(20251231) HTI Update December 2025

High Twelve International
December Update

December 28, 2025

I have no doubt that this holiday season is filling your days with good fellowship and opportunity to enjoy time with loved ones. A holiday party is a great way to spend a High Twelve meeting.

We also are taking time to remember our Brother Mervyn Harris, Past International President of High Twelve International. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Our Executive Board has been very busy with the business end of the fraternity, contacting clubs about unpaid Per Capita is taking a lot of our time mainly with the last twenty clubs that still owe their Per Capita. This is extremely important Brethren, and because of this I want to take time to thank the over one hundred clubs that have taken the time to send in their Per Capita, it is greatly appreciated!

There are some new items on our website in the merchandise section. You will see when you look there that the new Three Star award Pins, Four Star Award Pins, Club High Twelvian of the Year pins, and State High Twelvian of the Year pins are available for your club or associations use. I look forward to seeing them as I travel to different visitations. There is also a Five Star Award pin for those who are eligible for this, if you receive this at any time in the past you can certainly purchase a pin from our International Secretary. 

As we are all aware, Wolcott is our charity and the fund residing request sheet is coming to our international website. Your Club and Association will be required to send a request for upcoming fundraising. Fundraising can be a liability depending on what it is, and what it is for, so we thank you for cooperating with this important change in procedure. Remember 51% of all money raised by a club or association must go to the Wolcott Foundation. 

This will help to continue the work our philanthropic charity the Wolcott Foundation, you are changing lives for the better. Passing the Little Red School House is an important part of the High Twelve meeting. We need to continue to focus our philanthropic efforts where they belong supporting Wolcott. 

We have a mid-year meeting coming up on January 10th, 2026. In accordance with our new international bylaws this will be done on Zoom.

Please put our annual meeting taking place in Indianapolis Indiana on June 12th, 2026, and June 13th, 2026, on your calendar. I look forward to sharing more details with you after the mid-year meeting. 

I am looking forward to seeing you as I continue to travel in the year to come.

Jared R. Kichline
International President 2025-2026

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FUTURE! 

Brothers,

It’s time for High Twelve Masons to get MAD.  Make A Difference.  Our organization has many things to offer our fraternity.  Here are just a few, like minded individuals getting together outside of the formalities of lodge to share Family, Fellowship, Future. Meeting open to non masons, friends, family, wives and  spouses.  High Twelve refers to the hour of refreshment with our brothers, NOT the TIME of day.  Our clubs are able to meet Any Day, Any Time, Any Where, Weekly, Monthly, Bi Monthly or even Quarterly.  Supporting the Wolcott Foundation at George Washington University, is supporting students interested is Public Service and serving our country.  We also support other Masonic Youth Organizations.  

Spread the WORD, get MAD, and Make a Difference, High Twelve, Masonary in Action for over 104 Years and Going Strong!

Conrad

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FUTURE! 

Please understand that we are all members of one or more Masonic Affiliated Organizations and your support of them is important too but not the focus of this newsletter.  

It was decided at our Monthly Exec Board Meeting,

ANY ORDER WILL RECEIVE A FREE GIFT.

Beginning today (12/9/25) and ending January 15.

Order HERE 

Also Below is our Newest Recognition Program Merchandise. Below are the new lapel pins that you can present to with the corresponding Certificate. The Guidelines for each award can be found in the Officers Manual under the Everyone Tab. 

Order Now 

We are please to announce the addition of two new members.  Brothers Dennis Sharrow and James Lottner this year.

Robert N. Sears, Club Secretary

I would like to direct your attention to a couple of things:

Please note we had a fantastic turnout of members and ladies (23 attendees) and everyone had a great time playing card BINGO as entertainment.  Photographs are included below.

Brother Dennis Storey, accompanied by his wife Rhonda, was inducted as the 33rd member of Villages No. 674, solidifying our club’s status as the largest (not including the Masonic Home) club in the Florida State Association of High Twelve.

