Brethren,
Thank you to all of the Brothers that helped out with our Lodge Family picnic. The threatening weather passed
us by and it turned into a marvelous day of food, fun and fellowship. I would also like to say a special thank you to Karen
Matteson, wife of our J.W. Phill Matteson for managing the kids games and prizes and to Jo Lutz for managing the bingo games
and prizes.
As you have probably noticed by the shine and glare from the dining hall floor, it has been stripped and waxed
and looks just wonderful. A big thank you goes out to Br. Ron Lutz for a great job.
Mark your calendars for this years Honey Glazed Ham Dinner with all of the fixings on October 25th.
Activities will commence at 4:00pm and continue to until 7:30pm. Advanced ticket sales are available for adults for $7.00
and $5.00 for children 12 & under. Tickets at the door will be available for $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 12
& under. Please contact W\ Dennis Marquis at (716) 731-2457 for reservations and tickets or mail
your orders to my address above by October 20th. This is a very worthwhile event and everyones participation is
welcome.
The Grand Lecturers Convention is scheduled for November 5th at Niagara River Lodge No. 785. Please
do your best to attend this very informative evening. This is a mandatory meeting for all officers, Worshipful Master to Masters
of Ceremonies.
Our Annual Holiday Party is scheduled for December 2nd at 6:00pm. Last years party was full of
fun for all ages. Please plan on attending. Let our Junior Warden at (716) 694-0947 know by November 27th how many
are coming so that we can plan appropriately for food, drinks and gifts.
December 13th marks our second year for ringing the bells for the Salvation Army. Last years crew
had a great deal of fun and had the opportunity to see a lot of friends and relatives while they passed by and made donations
for this wonderful cause. Please plan on taking a time slot for an hour or so. The more the merrier, it is Christmas after
all.
We will, as a Lodge, continue our objective of doing more for those in need. We look forward to your suggestions,
plans and participation. Send your suggestions and comments to the Lodge Email address above.
Again, thank you to all of the Brothers from our Lodge and others and the Eastern Star for all of the support
and help.
Show Pride in Masonry and Ill see you in Lodge!
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
October 03
Brethren,
First and foremost I want to welcome Starlight Constellation No. 43 to our Lodge Building. We were approached
at the end of last year to except them as a tenant and it looks as though they will fit in nicely. Welcome girls!
We had a meet and greet pizza party with the girls and their Sponsors that was very well attended. They took
a tour of our building, let us know what they plan on doing and asked how they could help our Lodge. Thats the type of people
we are looking for. Dont wait to be given a chore or told to do something. Ask what you can do to help. They will be meeting
the second and forth Wednesdays of each month and all Master Masons are welcome to attend.
Dont forget the Eastern Star either. They meet in our Lodge building on the first and third Mondays of the
month. I really enjoy attending their meetings and Im sure you would too.
Our first communication was a very nice start to the new year. Our ritual work was perfect; the agenda was
well organized and moved expeditiously. There were some great discussions and suggestions made that are being acted upon as
I write this. Our Lodge is taking action to make it a better and more enjoyable place to enjoy the fellowship of your Brothers.
We as a whole need to strive to work together for the betterment of LaSalle Lodge No. 1049 and Masonry in general. Make it
a point of attending the many classes, clinics, schools of instruction and visitation of other Lodges.
Dont forget the Grand Lecturers convention on November 5th at Niagara River Lodge No. 785. This
meeting is mandatory for all Lodge officers. Our Annual Holiday Party is December 2nd. We will be ringing the bells
for The Salvation Army on December 13th. The Lodges Official Visit is scheduled for December 16th.
Show Pride in Masonry and your Lodge!
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
November 03
Brethren,
Happy Holidays! Its that time of the year to take stock and give thanks for what you have, and as Masons help
those who are in need. Our Baked Ham Dinner was well attended which helped us raise funds for The Salvation Army and the Niagara
Falls Firefighter Toy Fund. Thank you to all the Brothers and their families who took the time to attend the dinner and especially
to those who could not attend and still gave donations. Everyone seemed to have a great time and I didnt see anyone go away
hungry. Thank you also to the tireless workers without whos assistance the dinner would not have succeeded. The Constellation
girls were just wonderful as they greeted, served and pampered our guests and made sure that no one left unsatisfied. Thanks
Girls!! Other workers to recognize are my wife Cindy, son Adam and daughter Crystal, our S.W. Tom Grote his wife Kim and daughter
Dawn and Brother Bob Stoll for getting the word out in the paper and on television.
