Four To Be Raised Tomorrow Night

A class of four will be Raised tomorrow night at Gate City Lodge No. 2. Of course, the degree will be conferred by candle light and in formal attire.

Gate City II is an Atlanta Masonic Lodge. We are Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

A Salute to Jeff Hodges Year As Grand Commander: Photos By Bob Tidwell:

At eighty three years old, most men are contemplating their past. At eighty three, Jeff Hodges became Grand Commander of the Knights Templar in Georgia. The office of Grand Commander entails administration, travel and more travel. Part of the reason for such a rigid travel schedule is to oversee state wide inspections. Another reason for such extensive travel is to regulate and administer the agenda of the brotherhood.

By all accounts, Jeff brought a sense of balance, stability, and leadership to the grand Commandery. He attended the majority of all inspections to see that they went according to grand encampment rules. During his year, he was instrumental in keeping the brotherhood of the knights Templar together. In the words of several Brethren interviewed for this article, "Jeff set a top notch example of what the Templar's represent."

Not only was there an agenda to implement and oversee, there was also a rather large charitable concern to navigate. The Knights Templar Eye Foundation is a charity which pays full or partial costs for operations of those in need of restorative sight procedures. Three to four thousand people a year receive assistance from this program, from cornea transplants to removal of cataracts.

One of Jeff's favorite moments of his year was laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony was performed in the exact manner in which a President of the United States would lay the wreath.



Jeff, towards the end of his year as Grand Commander, stands at the portrait of another Gate City II Giant, Joseph C. Greenfield, just outside the York Rite Room of the AMC.




Speaking of Giants, here's a pair of giant hams performing the Gimme Degree. Created by Gary Lemmons and Jeff Hodges (left to right), the Gimme Degree was founded after they'd both received just about every other honor from the appendant Masonic bodies - all of course for a fee. The secret sign of the Gimme Degree is to extend the crossed arms forward and wiggle the fingers. Gary and Jeff have been recognizing each other in this fashion for years. Recently, in a hotel lobby during check in, they flashed the Gimme Sign at each other from across the lobby. A visiting Brother from another jurisdiction saw the sign exchange and was perplexed, "What degree is this?" He asked Gary Lemmons. "The Gimme Degree," Gary replied. Gary then said to Jeff, "This Brother has never received the Gimme Degree." Jeff looked amazed at the visiting brother who was just then reaching in to his coat pocket for his check book. They didn't have the heart to take his money.

Fuzzy Dumplin'. Jeff's chapeau case is instantly recognizable by the knitted balls that are tied to the handle. They were knitted by Lady Chumley who was by Jeff's side for his entire ride as Grand Commander. A year of such high office is taxing for anyone but doubly so for a couple in their eighties. Well done, we love you and we are proud of you both!

Gate City II is an Atlanta Masonic Lodge. We are Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

Masonic Central To Interview Members of Gate City Lodge No. 2 Tomorrow Night 9PM EST: Listen Live!

Michael Bjelajac and Beaux Pettys will be interviewed by Masonic Central at 9PM EST on April 4, 2010. The interview will be recorded live. Hear it at Gate City Interview, Masonic Blog Central.

The Interview is Entitled, "Social Capitol and the Era of Gate City Lodge," and will contain the following subject matter:
What makes a lodge successful? Is it the energy behind the lodge, the people that create it? And, does that energy come at a cost? Is there a social capitol that is bartered in an invisible exchange that at times reflects a huge value where at others it challenges its very existence.

One such lodge happens to be a nexus for this very question, and has had a year to barter and trade on its own social capitol building a reputation amongst its community and amongst its peers. And this development has not been free of cost. Gate City Lodge in Atlanta Georgia has had a dynamic year, from a public forum on Catholicism and Masonry to a feature article about them in the New York Times. All in all, Gate city is not unaccustomed to controversy or at least some growing pains since its founding in 1887.

Since then, Gate City has suffered war, fire, growth and decline, all of which are no strangers to lodges of this age, yet Gate City has re-awoken as a cosmopolitan styled lodge, progressive in its ideas (even if they do not see themselves as such) and yet still as traditional as the day they fought to become the 4th lodges in the already crowded Georgian capital.

Join us Sunday, April 4th, as Masonic Central welcomes the brothers of Gate City Lodge No.2 from the beautiful city of Atlanta, Georgia. We look forward to a healthy discussion of the lodges antebellum origins and is present day revival in a city known for its diversity of population and as one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in America. The Show will record live at 6pm PST/9pm EST at Masonic Central on Blog Talk Radio. If you have questions or comments for the brothers, you can dial in to the live show by calling 347-677-0936 during the program.

Gate City II is an Atlanta Masonic Lodge. We are Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

PGM William M. Hutcheson Has Passed:

Two weeks ago, PGM William M. Hutcheson gave this picture to Jeremy Conlon. At Jeremy's request, PGM Hutcheson wrote highlights from his military career on the back of the picture. Rest In Peace, Captain.

Victor Marshall's father has passed:

A Message From Worshipful Master Mike Bjelajac:
Dear Brethren & Friends,

It is with a sad heart that I inform you that at 3:00AM this morning, Bro. Victor Marshall's father (Mr. Rudolph Marshall 57), has passed away after battling complications stemming from Pneumonia.

Yesterday afternoon, Victor was notified that his father was being admitted to Upson Regional Medical Center's ICU after only being discharged a week earlier after being treated for Pneumonia. Victor advised that at the time of his admission, his father was unable to breathe on his own and his blood pressure had dropped below 50. As any good son would do, Victor immediately rushed to his father's side during his final hours as doctors fought to stabilize him.

I spoke with Victor this morning upon receiving his text message advising of his father's passing. As you can imagine, Victor is still processing all of this and he has advised that as of this moment neither he or his family is in need of anything other than your thoughts and prayers. I told Victor that if there are any needs or concerns that we may assist with, to please not hesitate to ask. I will keep everyone posted as further information becomes available regarding the funeral services for Mr. Rudolph Marshall.

Brethren, please keep Bro. Victor Marhall and his family in your thoughts and prayers when on bended knee.

S&F

WB Michael Bjelajac
GCII

Tomorrow Night!!!!!!!!!!! Falconry: Ancient and Modern Usages:

Don't forget to rsvp for this event at rsvp@gatecity2.org.

Please remember to RSVP for dinner by tomorrow morning.

Gate City II is an Atlanta Masonic Lodge. We are Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

Fifty to Attend GCII Hockey Night:

Fifty Brethren and friends of Gate City Lodge No. 2 will be attending Hockey Night. We will hopefully watch the Atlanta Thrashers beat whomever on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. There may be a couple of tickets left. For any remaining tickets, please inquire at our regularly scheduled meeting, tomorrow evening, or email us at rsvp@gatecity2.org.

Gate City II is an Atlanta Masonic Lodge. We are Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309. Go Thrashers!