FROM THE EAST
Brethren,
As I have reflected on our upcoming stated in November, and the Master Masons degree that we are going to confer, I ran across a quote from Albert Einstein that I would like to share with you. “A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.” I wrote and researched different aspects of the Mason Masons degree in last month’s bulletin. Once a brother is raised as a Master Mason the lifelong journey begins. Fraternal Brotherhood, Masonic Charity, and Masonic Virtues are now exposed for a lifelong experience and personal growth. Fraternal Brotherhood is much like a university degree, others join the fraternity for both the social aspect of lifelong brotherhood as well as the fellowship enjoyed by its members. Masonic Charity is a vital part that members of our fraternity believe in and actively participate in Masonic charity to various and innumerable worthwhile causes which creates a satisfying feeling of "giving back" to their local communities. The Masonic Virtues of tolerance, prudence, faith, hope, and charity are not simply spoken words, but these, too, are put into practice in the everyday lives of the brotherhood of Freemasons. Participation in your lodge, there are a variety of ways to serve and to benefit,...a period of duty on the one of the committees, waiting on the brothers who have previously waited on you, learning to participate as a sideliner in the degree work until you are comfortable to help in the work; supporting the Lodge simply by regular attendance at Stated and Special Meetings, calling on a brother who is ill; bringing wives, families and friends to social functions, taking up the study of Masonic research, and, of most special importance,... partaking of all the good fellowship which is available to you through your Lodge.
However, the Masonic Third Degree will be a lifelong course of study. Just as college or university degrees prepare students for a lifelong career in their chosen field, financially, your Masonic degree will not enrichen you, monetarily. The enrichment you will find is in the spiritual practice of the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, each day of your life, as you attempt to help others do so, as well.
We will be having our November stated on Friday the 6th. We will have a busy evening.
It is VITAL THAT YOU MAKE EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT WITHIN YOUR CABLE TOW TO BE IN ATTENDANCE. We will be having elections for the next year's Officers. Your attendance is also important as we are having a Master Mason's Degree and by our last count we have 4 Brothers to raise to sublime degree of the Master Mason.
If you have never seen King Solomon performed before or if you have, you have never seen it done as our Grand Secretary, MWPGM Joseph S. Crociata does it. Then to watch and listen as RWB Chip Mahaney, Grand Lecturer provides the lectures with a passion that only he does - We're in for a great treat my brothers!
I look forward to seeing you all in Lodge in November on Friday the 6th.
Fraternally,
D.W. Stephenson Worshipful Master