Exemplar Lodge No. 471

03/17/2026

Brethren,

This Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. The main event for the evening we will be conferring an EA degree, so if you are doing a part please take time to study it. I also have it on good authority that we will close in the EA so please look over the closing.

Fraternally,
Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.

Exemplar Lodge #471
11th Masonic District Secy.

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Send a message to learn more

02/25/2026

Always happy to see the fraternity displayed in a positive light during a national event. Happy birthday, Bro Taggart!

Last evening during the State of the Union Address, a powerful moment of history and fraternity quietly unfolded.

President Trump recognized 99-year-old World War II veteran George “Buddy” Taggart of Castleton, Vermont. As he was honored before the nation, Brother Taggart wore two pins on his lapel the American flag, and just beneath it, his Masonic pin.

Brother Taggart is a longtime member of Lee Lodge No. 30 in Castleton, Vermont, and was proudly wearing his Grand Lodge of Vermont 70-Year Service pin. Approaching his 100th birthday on July 4th, he is soon to receive his 75-Year Service pin a remarkable testament to a lifetime of dedication to our Craft, his country, and his community.

Adding even deeper Masonic significance to the evening, George Washington’s Masonic gavel was prominently displayed beside House Speaker Mike Johnson. That very gavel was used by Brother George Washington to lay the cornerstone of the United States Capitol in 1793. The gavel is preserved by Potomac Lodge No. 5 , Washington’s lodge, and was specially arranged to be present for the address.

From the founding of our nation to the Greatest Generation, the quiet influence of Freemasonry continues to be woven into the fabric of American history.

Smithfield Masonic Lodge proudly recognizes Brother Taggart for his service, longevity, and steadfast example of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

Happy early 100th Birthday, Brother. 🇺🇸🗝️

02/03/2026

Brethren,

This Thursday, February 5, 2026, will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. A meal will be served at 6:00 p. The gavel will drop at 7:00 pm. We do have a little business to attend to first, but the main event will balloting on a candidate and if the ballot is favorable we will confer the EA degree.

It should be a great night for fellowship and brotherly love. Your favorite secretary plans on being there.

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more

01/30/2026

HEY BROTHER! You have something unique to contribute! Come share your light with the brethren.... or let ours dispel the shadows in your own life. You will be welcomed back!

If you're unsure of who to talk to when you get here, ask for Bro Travis (that's me!) and, as this year's Senior Warden, I would personally love to welcome you back into YOUR lodge!

01/13/2026

Brethren,
This Thursday, January 15,2026, will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. At mess as l will be served at 6:00 pm. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. The only thing the secretary knows is that you will have a guest brother from the Grand Lodge of Illinois, whom you will be present a 50- year pin and certificate from Grand lodge of Illinois.
Just to let you all know my surgery went well, now just recovery. I should be back at our meeting in February. Looking forward to it.

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more

12/29/2025

Brethren,

This Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. I believe a meal will be served at 6:00 pm, with the meeting to begin at 7:00 pm. The secretary has a little bit of items to cover.

Yes I know this is New Year Day, but HoML states that we can not go dark just because of a holiday.

Just to let the brethren know your truly will be out the month of January recovering from surgery, which is schedule for the 9th of January. Paperwork and dues cards will be slow to get out for the first couple of weeks. Bear with it as I will be back as good as new.

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more

12/01/2025

OPEN MEETING ON DEC 4. All EAs, FCs, MMs are allowed to attend and bring any visitors they'd like. Feel free to call Bro Travis (or message Bro Jay or I here) with any questions.

Brethren,

This Thursday, December 4, 2026, will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm with the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm. The main event will be the installation of 2026 officers. This will be an open meeting, therefore spouses or girlfriends may attend.

Also I still have some open positions for the upcoming degree schedule for Dec. 18th. If interested reach out to me for what parts are available.

A reminder your 2026 membership fee is due by December 31, 2026.

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more

11/17/2025

Good evening Brethren,

This Thursday, November 20, 2025, will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm with the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm. From the secretary’s desk we have the minutes for the last few meetings, but for the main event we will electing the 2026 officers. You may want to show to protect yourself from being elected.

I would like to give you all some dates to put on your calendar as the year is drawing to the end:
- December 4, 2025, will be installation of the 2026 officers for Exemplar Lodge.
- December 18, 2025, we will be conferring a MM degree. If you wish to take a part please send me an email, as I’m putting together the team in advance.
- December 31, 2025, Membership fees for 2026 due for all Master Masons

(From Bro Travis: Sorry I haven't been updating as usual. Been super swamped, but back at it now.)

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2025

Brethren,

This Thursday, October 2, 2025 will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm with the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm. The secretary has a little bit of business from his desk, but for main event will be the conferring of an EA degree.

FYI it is that time again when the dues notices will be going out. I’m currently waiting until they get entered in Grandview.

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more

08/31/2025

Brethren,

This Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, will be the stated communication for Exemplar Lodge #471. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm, with the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm. Will have a small something from the secretary’s desk, but the main event we will be doing a MM degree courtesy work for Milford Lodge.

I still have position to fill for the degree. I have one part in first section and 3 in the second section. I interested please contact me I will let you know what is available.

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more

08/19/2025

Good morning everyone! It's a beautiful day. 😁 This was shared by a very worthy brother!

Send a message to learn more

08/18/2025

(Sorry that I've been slacking with the updates! I'm back on the ball now. -Bro Travis)

Brethren,

This Thursday, August 21, 2025, will be the stated meeting for Exemplar Lodge #471. A meal will served at 6:00 pm , with the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm. We will have some business from the secretary’s desk. The worshipful master will be giving a lecture on the four cardinal virtues.

Mark your calendar. September 4, 2025, Exemplar Lodge will be doing courtesy work for Milford Lodge, from Baton Rouge. We will be conferring a master mason degree. I will be putting together the degree team, but first I’m going to let Milford Lodge members pick the parts they want and we can fill in the reminding parts. I will keep all informed.

Fraternally,

Jay Hartley, KYGCH
PM / Secy.
Exemplar Lodge #471

Secretary / Recorder
York Rite Bodies of Lafayette

Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana

Send a message to learn more