Our next Lodge event will be our annual Christmas Party on December 2nd. The party will start at
6:00pm with a roast beef sandwich dinner and beverage. Please bring a dessert to pass. We will then have a choir in for some
wonderful music and singing and sharing some gifts. Please RSVP to the Lodge answering machine or J.W. Phill Matteson at (716)
694-0947 by November 27th.
Once again we will be ringing the bells for The Salvation Army on December 13th from 8:00am to
6:00pm at Tops International on Niagara Falls Blvd. I will have a sign up sheet posted in the Lodge plus you can call me to
sign up for 1 to 2 hour blocks of time. It was a great time last year as we all had to the chance to see friends, family members
and provide a service to the community.
Our last date to remember is our Lodges Official Visit on December 16th proceeded by a dinner at
6:30pm. Please plan on attending and RSVP to our J.W. Phill Mateson at (716) 694-0947 or to the Lodge telephone number by
December 12th. Hope to see you there.
Again, thank you to all of the Brothers from our Lodge and others, the Eastern Star and Constellation Girls
for all of the support and help.
Happy Holidays, Show Pride in Masonry and Ill see you in Lodge!
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
December 03
Brethren,
I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe Holiday Season. We have successfully completed one of the purposes
of Freemasonry, which is to give back to the community. We were able to make donations to the Niagara Firefighters Toy Fund
and the Salvation Armys Red Kettle Fund. Thank you to all who helped with the Ham Dinner Fund Raiser and manning The Salvation
Army Kettle for Bell Ringing Day.
With the New Year upon us, its time to continue our work and strive to end the Lodge year in an upbeat manner.
Our next stated meeting (January 20th) will be our Annual Communication. It will be at this meeting that all committees
will provide their reports and we will review the books of the Lodge. These are very difficult times for all and we must have
participation at this meeting so that we can plan for the future of our Lodge.
It becomes my sad duty to report the death two members of our Lodge. Brother Don Beck, who was involved in
our other Lodge and many concordant bodies past away on November 11th, 2003. Past Master, Worshipful Charlie Reese,
Jr. passed away November 12th, 2003. Both Don and Charlie were Initiated, Passed and Raised on the same dates and
unfortunately left us a day apart. They will be dearly missed.
I would at this time like to thank all the Brothers and their families for their assistance and support during
the first half of this Masonic year. As we get ready to start our Pancake Breakfasts, I am asking that you continue to support
the Lodge and these very important events. Its from these breakfasts that we gain much of the needed capital to fund our functions
and offset the increase cost of maintaining our facility. They are held the third Sunday of the month from January to May.
The cost is $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Children. Putting these breakfasts on is a lot of work and can also be a lot fun.
Your assistance is always appreciated. Please contact J.W. Phill Matteson at (716) 694-0947 let him know how you can help.
Happy New Year, Show Pride in Masonry and Ill see you in Lodge!
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
January 04
Brethren,
Our official visit went splendidly. After a wonderful roast beef dinner cooked and served by our Senior Deacons
wife Jo Lutz and our Junior Wardens wife Karen Matteson, we heard the Grand Masters message delivered by our District Deputy
Grand Master. The sidelines were full to capacity and it was a real honor to have so many Brothers in attendance to support
our Lodge.
Our Lodge Christmas party was attended by over 65 celebrants from our Lodge, the Eastern Star and the Constellation.
We enjoyed a nice dinner and plenty of deserts prior to being entertained by the Niagara Songsters under the direction of
Worshipful Sterling Eichelberger. We had a lot of fun especially when a group of Constellation girls performed a special rendition
of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for us. Afterwards everyone returned to the dining room for some more deserts, coffee and
fellowship. Thank you to our Senior Wardens wife Kim Grote for all of your assistance.
On December 13th our Lodge manned The Salvation Army kettle at Tops International. It was a fun
day and we were able to fill two buckets to the rim. Thank you to Brothers Toby Ordiway, Don Smith, Phill Matteson, Ron Lutz,
Mel Hetrick, Bob Stoll, the Constellation girls, my wife Cindy and son Zach for your support. When everyone works together
we are able to accomplish so much.