We are hoping for an even larger turnout of members and ladies for our December meeting (3 December 2025).  This meeting, for the fourth consecutive year, will feature the wonderful voices and cheerful disposition of the Villages Elementary School at Lady Lake Children’s Chorus bringing good holiday/Christmas cheer.

Your attention is further directed to attachment 2 of the minutes.  Attachment 2 is the registration form to attend the Florida State Association of High Twelve which takes place Saturday, 6 December 2025 at Bahia Shrine Temple in Apopka, Florida.  One of our club members, Brother Christopher Townsend is running for State Association Treasurer.  Since we have the largest club it would be nice to represent ourselves well at the State Convention.  It’s only about 1-1/4 hours drive away.

On a more somber note, directing your attention to the sickness and distressed area of the minutes, subsequent information regarding Brother Gerry Usher indicates that Brother Gerry is in serious condition and has been admitted to Shands Hospital in Gainesville.  Our club Chaplain, Brother Dewayne Wiesenmiller, is also not doing well.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Finally, keep 20 December 2025 in mind.  This date marks Paisley Hope Christmas at the library in Paisley, Florida on Route 42.  Our club, along with several other local Masonic bodies, has supported Paisley in the past.  You are invited to come out and help.  It is truly a sight to experience.  Activities begin around 9:30 AM.

David Windmiller, Secretary
maddavid@verizon.net

MASONIC MUSINGS ON MORTALITY
Old Age Is Coming To You – Tolstoy

Old age is coming to you, my Brother, dark shadowed on the swift wings of time. These very true words are not often thought about by young people. I heard them for the first time when I was 21.  They had a profound effect on me when I heard them in the process of becoming a Master Mason.

Thinking about how to imagine looking back on life near death, forced me to consider what was important to do in life forward to look backwards in the future.

The best philosophers, psychologists and psychiatrists say when you are older and especially near death, that reminiscing about the fun and important life experiences you collect with family, friends, your good works, and things you did to help others, are your most worthwhile assets to remember. So, maybe the best way to spend our lives is to collect exciting, interesting, and valuable experiences.

Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, known in English as Leo Tolstoy, was a Russian writer and Jewish. He is revered as one of the greatest and most influential authors of all time. I recommend reading it to everyone.

Lev (Leo) Tolstoy wrote the novel War and Peace, considered around the world as one of, if not the best, and most well-known books ever written. A famous quote by Tolstoy regarding life and death follows:

“The worst thing about death is the fact that when a man is dead it impossible any longer to undo harm you have done to him, or to do the good you haven’t done him. They say: live in such a way as to be always ready to die. I would say: live in such a way that anyone can die without having anything to regret.”

War and Peace, was published during 1869, inside Russia. It detailed the Napoleonic wars and injustices in Russia to its readers. The book was published in French in 1879. Worldwide demand for the book necessitated that it be published in English in New York for Americans Jews and others, in 1886 (139 years ago). The Biblical Jewish name: Lev, means “Giving Thanks.” Then Tolstoy learned that the English translation of  Lev was “Leo” and in English meant Lion. He loved that he would be known as the lion in English and insisted that Leo be used everywhere and always across the world.

Another famous and interesting quote from Leo Tolstoy is: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.” We all know family life is an important value to Masons.

Lev N. Tolstoy, born on September 9, 1828, was a Russian novel writer. Leo  wanted to become a Freemason, like his brother was, but he did not. Without question, Leo Tolstoy was very knowledgeable on the subject of Freemasonry.  His descriptions of Masonic rituals in War and Peace were extremely accurate and detailed.   During his lifetime in Russia, Masonry was considered to hold a philosophy promoting personal worth, liberty, and freedom, which rulers in charge felt was against the best interest of the state. As a famous author, he could have been put to death if he joined our fraternity, as an example of what not to do in that country. Leo Tolstoy died November 20, 1910 (at 82 years old).  

