Brethren

As I am sure is the case with most of you, I have been saddened by our inability to meet as Masons for the past 2-1/2 months; I miss seeing the regulars and was looking forward to some of our other brethren coming to see what we had going on this year. Alas, this was not to be.

The Grand Master has now authorized lodges to open and conduct business as of June 13. I call your attention to the fact that this is permission, not a mandate. Any brother who is in any way concerned about his personal health situation should continue to stay at home until his personal guidelines have been satisfied.

The Edict granting permission to open is attached to this note. You will quickly see that "business as usual" is not the case. Please read the guidelines to be certain you understand what is allowed and expected. I will highlight some of the more pertinent rules, but please read them all:

• Only necessary business; meetings to be as short as possible;
• No handshakes or grips;
• Social distancing;
• Masks should be worn at all times;
• No cooking or food preparation at the lodge. We will discuss our options at an officers meeting. I suspect the local fast food joints will get a boost from this!;
• The Substitute is not transmitted during the meeting;
• NO DEGREE WORK;
• No examinations except for the Master's Degree;
• Balloting is by paper ballot, not the ballot box.