Due East

By Paul Rodriguez-Obrien, PM — Master-Elect

My Brothers and Family,

Thank you sincerely for your confidence in me as your next Worshipful Master of CC-551.

Before we look ahead, I’d like to offer special recognition to our newest Junior Past Master, Wor. Lyman Penning, for his dedication to our youth groups and for keeping our lodge and membership in such fine shape during his time in the East.

Under Wor. Penning’s leadership, we initiated two new Brothers and raised three new Master Masons. Now, after completing four terms as Worshipful Master, he says he’s finally hanging up the top hat for good — though we’ll believe that when we see it!

He promises to keep attending lodge and events, so be sure to give him a brotherly pat on the back for a job exceedingly well done.

As for me, I’ll do my best to fill his “high-gloss, two-tone wingtip oxfords,” though those are big shoes no one can truly outshine, or should they!

Looking ahead to 2026, I hope to encourage even more participation from our Brothers, families, youth orders, and affiliates — and to see us all more active in our community.

To start the year off right, at our January Stated Dinner we’ll be offering a free meal to any Brother celebrating a birthday or Third Degree anniversary that month (as listed in the Trestleboard). Just check in with our “Dining Hall Tiler,” Bro. Treasurer Phil Busch, HA.

Your officers and I have a wonderful year planned. Please come for the hearty food and stay for

the great fellowship. 

See you all soon!