Here is a direct quote on Masonry from War and Peace. Book 6, Chapter 7.

“He divided the Brothers he knew into four categories. In the first he put those who did not take an active part in the affairs of the lodges or in human affairs, but were exclusively occupied with the mystical science of the order: with questions of the threefold designation of God, the three primordial elements—sulfur, mercury, and salt—or the meaning of the square and all the various figures of the temple of Solomon. Pierre respected this class of Brothers to which the elder ones chiefly belonged, including, Pierre thought, Joseph Alexéevich himself, but he did not share their interests. His heart was not in the mystical aspect of Freemasonry.

In the second category Pierre reckoned himself and others like him, seeking and vacillating, who had not yet found in Freemasonry a straight and comprehensible path, but hoped to do so.

In the third category he included those Brothers (the majority) who saw nothing in Freemasonry but the external forms and ceremonies, and prized the strict performance of these forms without troubling about their purport or significance. Such were Willarski and even the Grand Master of the principal lodge.

Finally, to the fourth category also a great many Brothers belonged, particularly those who had lately joined. These according to Pierre’s observations were men who had no belief in anything, nor desire for anything, but joined the Freemasons merely to associate with the wealthy young Brothers who were influential through their connections or rank, and of whom there were very many in the lodge.

Pierre began to feel dissatisfied with what he was doing. Freemasonry, at any rate as he saw it here, sometimes seemed to him based merely on externals. He did not think of doubting Freemasonry itself, but suspected that Russian Masonry had taken a wrong path and deviated from its original principles. And so toward the end of the year he went abroad to be initiated into the higher secrets of the order.”

Submitted by:

William E. Wilkinson, J.D., Dr.P.H., Esq., – Arizona                    
Wolcott Foundation Trustee/Treasurer,
Past High Twelve International General Counsel

Welcomes a Scout With a Mission to Save Lives

Scouting has always brought out the best in young people and Heidi Miller is an outstanding example of why scouts excel in leadership and identifying a problem and developing a solution.

Heidi is a Bronze Award Winner which is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can earn. Heidi and her fellow scouts identified a community issue, researched its cause, and created a solution for the community. The project should benefit the local community and/or Girl Scouting as a whole.

Heidi’s plan is to develop a program for local girls to learn first aid and be prepared in the case of emergencies. She is also assembling first aid kits for distribution to the programs attendees. Heidi’s dad is a Deputy Fire Chief, and shared stories with Heidi about how kids knowing how to call 911 has positively affected the ability of the Fire Department to save lives during a fire. 

Furniture City High Twelve 1st Vice President, Eric Miller, Heidi’s grandfather is shown presenting Heidi with a check for $250.00 to purchase materials needed to provide materials for the class attendees. Heidi made an excellent presentation to the club members, and the club wishes her much success with her program.

Submitted by,
Mike Clark, PSP

NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR ALL WOLCOTT CONTRIBUTIONS!

Beginning July 1, 2025, all High Twelve Club Contributions to the Wolcott Foundation are to be sent directly to:

The George Washington University

PO Box 98131

Washington, DC 20090-8131

Make all checks payable to:

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

(Very Important) Be sure to write:

 WOLCOTT FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP

On the memo line of the check

Wolcott Foundation Fellows For
2025-2027
George Washington University

Wolcott Foundation Report-2025-2026 rev 8/2025

  ATTENTION ALL HIGH 12 CLUBS!!!

NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR ALL WOLCOTT CONTRIBUTIONS!

Beginning July 1, 2025, all High Twelve Club Contributions to the Wolcott Foundation are to be sent directly to:

The George Washington University

PO Box 98131

Washington, DC 20090-8131

Make all checks payable to:

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

(Very Important) Be sure to write:

 WOLCOTT FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP

On the memo line of the check

• The Wolcott Foundation is one of the Oldest Fellowship Granting Foundation at George Washington University. (GWU)
• The 500^th Wolcott Fellowship was awarded in February 2020.
• The Foundation awarded 6 Fellowships for the Fall of 2025 and currently has 12 Wolcott Fellows studying at GWU in the graduate degree program.
• The Current GWU tuition amount is more than $90,000.00+ per student.
• The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Fund provides $30,000.00 per student for the two-year (40 credit hours) graduate-level program.

