May: 3rd,  Jimmy Lajoie (left picture, left side) and Eric Robitaille (right side)  once again took their next steps in Freemasonry as they received the ritual and lessons of the 2nd Degree.  Also Brother Gil Bulley (right picture, second from the right) earned and received the 50 Year Veterans' Medal.  He was joined by his family and son, Steve, who is also a Mason at Good Samaritan Lodge.

April:  TRIVIA QUESTION: Why is it called a Blue Lodge?  ANSWER: The color blue symbolizes the clouded canopy above the Lodge and truth and honesty in all that we do.

April 29th, A MYChIP was organized in  Stoneham at the Town Hall.  We had over 30 Masonic and PTO volunteers which made this an incredible success as we identified over 300 children that day!  Thanks to everyone who participated!

April 5th,  Eric Robitaille and Jimmy Lajoie both took their first steps in Freemasonry as they received the ritual and lessons of the 1st Degree. 

March:   TRIVIA QUESTION: Where did Bro. General Lafayette receive his Masonic Degrees and who was the Worshipful Master?  ANSWER: Military Lodge #10 in Valley Forge, PA and Worshipful George Washington. 

March 19th, Good Samaritan Lodge held its semi annual Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament for the Angel Fund.  For the third time in a row, a non-Mason (and also) female won the tournament!  We raised $75.00 for the Angel Fund and had a spectacular time with 30 participants from 4 different Lodges in our district.  Our next tournament will probably be held in November of 2006.

March 1st, Congratulations to our newest brothers!  Both Ken Shindelman and Sean Moser were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.  They were welcomed to our fraternity with spirited ritual by all the officers participating.

February: 25th: We held a blood drive at the Congregational Church in Stoneham, MA.  51 pints of blood were collected due to the wintry snow conditions. 

February 1st, Brother Kenneth Shindelman took the second step in becoming a Master Mason.  Bro. Gordon Rogerson performed a difficult piece of instruction very well and the night was a memorable one.

January:   TRIVIA QUESTION:  Where is Mount Moriah located?   ANSWER: In Jerusalem (14.5 miles from the River Jordan, 15 miles from the Salt Sea and 41 miles from the Mediterranean).

December: 18th,  Good Samaritan Lodge members and guests joined with three other Lodges in the 13th District and their guests at the Stoneham Theatre to view A Christmas Story performed as a play.  Over 30 people were in attendance and everyone enjoyed the performance and each other's company very much. 

December  7th, was our annual Holiday Party complete with dinner, caroling and Yankee Swap.  A slide show was also shown documenting all the events and activities we participated in over the past year.

November:   TRIVIA QUESTION:  Which Lodge (name) is considered the oldest Masonic Lodge in the world? ANSWER:  Kilwinning Lodge ( Kilwinning, Scotland).

Finally, we held a MYChIP on November 27th, at the Old South Congregational Church in Reading Center.  This is one of our most meaningful programs, especially around the holiday season.  We identified over 50 children and are thankful to have the much needed support from all the brethren and guests of our Lodge to make this a successful event. 

November 12th, we conducted our Semi Annual Angel Fund Poker Tournament, and it was a complete success!  We had both Masonic and non-Masonic participants with fellowship and fun for all, raised $100 for our Angel Fund Account, and accepted an application for membership as a result of the actions of the day.  Cheryl Craigie took first place and won a $50 gift certificate to the restaurant of her choice.  David Craigie took second place and won a One Year Paid Membership Dues certificate for next year (2007).  Jimmy Lajoie (newcomer to Masonry) took third place, a $25 Gas Card.  We thank everyone who participated and look forward to seeing you again at our next tournament scheduled for March 18, 2006!

October: 23rd, Bro. Mike Alves and the 13th Squared Masonic Leadership Institute Team held a Membership Breakfast at the Woburn Masonic Temple for all.  It's intent was to raise Masonic Awareness in our district (Reading, Stoneham, Woburn, Wilmington, Wakefield, Winchester, North Reading) and attract new members to our craft.   Breakfast was served all morning and there were table displays with all the programs membership in Masonry has to offer (Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star, HELP, ChIP, Blood Drives, etc).  They accepted 8 applications total, one was for membership at Good Samaritan Lodge!

October 15th, a Blood Drive was held, with the help of the Knights of Columbus, in Reading and we collected over 70 pints of blood!  Thanks to all who came by to donate or lend a hand that day.

October 5th, it was an enjoyable evening as we recognized R.W. Robert C. Crockett for his service of 27 years as Secretary of Good Samaritan Lodge (and formerly King Cyrus Lodge).  This past year was his final year as Secretary and he received a special bowl with all the names of the Masters of whom he served under this time period.  Bob has done and meant a great deal to all of us and will be missed. 

September:  We participated in our annual Installation of Officers.  It was a memorable event as our Master Donald Scribner installed our Officers one by one while performing difficult ritual.  He was also honored with his "Past Master's Apron" by Michael Alves:

Paul Craigie presented him with his "Past Master's Jewel" to be worn on his jacket, and District Deputy Grand Master George Bibilos awarded Don with his "Past Master's Certificate" in appreciation of all his hard work last year.