Its Euchre time again and the dates are as follows: Feb. 4th at Medina & Newfane; Feb. 11th
at Niagara, Ransomvile & Cataract; Feb.17th at Renovation & Ontario; Feb. 18th at Niagara Frontier;
Feb. 24th at Somerset; Mar. 2nd at Yates; Mar. 4th at Red Jacket; Mar. 9th at
Lockport 73; Mar. 15th at Social; Mar. 16th at Gasport & LaSalle and on Mar. 23rd at
Sutherland.
Finally, we have turned on the initial phase of our Lodge web site. The URL is:
http://lasalle-lodge-1049.tripod.com if you have an internet connection, please take the time to visit and
relay your suggestions.
And dont forget to support our Pancake Breakfasts.. They are held the third Sunday of the month from January
to May. The cost is $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Children. Putting these breakfasts on is a lot of work and can also be
a lot fun. Your assistance is always appreciated. Please contact J.W. Phill Matteson at (716) 694-0947 let him know how you
can help.
Show Pride in Masonry and Ill see you in Lodge!
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
February 04
Brethren,
The Pancake Breakfasts are well under way. Attendance has been good and the workers are having a good time
delivering those special R\ W\ Bill Noblin pancakes. Come on out on the
third Sunday of each month through May and get yours.
Our Annual Communication was a busy night. S.W. Tom Grote said that the Child ID program will be in full swing
during March at some of the North Tonawanda schools. W\ Brian Perry and W\
Angelo DAloise agreed to assist R\ W\ Andy Enterline with funeral duties
when needed. W\ Brian Perry announced that all membership paperwork has been filed with our Grand
Lodge Officer and that we finished 2003 with 116 active members. J.W. Phill Matteson is doing a fine job managing the Lodge
breakfasts and dinners plus he informed us that the Brotherhood Fund is at 19% participation to date. Br. Bob Stoll is doing
a fine job of making sure our Lodge activities are advertised in the local mediums and that Brothers are informed of events.
Br. Gil Perry has excepted the duty of running our Lodge Euchre functions for this year. Br. Ron Lutz excepted the appointment
of Trustee in place for Br. Don Beck who passed away. W\ Don Smith presented a very detailed Lodge
financial report and thoroughly addressed all questions. Finally Br. Gil Perry, Br. Bob Stoll and W\
Angelo DAloise agreed to chip in $100 each so the Lodge could purchase a new multifunction printer. This device is needed
for us to conform to the automation requirements that are being set forth by Grand Lodge. Thanks Brothers!!
As a side note I want to mention special opportunity for all Lodges to make some extra money. Last Friday
afternoon the engine blew in my minivan and I was in a real bind. By chance I ended up at Northtown Dodge on Niagara Falls
Blvd. in Amherst. Right away I was approached by one of their Sales Associates and we all know what that means. Well, I have
to tell you that this was one of the most enjoyable (but not cheap) car buying experiences that I have had to date. The Sales
Associate took the time to make sure that I not only got a new vehicle that fit my families life style, he made sure that
I was out the door with it the same day. Just as we were wrapping up the paperwork he noticed my Masonic key chain emblem.
He asked about some of the things that we do for our community and he told me that he was a 3rd Degree Knight of
Columbus and that his Father in-law is a mason. Before I left, he went to the accounting office and had a check drawn up in
my name for our Lodge to help with our community efforts. He said that he will do the same for any Brother who sees him and
presents a valid Lodge Dues Card. So if you are in need of a vehicle and would like an extra $200 for your Lodge, make sure
you see George Bawab. This opportunity is only through George and he suggests calling him on his cell phone at 716-465-9985
so that he can set time aside to take care of you. This is not meant to be a commercial. I just thought it was an extraordinary
and unsolicited way to show appreciation to a customer and he is offering it to our whole Lodge community.
Dont forget to visit our Lodge web site. The URL is: http://lasalle-lodge-1049.tripod.com if you have an internet
connection, please take the time to visit and relay your suggestions.
And dont forget to support our Pancake Breakfasts.. They are held the third Sunday of the month from January
to May. The cost is $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Children. Putting these breakfasts on is a lot of work and can also be
a lot fun. Your assistance is always appreciated. Please contact J.W. Phill Matteson at (716) 694-0947 let him know how you
can help.
