Harmony Lodge No. 21
F. & A. M.
LOGAN, UTAH 84321
2024 Annual Lodge Historical Report
The year 2024 AD, marking the 108th year of Harmony Lodge No. 21, has been an exceptional one for our Lodge and its Brothers. Under the leadership of Worshipful Brother Matthew Harris, the focus was on brotherhood, enhancing the membership experience, creating opportunities for growth outside of stated and degree meetings, and fostering connections with Masonic appendant bodies. The Lodge continued to prioritize charity, Masonic education, and the application of teachings from the tracing board, as illuminated in the Volume of Sacred Law prepared by the Grand Architect of the Universe.
Masonic Builder Award
At the beginning of the year, the Lodge set an ambitious goal: achieving the Grand Lodge’s prestigious Masonic Builder Award, a recognition we had not received since 2016. Officers and members planned meticulously, ensuring the Lodge met the award’s requirements. These efforts included visiting other lodges in the district, participating in and learning from degree teams, maintaining a well-planned fiscal budget, and fostering a sense of camaraderie through shared goals and enjoyable activities. In December, we were delighted to learn that our application for the award was approved. This honor will be formally presented during the 2025 Grand Communications.
Mark Master Mason Degree
On March 2nd, Brothers Aaron Kunz and Gary Roberts attended the Mark Master Mason degree held at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple. Following the ceremony, they conducted a self-guided tour of the historic building, immersing themselves in its rich history and unique spirit.
Order of the Bath
Worshipful Brother Tim Fellows and Brother Gary Roberts participated in the Masonic Order of the Bath ceremony at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple. The event provided an opportunity for camaraderie and light-hearted laughter with Brothers from across the Grand Lodge of Utah’s jurisdiction.
50-Year Pin Presentation
In March, the Lodge hosted a special meeting to honor Brother Lloyd E. Harris with his 50-year pin. Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on October 24, 1973, in Victorville Lodge No. 634, Brother Harris has been a quiet yet impactful presence in our Lodge. A Marine veteran, he exemplifies the values of Masonry. The ceremony, held on March 26th, was conducted by his son, Worshipful Brother Matthew Harris, and attended by Brother Harris’s family. It was a beautiful and inspiring event, celebrating a lifetime of service and dedication.
Mrs. Utah American 2023 Visit
One of the most well-attended events of the year was the April visit from Mrs. Utah American 2023. Following dinner in the banquet room, members and guests gathered in the Lodge room to hear her speak. She shared her powerful personal story of being kidnapped by cartel members in Mexico, her eventual ransom and release, and her ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. She highlighted the devastating role of trafficked individuals used as drug mules and the loss of innocent lives. Her message to youth was especially poignant: the drugs being consumed today are tainted with the blood of those who suffer to bring them into the country. Worshipful Brother Harris thanked her for her inspiring discourse and her advocacy.
Service Project
In May, several Brothers dedicated a day to trimming and removing trees from the yard of a Brother facing significant health challenges. Unable to secure help from his local ecclesiastical organization, the Lodge stepped in to assist. The day involved hard work, multiple trips to the landfill, and, most importantly, fulfilling a Brother’s need. The shared effort strengthened the bonds among the participants and exemplified the spirit of Masonic service.
Grand Master’s Visitation
The June visitation of the Grand Master was a historic occasion, with most of the Grand Line and several Past Grand Masters present—an event not seen in many years in our northern lodge room. The Lodge was opened and then called to rest so all could share a meal in the dining room. Following Masonic protocol, the Grand Master and his officers were introduced and seated, and the gavel was tendered to the Grand Master to preside over the meeting.
The Worshipful Master’s report prompted lively discussions on the Lodge’s activities and areas of concern, with Brothers gaining valuable insights. The Grand Orator’s address and an educational presentation by the Senior Warden were well-received. Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Brother Joseph Milner shared his plans for a visitation in June 2025, expressing his appreciation for our efforts and his readiness to offer support.
Corrine Lodge Oyster Fry
In November, several Brothers attended the annual Oyster Fry at Corrine Lodge No. 5. The event was, as always, a lively and enjoyable occasion filled with fellowship and excellent food.
