On November 18th, the Grand Master of California, Rita Cooper, visited Gilroy 154 for her official visit. We had a delicious steak and shrimp dinner, cooked by Mark Ellender of Emerald Bay 50. For the visit itself, Grand Instructor Zoe Timmerman acted as Marshall, with Donna Miller (Secretary of the Rebekahs), Debbie Shuler (Past Grand Patriarch), Adam Potolsky (Grand Warden) and Richard Gunnels (50+ year member) joining as dignitaries. Ben Shuler was also acknowledged as a long-time member.
The meeting itself included a review of the bylaws, as well as the reading of three new applications. As it was an open meeting, one of the prospective members was able to sit with us and hear what we’re about. Fortunately, he still wanted to join by the end.
For Good of the Order, Sister Rita shared a passage about the history of Gilroy #154. What was particularly interesting to learn was that Gilroy #154, so recently back from the dead, as it were, actually had a near-death experience in the 1980’s, where they lost their charter, but then managed to recover it before the 3 years’ time limit that would have forced them to give up their assets, exactly like what happened between 2023 and 2024. The members appreciated hearing about their lodge’s story. Rita also shared the details of her programs, and the lodge made a $200 donation in her honor.
Gilroy 154 really enjoyed their visit with the Grand Master, and before leaving, everyone shared in a delicious selection of desserts, including some of the best cheesecake in existence (from the Rebekahs of Knights Ferry – if you know, you know!)
— by Mason Wolf