At the outset, I wish to greet you all ‘Happy Holidays’. That’s the politically correct way of greeting members of our fraternity that is so conscious of not bringing into the open any hint of religious persuasions. And while I respect that, I also feel the need to be able to just greet you in the manner I know. So, for my Christian brothers, I greet you ‘Merry Christmas’, to my Jewish brothers, ‘Happy Hanukkah’ and to the rest of the brethren, ‘Happy Holidays’.

As I write my last message for the year, I’m counting the remaining days of my term as Worshipful Master of Mission Lodge #169 and with that comes a huge sigh of relief. It’s indeed quite comforting that by then, I shall have fulfilled what is required of me with regard to the discharge of my duties while seated in the Oriental Chair.

This sigh of relief, however, should not be construed as a total abandonment of my bond with our lodge and its constituency. As the soon-to-be Junior Past Master, I pledge my continued support for the forthcoming activities of the lodge I have learned to care about.

Looking back through these past months, the thing that comes to mind is "gratefulness". I am so grateful for all the help afforded to me; help that, I believe, was given by a "brother to a brother", help that is reflective of how our fraternity encourages us to "stretch forth a helping hand" in times of need.

I therefore wish to publicly express my gratitude to all the Officers, Committee Members, Master Masons and Past Masters for helping me manage the affairs of the lodge. I thank the Board of Trustees, the Hall Association for their excellent managing of our financial affairs. I thank our Candidate Coaches for preparing the new members advance in their degree. I thank our Officers’ Coach for his subtle ways of pointing out improvements in our degree conferrals.

I also would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, most particularly to my wife, Tess, for her generosity and wholehearted support, seen and unseen. They have been my inspiration in times when the demands of my mastership seem difficult to bear.

To you all, my sincerest thanks. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the elected and appointed Officers for the ensuing Masonic year and wish them the best.

May the vision of Mission Lodge #169 prevail.

Fraternally,
Jess R. Bautista, P.M.
Worshipful Master

FROM THE MASTER-ELECT

First off, thank you to the 90 brethren who voted in our November election of officers and for electing me as Master.

The following officers have been appointed to serve Mission Lodge: Chaplain: Delfin B. Endrina, P.M., Assistant Secretary: David R. Kidd, Sr. Deacon: Jose Luis Gomez, Jr. Deacon: Eleftherios J. Karkazis, Sr. Steward: Omar Valles, Jr. Steward: Jason J. Marandas, and Tiler: James G. Lintner.

You, your family and friends are cordially invited to the Installation of Officers for the ensuing Masonic year on Saturday, December 17th, 2011. Please RSVP.

Plans for the year 2012 will include educational programs, several California excursions and preparation for Mission Lodge’s 150th anniversary in 2013.

May the spirit and blessings of the Season remain with you and yours throughout the year!

Fraternally,
Garvin F. Lohman, P.M.
Worshipful Master-Elect