Applicant requirements to be considered for a Wolcott Fellowship 2025

• Applicants must possess a high moral and ethical character based on Masonic principles and values, and provide examples from their activities.
• U.S. Citizen or Proof of Naturalization.
• Undergraduate Degree earned within the last 10 years.
• Minimum 3.50/4.00 GPA in their Undergraduate Degree.
• Applicants with a personal or Masonic family history receive preference.
• Completion of three 500-word essays on their values and activities.
• Transcripts from undergraduate degrees are required.
• Wolcott Fellows are now chosen by a select committee of GWU Admissions personnel with extensive Masonic knowledge and a long history of working with the Wolcott Foundation in Fellowship selection.
• All Wolcott Foundation Fellowship funds are held in The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Trust at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
• The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Trust is part of the GWU general investment portfolio, allowing for potentially higher returns.
• The university deducts fellowship tuition payments from the trust with no administrative fees or expenses charged to the Foundation.
• Financial reports are provided to the Wolcott Foundation by GWU.
• There are over 300 Senior Wolcott Fellows in our database.
• Approximately 100 Wolcott Fellows are currently working in public service positions, both in the United States and in the foreign service sector.
• All GWU alumni can contribute to the Wolcott Foundation as part of the annual GWU alumni contribution program.
• The Foundation has expanded the contribution program for Wolcott Senior Fellows with the assistance of a group of Senior Fellows from the 1970s, headed by former United States Ambassador/Wolcott Fellow Charles Ford.
• All Wolcott Foundation Financial Reports are under the Wolcott tab on the High Twelve International website (High12.org).
• Information on the Foundation and how our Fellows are chosen can be found on the Wolcott Foundation website (www.wolcottfoundation.com).
• Videos suitable for broadcast of Wolcott Fellows presentations at the Annual Wolcott luncheon are viewable on the Wolcott Foundation website.
• The Wolcott Board of Trustees currently consists of three Trustees from Michigan, South Dakota, and Arizona.
• Each trustee serves for a five-year term and cannot serve for more than two consecutive terms, except for the treasurer, who can serve three terms.
• Trustees meet at the Wolcott Foundation Luncheon at the High Twelve International Convention.
• We ask that you contribute as much as possible to the Wolcott Foundation.

• The Wolcott Foundation is one of the Oldest Fellowship Granting Foundation at George Washington University. (GWU)
• The 500^th Wolcott Fellowship was awarded in February 2020.
• The Foundation awarded 6 Fellowships for the Fall of 2025 and currently has 12 Wolcott Fellows studying at GWU in the graduate degree program.
• The Current GWU tuition amount is more than $90,000.00+ per student.
• The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Fund provides $30,000.00 per student for the two-year (40 credit hours) graduate-level program.

