathering of Secretaries and Treasurers from Lodges all across Michigan, and anyone can attend who wants to learn about these Lodge positions, their duties, and the Grand View system. The meeting is in Alma, Michigan, and the cost is $25 which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Please let me know if you are interested in attending and I can get you the registration information. Finally, if there is sufficient interest, I will be holding a Secretary's Saturday at the Lodge on September 20th from 10:00 AM to Noon. I am willing to demonstrate the basics of the Grand View system, help you get registered to use that system, and answer any questions or receive feedback about the Secretary's duties. Please let me know in advance if you plan on stopping by so I don't sit at the Lodge alone for two hours. (If I don't hear from anyone, I won't be there either!) We hope to see you at Lodge on September 9th, either for the Temple Association Board meeting at 6:00 PM or the Regular Communication at 7:00 PM (remember, there will be no dinner prior to the meeting). Please let me know if you have any questions on any of this. Fraternally yours, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 Phone: (231) 631-5790 Email: eastbay264secretary@gmail.com |
August 12 Stated Communication - GRAND MASTER VISIT - IMPORTANT INFO! on 08/08/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! We have an IMPORTANT VISIT from the GRAND MASTER and likely several of his officers this coming TUESDAY, AUGUST 12th. The Worshipful Master Steven P. Wheelock, PM has requested ALL OFFICERS attend, and be present no later than 6:00 PM. All Brothers are requested to attend if at all possible. Dress is business casual, and note that the Lodge will be quite warm. Attached is an IMPORTANT DOCUMENT regarding the protocol for this visit. Officers are encouraged to print this out and bring it with you. If you an officer and are unable to attend please contact WM Steven P. Wheelock, PM as soon as possible at (231) 313-8003. If you have any questions about this important event, please contact me. Fraternally yours, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 Ph: (231) 631-5790 Email: eastbay264secretary@gmail.com |
IMPORTANT Upcoming Events on 07/27/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brothers! We have some important upcoming events to be aware of and for which your attendance and participation is requested. First, and most importantly, Grand Master William Sauget has announced that he will be attending our Stated Communication on AUGUST 12. Worshipful Master Steven P. Wheelock has requested that ALL officers make every effort to attend this significant visitation by the Grand Master, and as many Brethren as possible also make an effort to attend. Please put this on your calendars! Dress is business casual. This is our chance to demonstrate the best of Masonry and how proud we are of our Lodge. Please attend! Next, Brother Ed Storch will be available for the next two Wednesdays (July 30 and August 6) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to accept donations for our Annual Yard Sale, which takes place Friday and Saturday August 8-9. If you can help on either or both of those days, please stop by the Lodge for as much or as little as you can to help out (even an hour or two make a difference!). Fraternally Yours, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 Acme, Michigan |
Adopt-a-Highway - Saturday, July 19! on 07/11/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Greetings, Brethren! Our next effort at helping the community (and helping ourselves in the process!) is coming up fast. Mark your calendars! Saturday, July 19, our Adopt-a-Highway road cleanup is scheduled and needs YOUR HELP! We'll meet at the Lodge at 9:00 AM (punctuality is a virtue to strive for!). Then, we'll take the short drive up US-31 North to our section of that road. This is really a great opportunity to bond with each other, have both light and meaningful conversations, have a few laughs, and help beautify our community. Please consider joining us for this effort! PS - We already did this in the Spring, so there shouldn't be a lot of work. Fraternally yours, Jeffery (Hawk) Hawkins, Secretary East Bay Lodge #264 Acme, Michigan |
Annual Spaghetti Dinner This Saturday! on 05/13/2025
East Bay No. 264 Grand Lodge Of Michigan |
| Our Annual Spaghetti Dinner is this coming Saturday, May 17th, 4:00-8:00 pm! We are in need of YOUR help in making this - one of our biggest annual fundraisers - the best one yet. We could always use additional Brothers to serve our guests, bus tables, help with clean-up, organizing donations, and other essential duties. Remember, this is YOUR chance to help our Lodge help others in the community. Speaking of donations, we are always in need of additional raffle donations, so please contact your local businesses and see if they'd be willing to donate to the cause. As usual the Metro Fire Department will be one of our primary beneficiaries of our efforts, which is always a great cause to support. Please come out and help us help others and help the community! |