From the East
Brethren,
With Easter and Passover approaching, let’s all take a few minutes to pray for our families, our country and for peace. As Masons, we can set an example for those around us by practicing friendship, morality and brotherly love. These virtues seem to be lost for many people in today’s world.
Spring is here – a time of renewal. For me that means a time of re-dedication. I have been working on learning the lectures and I am rededicating myself to this goal. Speaking of learning the ritual, I’d like to recognize one of our relatively new Master Masons and Senior Steward, Garett Latham. Garett has learned the 1st Degree Charge and is well on his way to learning the Staircase Lecture. By comparison, I didn’t learn that lecture until halfway through my Senior Deacon year. Garett also comes to our Thursday practices and is working on learning the parts for each place and station. He can fill the Junior Deacon’s place or Junior Warden’s station when asked.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the Officers Installation for the Daughters of the Nile. Their installation ceremony was beautiful and well performed. I congratulated their new officers on behalf of Phalanx Lodge. The Daughters of the Nile are an appendant organization of the Shriners and have raised more than $70 million for Shriner Hospitals. They are a very friendly and dedicated group of ladies.
I hope you are all doing well. Happy Easter to our Christian brethren and Happy Passover to our Jewish brethren.
Fraternally,
John Hulla, PM
From the South
Brothers,
“The things a man has to have are hope and confidence in himself against odds, and sometimes he needs somebody, his pal or his mother or his wife or God, to give him that confidence. He’s got to have some inner standards worth fighting for or there won’t be any way to bring him into conflict. And he must be ready to choose death before dishonor without making too much song and dance about it. That’s all there is to it.” -Bro. Clark Gable, US movie actor (1901- 1960) Beverly Hills Lodge No. 528, Beverly Hills, CA
Brothers, I am elated to be a part of such a wonderful organization with Brothers that I can call friends. Witnessing and assisting in the raising of three Master Masons this past month was a beautiful sight. The evening at DTR on Feb 28 felt fun, comforting and exciting at the same time.
One of the many things in life we try to achieve is friendship and brotherly love. We should make a concerted effort to really know one another. Yes, we meet at the Lodge for stated communications. But our love and friendships extend beyond the one-day a month when we meet. We are all here for something greater. What that is, is up to the individual to find. Friendship, ritual and practice brings us together in ways the uninitiated cannot comprehend.
Take a moment, reach out to someone you may want to know a little better. Go have lunch, dinner. You may learn
something.
Fraternally,
Jafffer Kovic – JW
From the Secretary
Brothers,
I want to thank those of you who’ve chosen to donate additional monies when paying your 2023 dues. To date, members have chosen to give over $4,000 to our masonic charities and the lodge itself. I also wanted to remind you that our current fundraiser is through $20 Autobell gift cards. These were pre-purchased by the lodge, and for each $20 card purchased, $10 will be donated to the masonic charities. Even if you don’t frequent Autobell, I’m certain that your vehicle has that yellow tint these days and could at least benefit from one of their $6.00 ride-thru’s. Drop me a check if you are in need of a card (or cards).
I also wanted to remind you of the Phalanx Lodge Challenge Coin that is available. Every member is eligible for one at no cost, with additional coins available for $10.00. Please let me know if you have not asked for a coin yet, and desire one.
Fraternally,
Mike Hamrick, PM
Secretary