Applicant requirements to be considered for a Wolcott Fellowship 2025

• • Applicants must possess a high moral and ethical character based on Masonic principles and values, and provide examples from their activities.
  • U.S. Citizen or Proof of Naturalization.
  • Undergraduate Degree earned within the last 10 years.
  • Minimum 3.50/4.00 GPA in their Undergraduate Degree.
  • Applicants with a personal or Masonic family history receive preference.
  • Completion of three 500-word essays on their values and activities.
  • Transcripts from undergraduate degrees are required.
• Wolcott Fellows are now chosen by a select committee of GWU Admissions personnel with extensive Masonic knowledge and a long history of working with the Wolcott Foundation in Fellowship selection.
• All Wolcott Foundation Fellowship funds are held in The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Trust at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
• The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Trust is part of the GWU general investment portfolio, allowing for potentially higher returns.
• The university deducts fellowship tuition payments from the trust with no administrative fees or expenses charged to the Foundation.
• Financial reports are provided to the Wolcott Foundation by GWU.
• There are over 300 Senior Wolcott Fellows in our database.
• Approximately 100 Wolcott Fellows are currently working in public service positions, both in the United States and in the foreign service sector.
• All GWU alumni can contribute to the Wolcott Foundation as part of the annual GWU alumni contribution program.
• The Foundation has expanded the contribution program for Wolcott Senior Fellows with the assistance of a group of Senior Fellows from the 1970s, headed by former United States Ambassador/Wolcott Fellow Charles Ford.
• All Wolcott Foundation Financial Reports are under the Wolcott tab on the High Twelve International website (High12.org).
• Information on the Foundation and how our Fellows are chosen can be found on the Wolcott Foundation website (www.wolcottfoundation.com).
• Videos suitable for broadcast of Wolcott Fellows presentations at the Annual Wolcott luncheon are viewable on the Wolcott Foundation website.
• The Wolcott Board of Trustees currently consists of three Trustees from Michigan, South Dakota, and Arizona.
• Each trustee serves for a five-year term and cannot serve for more than two consecutive terms, except for the treasurer, who can serve three terms.
• Trustees meet at the Wolcott Foundation Luncheon at the High Twelve International Convention.

We ask that you contribute as much as
possible to the Wolcott Foundation.

The Wolcott Foundation Board of Trustees announces the completion of the five-year term of office for the trustees of Zone 5/Eastern Region. (New Jersey, District of Columbia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Zone 2 /Northwest Region. (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and South Dakota. The requirements for the application for the trustee’s position are listed below. Any interested applicants should read the requirements and, if qualified, send a letter of application and required documents to: Dr. William Wilkinson-Secretary, The Wolcott Foundation, 8041 N. Northern Ave., Tucson, AZ 85704, prior to March 1, 2026.

Michael E. Clark of Michigan is the current Wolcott trustee for Zone5/Eastern Region and has indicated that he will apply to continue as a Wolcott trustee. This will be his final five-year term of eligibility.

Roger Hansen-PIP of South Dakota is the current Wolcott trustee for Zone 2/Northwest Region and has indicated that he will apply to continue as a Wolcott trustee. This will be his final five-year term of eligibility.

Section C – Qualifications to Serve

1. Zone Trustees shall be a continuing Member in good standing of a Constituent Club of High Twelve International, Inc. The withdrawal, suspension, or discontinuance of the Constituent Club’s Charter shall act as an automatic disqualification of the Officer or Trustee.   An Officer or Trustee shall have forty-five (45) days following the discontinuance of his Club Charter to provide a certification that he has associated himself with a duly constituted Constituent Club within the Zone he represents. 
2. Zone Trustees must be members of a Constituent Club in the Zone they represent.
3. The term for any Elective Zone Trustee shall be for five (5) years or, in the case of appointment to fill a vacancy, the remainder of the Trustee’s predecessor’s term of office. 
4. Regardless of prior service in filling a partial term vacancy as a Zone Trustee as described in paragraph 3 above, a Zone Trustee may be elected to two (2) consecutive five (5) year terms, after which they cannot hold the same office for one (1) election cycle — except the Treasurer who may be elected to three (3) consecutive five (5) year terms. 
5. Trustees shall not hold any elected or appointed office in High Twelve International Inc.

Section D – Nominations for Zone Trustees

1. The Secretary shall, by January 1 of each year, announce in an approved High Twelve International publication or in a written communication, by letter or email, and by posting on the Wolcott Foundation website.
2. The announcement shall include the expiration of a Zone Trustee’s term of office and provide information listed below for application by candidates seeking election to the office of Zone Trustee.
3. Candidates for the office of Zone Trustee for a geographical zone shall be nominated in writing by a High Twelve Member within the Zone, to the Secretary of The Foundation, not later than March 1st of the year in which the office of Zone Trustee is to be filled. If the election is within the zone of the Secretary, then all nominations must be sent to the Chairman or his designee. Nominations may be made by letter or electronically.
4. Such nomination(s) must be filed with the Foundation Secretary and must include:

a. A written endorsement from the nominee’s Constituent Club or a State Association within the Zone for which the nominee is a candidate.
b. Nominee’s signed agreement to serve in accordance with these Bylaws, if elected.

