Dear Brother,
A quick glance at the letterhead above immediately reveals that Hiram Lodge will soon be celebrating 200 years of Freemasonry in Franklin, Tennessee. This is a significant historical event for our lodge, our fraternity, and our community. Because so few lodges have reached this milestone, it is important that we properly recognize and celebrate our achievement.
The United States of America is a relatively young nation, and it wasn't many years ago that our country celebrated its own bicentennial. Freemasonry has a profound influence on the birth and development of this nation, and the fraternity's history has been memorialized in may ways in many places.
America's history is chronicled by countless dates and landmarks, but only a few monuments have existed since our nation's birth. In most cases, the people or organizations that erected those monuments are long gone - remembered only with granite and bronze.
Hiram Lodge is different, though. It is unique - a living monument. It is older and more persistent than the bricks and mortar that house its artifacts. The Master Masons who comprise Hiram Lodge can be proud of their long history and continued presence. It would be selfish for us not to share our commemoration.
The Bicentennial Celebration Committee was organized last year to ensure our lodge's 200th anniversary would be a first-class affair. The group is headed by Bro. John L. Palmer, PGM, and is comprised of several subcommittees. The Order of the Eastern Star is also lending its support. The initial preparation is underway, and planning will continue throughout the coming year.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well. To that end, a whole host of events are scheduled for 2009 that will showcase the splendor of Freemasonry to the entire community. The celebration will culminate in a formal gala on October 10, 2009. It promises to be a memorable year, and every Brother Mason will have many opportunities to get involved.
In order for these events to be truly successful, the Bicentennial Celebration Committee is seeking sponsors and donations from local businesses, community organizations, and private individuals, as well as from within the Fraternity. A fraternity is made up of brothers, united by purpose, and dedicated to a goal. Our objective is to raise $25,000 by the end of this year. Each member of Hiram Lodge can help us meet this financial target by:
1.) Making a personal donation to the Bicentennial Celebration Committee,
2.) Providing contacts for other potential sponsors and donors, and
3.) Participating in and supporting the bicentennial events.
Our success is based on the sponsorship, donations, and support we receive. Please help us make the Hiram Lodge Bicentennial Celebration a memorable event by completing and returning the attached sponsorship form. If you have any questions or comments, contact John Palmer, Chairman, at (615) 283-8477. More information will be posted on the lodge website and in upcoming newsletters.
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2009 Hiram Lodge Bicentennial Celebration Events
April 25-26 Franklin Main Street Festival
June 6-7 HF Tour of Homes
July 25 Past Masters Dinner
October 10 Bicentennial Gala
October 10 Birthday Celebration
October 10 Open House
TBA Sponsor Appreciation Reception at Lodge
December 5-6 Carter House Candle Light Tour
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Name: ____________________________________________
Organization: _______________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
City, State & Zip: ____________________________________
Email address: ______________________________________
Phone: ___________________ Fax: ____________________
$2,500 Master Sponsors
Tickets to Gala Celebration
Logo and Name on all event programs
Sponsor banners at all events during year
Name on Permanent Sponsor Plaque in Lodge
Recognition in Articles and News Releases during the year
Regular announcements in Lodge newsletters to all 300 plus members
$1,000 - $2,499 Warden Sponsors
Name on all event programs
Sponsor banners at all events during year
Name on Permanent Sponsor Plaque in Lodge
Recognition in Articles and News Releases during the year
Regular announcements in Lodge newsletters to all 300 plus members
$500 - $999 Deacon Sponsors
Name on all event programs
Name on Permanent Sponsor Plaque in Lodge
Regular announcements in Lodge newsletters to all 300 plus members
$100 - $499 Steward Sponsors
Lapel pin
Name on Permanent Sponsor Plaque in Lodge
Regular announcements in Lodge newsletters to all 300 plus members
Under $100 Sponsors
Lapel Pin
Announcement in Lodge newsletter to all 300 plus members
All donations will be recognized and are appreciated
Please make all checks payable to Hiram Lodge Bicentennial Committee. Mail to:
John Palmer
P.O. Box 566
Nolensville, TN 37135-0566
Email Questions: John Palmer, PGM
