Master's Message
December 1999

As we come to the end of the 1900's, we look back at the past and search for answers to what the future will hold. We wonder "what if" this had happened or "how things would be" if we had made a different choice twenty or forty years ago. My brothers, all people with any form of intelligence have asked these questions and came up with the same answers basically, we have the done the best that we could have done. We, while our lives could be better or worse, are thankful for all that we have and would not trade our lives for another.

The year 1999 has been an exciting one for our lodge. We have determined that to "stay the course" seems to be the best action to take with our finances. That we have brothers who are willing to serve as officers. Finally, we have a new meeting place and day of the week to meet that has been approved by the Worshipful Grand Master. We have the ability to look at trouble and find solutions to our problems.

Looking back at the various programs that were held, one can say that we tried to give something for everyone not everything works. The year 2000 will hold new challenges and we will attempt to keep our lodge focused on the future. The future of our lodge is being determined by the number of new brothers that we raise and the interest of all of our members in being an officer.

Our Fifty Year Token night was most interesting in that we had the oldest Past Master out to get his pin and certificate. W.B. Stanley R. Pearson was able to come from his home in South Jersey through the help of his son who drove him to lodge. Stan shared his thoughts with us about our lodge and how things were in the year 1949. Stan was instrumental in getting our lodge to invest our money. We hope W.B. Stan will be with us for his 55 year certificate.

Our Twenty-five Year Token night gave us the opportunity to recognize all the brothers who were raised in the year 1974. That evening was the last time that North Arlington Lodge Number 271 would hold our regular communication in our home for the past 71 years. It was difficult to say goodbye to our old home -- our North Arlington home is where many of us were raised -- but we are looking forward to our new home in Lyndhurst.

As Master, I wish you and your families the Happiest of Holidays. We have much to be thankful for and I personally thank all of my 1999 officers and my brothers who helped to make my first year as Master a successful one. I am sure that the year 2000 and the new Millennium will bring us all the best that life has to offer. May the God of Love and Peace delight to dwell with you and yours forever.

Fraternally,

John Lacki Jr.
Worshipful Master