Keith Lodge No. 23 F&AM

06/04/2026

A wonderful night was had for our Official visit by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master Christopher Kitson.

Being a homecoming for him and one of his last visits to Keith Lodge #23 in an official capacity, I do hope it was a memorable one for all who attended on him last evening.

Of note, an excellent meal before hand of deep fried turkey cooked by the expert hands of our Brother Secretary WB Timmins, served efficiently by WB Knowles and Bro Kaine, and supporting tickets and beverages were RWB Ellsworth and Bro Arsenault respectively. Over 35 dined on this wonderfully prepared and served meal with very good reviews. A portion of the proceeds raised through tickets sales for the meal will be applied to our fundraising goal for Camp GoodTimes.

RWB Strickland was presented with his 25 year Service Award. Greatly deserved for all his hard work, mentoring and fellowship to all who have met him.

RWB Leadbetter, our usual JW, entered as part of the Grand Lodge entourage as Junior Grand Warden, WB Alex Deware as Senior Grand Deacon, and WB Justin Lewis as Grand Standard Bearer. Including his MWtGM, this accounts for 4 members of our lodge serving in a Grand Lodge capacity, and we could not be prouder of their service and achievements.

And last but not least, a last minute request by RWB Powers to make a presentation to his MWtGM - a portrait painted from a photo taken previously of the Grand Master behind the podium in the East of Keith Lodge on his first official visit. It was greatly admired by all, especially its intended recipient.

To all who attended, and contributed to all parts of last night's meeting, I thank you.

See you all again in the fall when we return to labour and continue the fine traditions of Keith Lodge #23 of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick.

Fraternally Yours,

WM Rick Arseneault

05/27/2026

It will be a somewhat busy week our first week in June for Keith lodge and possibly historic, at the least.

On Monday, June 1st, as previously mentioned, we will be meeting at the Temple at 4 pm to organize our caravan (as mentioned in our bulletin) and then to off to Keith #23 in Stellarton for their meeting at 7 pm. It promises to be historic as we anticipate to be joined by Master Masons from Keith #16 of Bear River and Keith #17 of Halifax. Feel free to reach out for any further info or questions to myself or our Brother Secretary.

Our regular communication will take place on June 3 and is the official visit of MWtGM Chris Kitson. In his honor, we will be having a meal beforehand of deep fried turkey with a choice of sides and a dessert. The Masonic Club will be opened at 6:15 p.m., the meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door ($15) with a limited amount of 40. A portion of the proceeds will go towards our 2026 fundraisiing goal for Camp GoodTimes. (Prompt attendance will ensure your seat. Parking near the temple on the surrounding streets is always free after 6 p.m.)

I expect a well attended entourage, as usual, for this visit by the MWtGM, especially since it is also a welcome "home"and his last official visit to Keith #23. We are very proud that one of our very own is serving as Grand Master and it promises to be a very special night in our long history.

Fraternally Yours,
WM Rick Arseneault

05/18/2026

On Monday, June 1st, we will be assembling a caravan of Brethren to make a long overdue reciprocal vistiation to Keith #23 of the GLNS in Stellarton. It is expected that members of 2 other Keith lodges from NS will be in attendance which would make for a historic night of fellowship. *Edit: This trip is only open to MM due to the agenda at their lodge that night.

The interim plan is to gather at the Moncton Masonic Temple to faciltate the organization of car pools. An email from our secretary WB Timmins will be sent out with details for that evening and any furter questions can be forwarded to myself or to WB Timmins via his regular email address used for distributing our regular bulletins.

Keith #23 in Stellarton opens at 7 pm.

WM Rick Arseneault

05/10/2026

A very busy weekend was attended by Keith Lodge members in Saint John as it was the annual Grand Lodge communication.

One highlight was to witness the installation of our lodge Junior Warden Matt Leadbetter into his elected position of Grand Junior Warden, which was also witnessed and attended by his fellow brothers, his father and grandfather. Congratulations once again, Matt.

Two of our Past Masters were also installed into Grand Lodge officer roles.

MWtGM Christopher Kitson was reinstalled for his second year term as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick. No doubt, it will be as successful as the previous.

WB Alex Deware was installed as Grand Senior Deacon and rounded off 3 members of this Lodge in Grand Lodge officer roles. Congratulations to all and we are very proud to be represented by three very good Masons in these important roles.

And as eventful and memorable as every Grand Lodge can be for a Mason in New Brunswick, we should always be mindful and give proper respect to the Sunday that follows as it's one that is universally recognized as Mother's Day. For all those Mom's who gave and still give of themselves for all us and our children, we wish you all a wonderful and Happy Mother's Day!

***Edited and thanks to Bro Ken Arsenault for the prompt to make the appropriate correction

05/08/2026

Congratulations to our very own Matt Leadbetter on his election to Junior Grand Warden! We'll all see you tomorrow at your installation. Well deserved!!

04/03/2026

Here's one dog that's happy that dad bought a ticket for our Pet Treat basket as part of our fundraising for Camp Good Times.

Rascal will be making Bro. Ray Blakeney carry his new found treasure home tonight. Next best thing to the Easter Bunny for this handsome little fella.

03/19/2026

I had intended in drawing the winning ticket for the Pet Treat basket this Friday at the Masonic Club but unfortunately, I have been called out of town for the weekend so we will have the draw in 2 weeks on my next Friday off.

Apologies for delaying the draw . Tickets are still available - 1 for $5, 3 for $10. Please contact WM Rick Arseneault to make arrangements to acquire your tickets for the draw which will be on April 3.

03/16/2026

03/14/2026

Happy Saturday!

03/08/2026

This is a great episode of Craftcast, the official podcast of the United Grand Lodge of England.

Its a great conversation and I'm sure many of you will identify with what's discussed.

We are ending with something truly special. Shaun, Stephen, and James are joined by Nando Caicedo, Master-Elect of Lodge No.10,000, for a rare conversation about what Freemasonry really feels like from the inside.