Message From The East
Dear Brethren,
I just want to reiterate my words from our last stated meeting: I am humbled
by all the support and help I have received on this road to the Station of
Worshipful Master. There are many Brothers to whom I owe thanks - most
especially to Past Masters Paul Cerecino and Joseph Norris.
I have friends in other Lodges, and when I have visited them, I am always
reminded that the brotherhood, the comradery, and the fun we have in St.
John’s is exceptional. I will maintain this character of St. John’s. I intend to
keep the Lodge moving forward. I do have interesting programs scheduled,
and I will be having events outside the Lodge: The St. John’s Gun Club event
at the shooting range was a lot of fun, and I plan to have more of those
events. My family does an event with Caring for Friends a couple of times a
year. We prepare meals for cancer patients. Five years ago, Brother Joe
Norris, P.M. brought food to Opportunity Towers – an affordable living senior
housing complex in the Nicetown-Tioga section of Philadelphia. The complex
is in the Police District I work in. We were joined by other officers who are
also members of the Craft. I plan to hold the same or similar events this
year.
The team of Lodge officers we have elected and that I have appointed is
highly motivated and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain St. John’s as
an exceptional Lodge. I encourage you to come out and support this new
team of officers.
I am looking forward to working with the Lodge’s administrative team -
Brother Harvey Sokoloff, P.M., Secretary, and Brother Stephen Consello,
P.M., Treasurer, during the coming year. They have always been a huge help
to me, and I am so appreciative of all they do for the Lodge during the
meetings and behind the scenes to keep St John’s working and thriving.
Again, I want to thank all the Brothers of St John’s for this honor of becoming
Worshipful Master for 2024. I will do my best to make you all proud. I look
forward to having a great year.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Mark J. O’Fee
Worshipful Master