Show Pride in Masonry and Ill see you in Lodge!
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
March 04
Brethren,
Thank you to all of the Brothers who attended out last meeting. It was great to see so many out on such a
cold night. We really miss you Brothers who go south for the winter and Im sure you miss us. We hope to see you returning
home to warm weather soon
During our last meeting we paid tribute to those Brothers who were removed from our midsts during the year
just passed. We honored Brothers George Forknall, Jr.; Irwin Hilts, Jr.; Willard Spencer; Wilson Graves; Donald Beck and W\ Charles Reese, Jr. They will be sadly missed.
The Ladys of the Niagara Falls Chapter of the Order of Easter Star #582, invited all Brothers to their Master
Mason night on February 23rd. They gave each Brother in attendance a nice gift and 6 new coffee carafes for our
Lodge. Thank you Ladys!!
Our Lodge donated $100 towards the benefit for Priscilla Penque a 14 year old girl from Niagara Falls who
was diagnosed with a rare cancer condition of her spine on Christmas Eve. The community outpouring of generosity has been
wonderful. Please keep her in your prayers.
I also wanted to mention that there is still room on the bus to Grand Lodge in May. The bus leaves on May
2nd and returns May 5th. We will be staying in the Pennsylvania Hotel a couple of blocks away from Grand
Lodge. Let me know if you need more information. The more the merrier.
Dont forget to visit our Lodge web site. Our Trestle Board is on it along with information for other events
in our District, the OES #582 and Starlight Constellation #43 news. The URL is: http://lasalle-lodge-1049.tripod.com if you
have an internet connection, please take the time to visit and relay your suggestions.
And dont forget to support our Pancake Breakfasts. They are held the third Sunday of the month from January
to May. The cost is $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Children. Putting these breakfasts on is a lot of work and can also be
a lot fun. Your assistance is always appreciated. Please contact J.W. Phill Matteson at (716) 694-0947 let him know how you
can help.
Show Pride in Masonry and Ill see you in Lodge!
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
April 04
Brethren,
Thank you for electing me as the Master of LaSalle Lodge for the past two years. It has been my pleasure to
serve you and I hope that I was able to accomplish what you had hoped I would. My first year as Master went by very fast and
there was so much to learn. I thought that I had most of it figured out and I placed high expectations on myself for my second
term. We started the year strong with our annual family picnic in August and then went right to work in September. I have
received many complements on our perfect ritual work and I compliment our officers on their attention to detail. Our meeting
attendance is up, Brothers are more active in Lodge and community functions, we added the Constellation to our Lodge building
and continue to support our Eastern Star Ladies. Weve tightened out Lodge budget and continue to watch our expenses. Our dinners
and pancake breakfasts are going a long way to help support our Lodge and to help those who are less fortunate.
I want to thank my elected and appointed Officers, for without them I would not have been able to perform
my duties. Thank you to the Brothers who filled the side lines during our meetings and always had suggestions, comments and
even tossed in a few extra dollars for items that were required around the Lodge to make it a better place to meet. Thank
you to Br. David Shire for his wonderful music, it always makes the meetings more enjoyable. Thank you to W\
Angelo D'Aloise and W\ Toby Ordiway for filling in as Chaplain during our meetings. And I want to
express a special thank you to W\ Brian Perry for stepping up and taking on the Secretary duties
for this year. I was lost without you and you helped bring everything back on track.
Thank you to the Ladys of the Niagara Falls Chapter of the Order of Easter Star #582, who invited all Brothers
to their Master Mason night on February 23rd. They gave each Brother in attendance a nice gift and 6 new coffee
carafes for our Lodge. Thank you Ladys!!
Our Lodge donated $100 towards the benefit for Priscilla Penque a 14 year old girl from Niagara Falls who
was diagnosed with a rare cancer condition of her spine on Christmas Eve. The community outpouring of generosity has been
wonderful. Please keep her in your prayers.
We will continue to make improvements to our Lodge web site. Our Trestle Board is on it along with information
for other events in our District, the OES #582 and Starlight Constellation #43 news. The URL is: http://lasalle-lodge-1049.tripod.com
if you have an internet connection, please take the time to visit and relay your suggestions.
Thank you again for your support these past two years and I couldnt be prouder to be a Master Mason.
Fraternally yours,
W\ Dennis Marquis