End of Section

Wolcott Fellow Brianna Gist to speak during High Twelve International 2nd VP Fred Kidwell Zoom meeting on January 11, 2026

Every High Twelve Member will
receive a Zoom link via email

Ms. Brianna Gist, who was the featured guest speaker at the 2025 Wolcott Foundation Luncheon in Orlando, Florida, during the High Twelve International Annual Meeting, will be the guest of High Twelve International’s 2nd VP Fred Kidwell during his monthly Zoom meeting to be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST.

Ms. Gist, a second-year Wolcott Fellow at George Washington University in Washington, DC, will make a presentation concerning her current studies at GW, as well as provide information about her current government employment and her plans following graduation. She will then entertain questions from attendees.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of our Wolcott Fellows provide you with information about what it means to be a Wolcott Fellow. This is an opportunity for each High Twelve member to see the results of your contributions to the Little Red School House.

What a fantastic meeting today for Jersey Travelers Club #809!

We were thrilled to welcome our newest member, Brother Nick Connor, into the fold! A huge thank you to Brother Joe Conover and Brother Scott Megee for the generous gift of a beautiful new bell — truly appreciated, Brother!

We also took in nominations for the upcoming elections and enjoyed some great fellowship with everyone in attendance.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in December for final nominations and the election of officers! Let’s make it another great one!

#JerseyTravelers809 #Brotherhood #ClubLife

Robert Sposato, Sr., President

High Twelve International is alive and well in the Garden State. Most clubs in NJ are active and meeting on a regular basis.  High Twelve had an informational booth at Grand Lodge this past November.  Many Brothers stopped by and inquired about our club.  2026 will be busy doing presentations at Deputy School and various Lodges around the state.  Making presentations and getting the wor out works!  If your state or club is failing, try it, it works!

Nelson W. Craig #73 continues to meet on a monthly basis with an average of 15+ members.  Great food along with interesting presentations make for a great afternoon of Fellowship.

Masonic Village at Burlington #640 also meets monthly with about 20 in attendance including residents and non residents.  It great to visit Vito the Brothers and share stories.  There is always a very interesting presentation with interesting conversations.

Mt. Laurel #770 meets monthly at Bob Evan’s, where they treat “Strangers like friends and friends like family”.  Over 20 in attendance including guests and wives. The past few months were full of surprises like 100 Year Birthday Party, a visit from the International President, and much much more.  It’s always a great afternoon.

Jersey Travelers #809 is doing fine.  The past few months kept us at our home base where we welcomed various speakers and presentations.  President Sposato’sprograms kept us traveling and moving all year from place to place supporting various clubs and organizations.

North Jersey #137 is in the process of reorganization and will be back in business soon.  A big Thank You to Brothers Ira and Jay for keeping things together and moving forward.

Alive, Well and Growing, in the Garden State.  

Pictures from Grand Lodge booth and of the NJ Pin

Conrad W. Dombkiewicz, Parliamentarian
High Twelve International

For the 12 December  2025 breakfast gathering, the Sun City West High 12 Club had a presentation from Pastor Mike Turner of the Light of Hope Church.  Pastor Mike spoke about the holiday season and the special celebrations.  Pastor Mike has become a regular presenter for the Club’s programs celebrating Christmas and Easter holiday periods. Below is a photo of Pastor Mike and Sun City West High 12 Club President Don Winscot (on the right in the photo).