Collaboration with Corrine Lodge No. 5
Harmony Lodge continued its longstanding relationship with Corrine Lodge No. 5. Members attended Corrine Lodge’s stated meetings late in the year, strengthening ties and renewing friendships. The Lodge also assisted with Corrine’s officer installation in December, with Worshipful Master Matthew Harris, Worshipful Brother Kurtis Payne, and Brother Lloyd Harris serving as installation officers at the request of Corrine’s Worshipful Master-elect. The ceremony was a memorable event, marked by the inspiring remarks of Worshipful Brothers Blair Hope and Shawn Milne. It was a reminder of the shared history and fellowship between our Lodges, as Corrine Lodge played a key role in helping establish Harmony Lodge in Cache Valley.
Visitation of Malad Lodge No. 51
Harmony Lodge was honored to host a visitation from Malad Lodge No. 51 of the Grand Lodge of Idaho Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In December, Worshipful Brother Kary Peterson, accompanied by his Lodge’s Treasurer, two Fellowcraft Brothers, and a newly initiated Entered Apprentice, attended our stated meeting. The evening began with a shared dinner, fostering camaraderie and fraternal connections. During the meeting, fraternal greetings were exchanged, and the visiting Brothers participated in the proceedings. Worshipful Brother Harris presented each of the visiting Brethren with a Harmony Lodge No. 21 challenge coin as a token of appreciation and friendship. In return, they gave our Lodge an authentic Acacia tree seedling grown from seed purchased out of Africa by their Worshipful Master. The visit strengthened the bond between our Lodges and highlighted the shared values and traditions of Masonry.
Monthly Breakfasts
The Lodge continued its tradition of hosting breakfasts on the fourth Saturday of each month. These gatherings provided a welcoming space for Brothers, family, and friends, as well as prospective members to learn more about Freemasonry. The breakfasts were consistently well-attended and served as an excellent platform for fostering fellowship and engaging with the wider community.
At one of these breakfasts, guest speaker Penny Pritchard delivered an insightful presentation on the Order of the Eastern Star and their efforts in Utah. Her talk sparked interest in potentially reestablishing a chapter in Cache Valley, offering an exciting opportunity for future collaboration.
Other Activities
The Lodge organized several unique events this year to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and enrich the membership experience:
Lodge Date Night: The Brothers treated their wives and significant others to a delightful dinner at Beehive Grill, expressing appreciation for their support and understanding of our Masonic duties.
Vinyl Night: A relaxed evening where Brothers shared their favorite music on vinyl records, enjoying camaraderie and discovering each other’s musical tastes.
Documentary Screening: The Lodge hosted a showing of “The Masonic Table – The Art of Dining in Freemasonry” to explore the rich traditions and history of Masonic dining. The event prompted a lively discussion on how to incorporate these customs into our own gatherings.
Movie Night: The brethren enjoyed a screening of “The Man Who Would Be King,” followed by a discussion about the film’s Masonic symbolism and themes.
Degree Work and Membership
The Lodge was active in conferring degrees this year:
Entered Apprentices: 2 (Brothers Jesus Ramirez and Matthew Aston)
Fellowcrafts: 3 (Brothers Joshua Flansburg, Rick Major, and Cole Peterson)
Master Masons: 5 (Brothers Aaron Kunz, Cody Stoddard, Derick Morrison, Joshua Flansburg, and Cole Peterson)
We are grateful for the assistance from Gateway, Golden Spike, Unity, Oquirrh, and Corrine Lodges in completing several of these degrees.
Membership experienced growth, with five new Master Masons raised. The Lodge also recorded one demit, one honorary member expulsion, and one suspension for non-payment of dues. The prospect committee is currently working with 16 active candidates, offering great promise for the future.
2024 Officers
Worshipful Master: Matthew A. Harris, PM
Senior Warden: Seth B. Pritchard
Junior Warden: Arbon C. Ransom
Treasurer: Philip R. Henderson
Secretary: Gary T. Roberts
Chaplain: Aaron M. Kunz
Senior Deacon: Kurtis B. Payne, PM
Junior Deacon: Lloyd E. Harris
Senior Stewart: Cody Stoddard
Junior Stewart: Joshua W. Flansberg
Tyler: James F. Bates
3 Year Trustee: Timothy C. Fellows, PM
2 Year Trustee: Gary T. Roberts
1 Year Trustee: Seth B. Pritchard
Deputy Grand Lodge Lecturer: Timothy C. Fellows, PM
Looking Ahead
As 2024 concludes, we reflect on a year filled with progress, service, and fellowship. With peace and harmony prevailing, we look forward to continuing our Masonic journey and achieving even greater milestones in 2025.
Fraternally submitted,
Gary T. Roberts, Secretary