From The East

Masonry Does Not Stop

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Brothers, 
It hasn’t come down from Grand Lodge as of yet, however, we need to protect our membership as it comprises some of the high-risk populations (the elderly and those with underlying health issues), and given the uncertainty surrounding of those who contracted the virus and have yet to be diagnosed, I feel that out of an abundance of caution we should cancel Lodge communications until the second Tuesday of April (4/28/2020). This can be re-assessed as events unfold, this is a prudent course of action. Many other Lodges and concordant bodies have canceled meetings and gatherings due to this outbreak. The W:.M:. of Palmer Lodge emailed me and said the Grand Lodge of Canada has suspended all Masonic activities indefinitely. There is a list of cancellations in the Erie district newsletter.

The M:.W:. Grand Master has sent out many communications concerning the virus and measures to be taken to help curtail the spread of this. I have attached some of his guidance.: “Does this affect Masonry? While it may affect some of our assembly’s, Masonry still continues. Common sense must prevail with Hand Washing, Cough/Sneeze in sleeve/tissue, etc. We are all aware of the preventative measures each of us must take which will enhance our ability to work through this situation.

I am in constant contact with those in your Grand Line who possess the expertise needed in this particular situation. As of this communication, all Lodges are given the option of hand contact or no hand contact at our meetings. Initiation Hand Contact should be followed by Hand Sanitizing. “No Handshake” environments should be encouraged.” My apologies go out to Bro. Dolgos as he has been extremely patient and was awaiting his second degree. He will be an excellent Master Mason. 

Steak

Our next communication on Tuesday, April 28th is our annual steak bake and trash to treasure auction. Our Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustees will present their annual reports. Additionally, we have a petitioner to be balloted on.  All Brothers are welcome to join us. Please let us know if you are coming so we can have enough food to go around.

This event will put a lot of strain on charitable organizations such as food pantries and community outreach programs. Brothers of the Bread will suffer also. With no out of date bread or any bread for that matter in stores, there will be none collected from stores for redistribution. I don’t know if the bakeries will help out at this time or if they have the capacity.  In times like this, we as Masons need to ensure our Brothers are ok and have what they need. It is part of our obligation.  If any Brother needs something please reach out to the Brotherhood and we will do what we can to help accommodate.  No one is exempt from this. I hope everyone has what they need and are safe and comfortable.  

“Masonry does not stop. Sometimes meetings are postponed. But Masonry does not stop.” M;.W. William Sardone.

W:. Capron

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Open Installation of Officers 2019 – 2020

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At our last communication, we elected and appointed the officers for the coming year. Our next communication will be a public installation of officers. Bring yourselves, spouses, and friends to the event. Also, this would be good for anyone interested in Masonry, it is a witness of some ritual and to see the Lodge and meet the Brothers.

As usual, dinner is at 6:30 pm the installation starts at 7:30 pm. Officers in tuxes or dark suits. Everyone else regular Masonic dress. Hope to see you all there. Have a safe and fun Memorial Day!  

W:. Glenn

Lodge Night – March 12, 2019, To Future Blazing Star Masons

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Brothers,
At our last communication on February 26, 2019, we put on a First Degree and welcomed Bro. Cius into masonry as an Entered Apprentice. We conducted some business and read quite a bit into Lodge. Also, I want every Brother to re-read the Obligation that they took at the altar of Freemasonry, understand it and work to better support it. As our Past Grand Master Jeffery Williamson said; “Masonry it’s a way of life”.

I received a call from Bro. Andy that he has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. His doctor has a very positive outlook for treatment and remission. Let us all keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
He said due to chemo and radiation he won’t be able to be around Lodge or the public in general for four to six months. He has some arrangements for the Brothers of the Bread, but if you have some free time and can step in I am sure he would be glad to pass on information to help out. Please contact us if you can help.

Our next communication is on March 12, 2019. We do not have an official program for the evening however, I asked W: Barber to take us on a walk about the Lodge. This will be a good education for our newest Brother, Bro. Cius and a welcome refresher for all. Bro. Paterek has a letter to our future Brethren he will read that was sealed in the East Aurora Time Capsule to be opened in 2069 (our bicentennial and the town’s Semiquincentennial). I think this should be a good meeting for all. Afterward, fellowship downstairs as time allows.

Fraternally and respectfully,



W:. Capron

ob·li·ga·tion
Dictionary result for obligation
noun
an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.
synonyms:
duty, commitment, responsibility, moral imperative;
Function, task, job, chore, assignment, commission, business, burden, charge, onus, liability, accountability, requirement, debt, engagement;
Merriam-Webster:
Definition of obligation. 1: the action of obligating oneself to a course of action (as by a promise or vow)

It is the founding tenant of Masonry. Everyone in a Masonic Lodge took the same Obligation. They committed to themselves and their Brothers that they would live and practice a Masonic lifestyle. They knelt at the altar, in the center of the Lodge, recited the Obligation, they then kissed the Holy Bible as a testament of their sincerity of living this Obligation.

A man’s word is his bond. If his word is worthless, so is that man.

Our past Grand Master Jeffery Williamson said it best “Masonry it’s a way of life”.

The Grand Lecturer said being a Mason is not easy. It is easier to not be one. Everyone needs to reread and study the Obligation they took and be prepared to follow in its ways or not be Masons. Masonry is not a part-time job it is a full-time commitment. We all understand that life happens and family is still before Masonry and we all have other commitments. However, we all made a commitment to each other, to this Lodge and to this Fraternity.

Two meetings a month, 18 meetings a year do not make you a Mason. Most of us do not even make that commitment and 90% do not make anything. What kind of Mason is that? A card in your wallet does not make you a Mason. Look inside yourself, reflect and ask yourself these questions: Am I a Mason?
Why did I become a Mason?
Can I be a Mason?
Do I really want to be a Mason?

Many men have joined Masonry and achieved membership in other organizations. Your Blue Lodge isn’t just a stepping stone in your Masonic career, it is the cornerstone, you’re supporting foundation to build on and you should support it.

Allow me to read another definition:
sub·lime
of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.

It is not the Degree itself that is sublime it is you, The Master Mason that is sublime. Each of you should inspire admiration and awe. Other men should want to be like you. Masonry is not an entitlement it is a privilege it should not be given easily or taken lightly.

Amity Meeting Code: RKCSL4
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