Masonry Archives - Blazing Star Lodge #694 F&AM

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.

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 With no out of date bread or any bread for that matter in stores, there will be none collected from stores for redistribution.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

Are you interested in Freemasonry? Contact us to learn more.

Brethren:

Our next communication is Tuesday April 14, 2015. We are proud to feature three different programs that are always very popular in past years. This communication you will dine an a delicious steak dinner while enjoying the Brotherhood of Freemasonry. Then enjoy the fun and laughter while we analyze each other’s “Bad Ties”. Finish the evening while relaxing with desert and a little “Trash to Treasure” auction.

Steak Dinner

We will first enjoy each others Fellowship and Brotherhood over a perfectly cooked Steak Dinner. The steak dinners are always a big hit, mostly due to the outstanding barbecue talents of Bro. John E. Sides include; salad, potatoes, corn on the cob (If available) and desert to follow Closing of the Lodge. Please bring a big appetite and your usual wit. There is plenty of room for everyone, especially those who have not had the opportunity to join us in many week, months, or even years. Please fill out this form to let us know you are coming. CLICK HERE We do not want to run out of steaks.

Bad Tie Night

Another popular and always lots of fun event is our annual “Bad Tie Night”. It will be tough to beat last years bad tie winner Bro. Mike T. which, as I remember, used toilet paper as part of his “Bad Tie” creation. While some like to wear their “Bad Ties” every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, others choose to save the worst for one night a year. Dig deep on those drawers, behind the ugly socks and drag out your worse or best Bad Tie! Tie that around your neck as only a Mason can and flaunt your bad taste around the lodge while we all judge each other’s bad taste.

One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure Auction

Rounding out our trifecta of Masonic fun is the long-awaited, never imitated, often avoided, “One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure Auction”! Please rummage through your basements, attics, and tool sheds to find those treasures you are willing to part with and bring them to the lodge. Word has it that we already have some really nice and fun items waiting to go home to the highest bidders. I can be available on the weekend if anyone wants to drop off their ~~Trash~~ Treasures before Tuesday’s communication. Give me a call and we can arrange meeting. Wor:. Breth is so excited he was planning to go to lodge this past Tuesday!! You know Secretaries, they never get enough.

Dress – normal lodge attire. Bad Tie required.

Dinner – Steak cookout, salad, potato, corn on the cob (if available), and dessert.

Upcoming Communications:

On April 28, 2015 we are raising our new Brothers to the Third Degree. As you remember from your Raising it is very important to have as many Brothers attend. The events of the evening go much smoother with many taking part and we owe it to our new Brothers to be there for them. PLEASE make every effort to attend not only this Raising but every Lodge communication. We are Brothers and we want to enjoy the few hours we have together each month.

Thank you
Wor:. John M.