Brethren,
It is my pleasure to announce that Scouter’s Lodge #236 has captured the Traveling Gavel. On Wednesday January 6, 2016 the following brothers traveled to Odenton Lodge #209 to claim the Traveling Gavel: Worshipful Master Ronald Jacobson P.M., Worshipful Master Elect Senior Warden Robert Frey Jr., Senior Steward Fred Rossmark Jr., Chaplain John Ertel P.M., and Ritualist Stuart Cordish P.M.
The Gavel began originated its travel from Manchester Lodge #73 of Manchester, CT on Wednesday June 2, 1976 after it was used to commemorate their 150th anniversary. The hope was the gavel would travel throughout their territorial jurisdiction of Connecticut and even beyond, and that it would once again be retrieved and used again when Manchester Lodge celebrates is bicentennial in the year 2026.
Inside the wooden box under the lid are instructions for claiming the gavel which are as follows:
1) Three or more visitors from a lodge, to the holding lodge, traveling the greatest distance on that evening may claim the gavel for their lodge.
2) A lodge may claim the gavel only once during the any master’s term.
3) To allow Manchester Lodge to know the whereabouts of the gavel at all times, it is requested that the holding lodge and the claiming lodge notify the secretary of Manchester Lodge within 10 days that the gavel has changed hands. (mailers are provided)
Below, protected by plexiglass, is the secured gavel. There is a plaque next to the gavel which says the following: Presented by ~Brother George R. Ouillette~ Worshipful Master 1976.
Thanks to Brother Fred Rossmark for the idea and arranging for our visit to Odenton Lodge and for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the history of this gavel.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Ronald Jay Jacobson, P.M.
Worshipful Master
Scouters Lodge #236 A.F. & A.M.
