2016 Master Investitures

For the last 20 years the Past Masters and Masters-elect of the Otsego-Schoharie Masonic District have upheld the tradition of gathering at the historic Bump Tavern (read about the history of the Tavern here: https://www.farmersmuseum.org/node/1152 ) located within the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown, NY to hold their annual Ceremony of Investiture.

This year the Presiding Officer, R:.W:. Bro. Ted Volkert, DDGM introduced the Investing officer, R:.W:. Bro. Roy Bilby, PDDGM, and his staff after the group had been properly soothed by the mellowing tides of bagpipe music provided by W:.Bro. Charlie Poltenson. Masters-elect Bro. Tim Thayer of Cherry Valley Lodge #334, Bro. Kris Kinnear of Cobleskill Lodge #394, Bro. Travis Hartwell of Oneonta Lodge #466, W:. Bro. Randy Rathka of Schoharie Valley Lodge #491, and Bro. Rick Baker of Sidney-Freedom Lodge #801 were put in possession of the secrets of the chair. After the ceremony great dinner was provided by the ladies of Otsego-Hartwich-Arbutus Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star at Otsego Lodge #138 just down the road, and a wonderful speech was given by our Grand Lecturer, R:.W:. Bro. Richard Kessler.