Pictured left to right: Bob Weegar (son), Grand Master Terry L. Seward and Dan Weegar (father). Dan is a newly raised brother and now joins his son as a member of Men in Brotherhood Lodge #1178.
Also from Men in Brotherhood Lodge, Peter Pellegrino (father) & Michael Pellegrino (son). Michael became a brother entitled to all the rights and privileges at the Grand Master's Class on December 8th and was one the exemplars
It started as a conversation between Grand Master Terry L. Seward and NEAADGM Mark Entwistle shortly after the 173rd Communication. RW Bro. Mark expressed his concerns over the totals in the most recent unfinished work report and asked if a Grand Master's Class could be held for the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Northeastern Districts.
MW Bro. Seward agreed that this was a good solution. The date of December 8th was set, and the calls began to reach those who were both available on that date and proficient in the work. RW Bro. Mark's efforts to assemble the slate brought a literal all-star cast, including many from outside the districts just mentioned, who obligated, raised, gave ritual and lectures and performed the necessary floor work.
It was a special Saturday indeed. There was the elegance of the new Elmhurst Masonic Temple, a strong effort put forth by those who performed the work, support and enthusiasm of all those who watched from the sidelines and the appreciation shown by the 54 newly raised brethren who are now prepared to move forward with their Masonic journey and speculative career. In addition, our Grand Master's congenial and detailed explanation to the candidates throughout the ceremonies made it all something far from what would be considered "mass degrees". Instead, the decorum and the ways things fell into place made this a most solemn and memorable event, certainly one that the 54 brethren will remember for the rest of their lives. In fact, this Grand Master's Class could be considered one of the watershed Masonic events of the year in our jurisdiction.