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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