In an unexpected turn of events, our club’s secretary let us know he would no longer be able to serve due to changes in his role at work. The group was asked if anyone was willing to step in. After a brief pause, I asked whether it would be acceptable for me to volunteer, since I was already serving as parade coordinator. The president agreed, another member immediately seconded the motion, and the club voted me in as secretary.

Taking on the role mid-meeting proved challenging. It was difficult to fully participate while also staying ahead on handwritten notes, especially during discussions about events throughout the year. I quickly had to decide what needed to be recorded verbatim versus summarized, as much of the information came from other clubs, long-standing expectations, historical context, and the shrine itself.

With dues being collected for the first time, I also needed to track who was paying and on whose behalf. Before the meeting ended, I verified the funds collected and confirmed that the balance matched.

In my local Masonic lodge, serving as the assistant secretary is a bit different. There is typically a structured agenda and predefined sections, and I can fill in outcomes directly on a computer. With the Apple Valley Shrine Club, everything is done by hand—and I simply can’t write as fast as I can type.

As secretary of a newly formed club, my responsibilities are now extending beyond meeting notes to include foundational tasks such as club formation and working with the treasurer to establish a bank account.

It’s been a fast introduction to the role, but a necessary one as the club continues to take shape.

After the meeting adjourned, a few of us stayed for a white elephant gift exchange. I felt a bit caught off guard, as most of the gifts were cigars or alcohol. Only two of us brought intentionally odd or humorous items—an interesting contrast in interpretations of the tradition.