The COVID-19 nationwide shutdown has affected quite literally everything in life, and the Dwight L. Smith Lodge of Research is no exception. Our annual summer meeting would have taken place as part of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana, but that event has been postponed twice, and finally canceled entirely by Grand Master Kenneth Roy, Jr. We had also been planning two major events this past spring: a Saturday Masonic road trip to the J. H. Rathbone Museum, the beautiful hall of Battle Ground Lodge No. 313, and the Tippecanoe Battlefield in Lafayette; and the dedication of the Grand Lodge Historical Marker memorializing our namesake, Dwight L. Smith, at Salem Lodge. All of our best-laid plans have been put on hold as we await the state to return to some semblance of normalcy.
As late as July, the Governor of Indiana has extended restrictions on in-person gatherings and slowed the plans to reopen the state. As soon as we are able to make definitive plans and Masonic activity can resume, we will update you on upcoming events of the DLS LOR that will happen hopefully later this summer and into fall.
In the meantime, we have been making changes and additions to the new website at: https://dlslodgeofresearch.net
Whether we realize it or not, we are all living through a unique moment in the history of Mankind. As Master of Indiana’s research lodge, I deeply appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this unique and difficult moment in time. Each of us should take this opportunity to record the actions and activities of our own local lodges and our brethren to be certain future generations have some understanding of how we all responded as Masons during the global pandemic. It’s not often we get to record such events in real time with the realization of their importance to the future.
Dwight would want us all to do our part.
Sincerely and most fraternally,
CHRISTOPHER L. HODAPP, Worshipful Master
Dwight L. Smith Lodge of Research U.D.