The next Sun City West High 12 Club Meeting will be on Friday 09 January 2026 at the Royal Café in Sun City beginning at 12 Noon.  Beginning in January 2026, the Club meetings will regularly be at 12 Noon.  The January 2026 meeting will include lunch and feature a presentation from Jesse Ramirez discussing the West Valley Food Bank operations.  The Sun City West High 12 Club is an annual contributor to this local food bank providing financial resources for the food bank to purchase needed rice and beans.  The January 2026 Club gathering will also include the installation of the Club 2026 Officers.

The Sun City West High 12 Club is coordinating a special luncheon event with the local Allied Masonic Degree (AMD) Council to honor Masonic wives and widows on Saturday February 14.  And, in March, the Club will coordinate with Sun City Masonic Lodge in sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast at the Sun City Masonic Center.  The Pancake Breakfast is a major fundraising event for the High 12 Club.

The Sun City West High 12 Club continues to work on including local Masonic Widows in Club

events.  The Club’s efforts have assisted local Masonic Lodges in maintaining contact with the Masonic Widows living in the West Valley area.

Submitted by,
David Miller, PP, PSP

Nearly 30 members joined the Valley Forge Club for our December Meeting, as we tried out a new meeting location at The Pour House in Exton and it was a hit! Great food, outstanding fellowship and a room filled with energy made for an incredible gathering. We were honored to hear an excellent and moving presentation by Brother Robert Toporek, who shared stories from his military service in Vietnam and spoke about Milton L. Olive III — the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. As a bonus, we were thrilled to welcome Matt Smith as the newest member of our ever-growing club.

All the best,
Eric Downs

Mattoon High 12 #89 held there  annual elections with following results:

Steven Effner President
Terry Hills 1st VP
Stephen Pringle 2nd VP
Richard Hall 3rd VP
Charles Coffee Secretary
Don Mathieu Treasurer

The club meets every Tuesday at noon. we are doing another scholarship raffle and another pizza fundraiser. the new officer take over in January.

Steve Effner, President Elect   

The Florida Masonic High Twelve Association held their Annual Convention and Installation of Officers on December 7th, 2025. Officers installed were:

President – Mike Brown
1st Vice President – Alan Mason
2nd Vice President – Ruben Guzman
3rd Vice President – Roger Hall
Secretary – Jeff Snyder
Treasurer – Christoper Townsend

We would like to congratulate outgoing President Eddie Sanchez and outgoing Treasurer Ron Hicks for an outstanding year!

Thank you Past International President Mark Nokes for conducting the installation.

Jeff Snyder, State Secretary

We installed our 2026 Officers for the ensuing year. Our 2025 officers were installed in the same respective offices: 

President:Bruce Ewald, PP
Vice President: Steve Cooley 
Secy/Treasurer: Jerry Michaelson 
Chaplain: Bro Ron Nystrom
Luncheon Chairman: Bro Bob Kelley 

Installing Officer: Gary Woodine

Our club continues to meet on the third Monday of each month at:

Cisco’s Restaurant, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Submitted by:
Jerry Michaelson
Secy/Treas

Has not had a couple meetings due to the winter weather (and winter wasn’t even official yet).  We’re back on track, tho, just in time for the holidays.

We are meeting at a new location due to the unfortunate situation with the previous restaurant having to close.  We now meet at Family Affair, south West Ave. (Rt. 26), across from Cub Foods in Freeport.  They have been very accommodating and welcomed our group.  They have great food, a large menu and reasonable prices.  Come and visit and check them out.

Our attendance has been up and down, but usually averages 6 to 9, and always includes wives.  

We continue to support the local Salvation Army, which we did at Thanksgiving.  The club also gave to the Rockford TV station that does an annual food drive.  The report was they received over $7,000 as well as all the food.  We were proud to be part of that $7,000.

Again, we welcome visitors and Freeport High Twelve #43 wishes everyone a Very Merry Christmas, and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Roger Carson, Secretary

Merchandise Ordering: Online Merchandise Order From

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