Warren
Lodge No. 51 AF&AM
300 International Cir
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-288-4281
May 22, 2004
W. Bro. Fred Frost
Worshipful Master
Warren Lodge No. 51 AF&AM
20 Freestone St
Portland, CT
Worshipful Brother Frost,
On behalf of our Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Louis F. Bandell Jr, we wish to offer our sincere gratitude for the many kindnesses and courtesies extended toward us during our visit on May 20, 2004. Beginning with the hearty welcomes and delicious dinner, and ending with the lasts laughs as we left the back door, our Connecticut Brothers made us feel like we had returned to a home we had never known. It was encouraging to see the cooperation among the several Lodges present and the good-natured taunting that punctuated the evening. We felt comfortable enough to jump right into the humor. Our two Lodges share the same love of laughter.
It is always refreshing for a couple of old Past Masters to see a Warden sweating into his hat, but truth be told we observed a well prepared individual who filled his station with dignity and poise. The derby was a change of pace for us. The Entered Apprentice Degree was very familiar, but there were significant distinctions that kept weary sojourners awake (even if we didn’t look it.) The Door Lecture was a big difference, which we appreciated immensely. That short address truly sets the tone for a man’s future in Masonry.
My father used to say that each day you should go home proud and tired, and that if you weren’t both, you should examine your efforts of the day. I assure you we were both Thursday night. W. Bro. Lou is one of Maryland’s most revered Masons, and he considered our visit among his most treasured memories instantly. It our profound hope that circumstances permit our two Lodges to foster and grow a warm relationship, extending the bonds of Brotherly Love across the Mason-Dixon Line, making the distance between our Lodge doors the shortest 500 miles in the world.
As W. Bro. Bandell cements his plans for a larger group visit, I am sure he will be in touch with you directly. We have discussed forming a visitation group to travel among the several Warren Lodges throughout the country, perhaps selecting one Lodge each year in which to assemble all who can travel to meet in a single location, alternating among the Lodges. But that is down the road some distance yet. First step is our return in the Fall. Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to do when we come.
The next time we come we will have more time to visit and do some sightseeing, with which the Worshipful Master of Anchor Lodge has graciously offered to assist. It was a fast 1000 miles, and passing through New York City twice in twenty-four hours sounds like a Masonic punishment. A lot more than a couple of simple southern boys can easily handle.
Thank you again for the friendship, courtesies and Brotherhood we were shown.
Fraternally and respectfully,
W. Bro. Vernon H. Huebschman, PM
Secretary