When a man becomes a Mason he is often told that he will only get out of Masonry what he puts into it.   One of the best ways to give back to Masonry is for more knowledgeable brethren to instruct younger Masons.   The Craftsman Club is a valiable tool for DeSoto Lodge, because it is a place for the younger Masons to learn.   In addition to learning, the Craftsman CLub gives evryone a chance to learn more about each other personally.   I am especially grateful for each Brother that regularly attends and would like to encourage anyone who is able to come.   The Craftsman CLub meets every Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m., and I believe it to be vital to the future of Masonry
                                                                                        Ryan Carver, SW

Happy Birthday to the following members:   George Washington Allmon 05/04, Swayne Walker Merrell, WM 05/07; Robert Warren DeShields, Jr. 05/09, Calvin Augustus Millner, Jr. 05/12, Joseph Marshall Thurman, Jr. 05/16, Joseph Pershing Beck 05/18, Orville Perry Adney, Jr. 05/19, Steven Wing Kwong Chow 05/19, Robert Holt Agee 05/20 and Robert Tuttle Harrington 05/24.

If it's your birthday and it is not listed here we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday also, and urge you to send us your information card completed with your current information for our new database.

Our prayers are extended to Mrs June Hubbard who is in Methodist Hospital North Room 343.   Mrs Bobbie Ricketts is at home suffering from a serious illness.

If you know of anyone sick or any deaths please contact our Chaplin, Brother Byron Wilkinson, P.M. at 386-9914.   Brother Wilkinson has been very good about visiting our sick Brothers and their families and reporting back to the Lodge.
 

The winner of the $50.00 gift certificate to Home Depot was won by Brother David Johnson.   The name of Brother Melvin Jenkins was drawn for the $250.00 cash prize.   Brother Jenkins was not present to claim the $250.00 therefore the money will carry over to the June Stated Meeting which will be valued at $300.   The winners of the consolation prizes were Brother Byron Wilkinson, Bill Buff and Mrs Reba Brown.

Our next stated meeting will be June 5, 2003.   Bring a dish and come join us for a nice dinner and great fellowship.

Brother Robert Tuttle Harrington received his Fifty-Year pin, certificate and plaque from Brother Joe C. Harrison, P.G.M. and Brother Swayne Merrell, W.M.

Brother Tim Cook, Sr., P.M. received a plaque from Brother Swayne Merrell, W.M. for an Outstanding Year as Master of the Lodge in the Year 2002..

Mary Audrey Cook also received a plaque for her support and dedication to Brother Cook and the Lodge during the Year of 2002.
 

Don't forget the Memorial Day Breakfast, possible Fellowcraft Degree. Our Annual Picnic and Fish Fry will be June 21, 2003 at Shelby Farms. The exact location will be announced later.   Bring the family and enjoy some great fun.   We will have games and activities for the children and adults, also.   June 6, 2003 is the Shrine Zoo Nite out.   If you want tickets ask the secretary.   They are free.

Although the war in Iraq is over, we still need to keep the men and women serving in the rebuilding of Iraq in our prayers   They are still in harms way. We are grateful to have Brother Tim Cook back from serving his tour of duty at the Pentagon.