From the East
Greetings from the East.
Summer is a time of vacations and picnics. Brothers, seize that time with your families. Accordingly, your lodge will not meet in July, and practice night is suspended until August.
Fraternally,
Glenn R. Sigmon – Master
From the West
It being the month of July, in this Trestle Board article we will celebrate the Freemasons and the foundation on which this country was built.
The 4th of July is a very important date for Freemasons and is celebrated by members of the craft all over the world. Freemasons and the fourth of July are interconnected by the events that took place on that date, which would not have been possible or would have taken place very differently if it weren’t for Freemasons.
The Declaration of Independence was signed and accepted into Congress on the fourth of July 1776, marking the birth of the United States. This date is important to Freemasons because they have influenced greatly the Declaration of Independence, and the founding fathers of the United States were Freemasons. Five of the men on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence were believed to be Freemasons and of those who signed the Declaration the majority were Freemasons.
This shows that one of the most influential voices shaping the nation of the United Sates was a masonic voice. In fact, the Declaration of Independence marks a fraternal achievement and one can notice various ideals of Freemasonry in the declaration. Freemasonry is at the very base of the United States, the country which has allowed the union of different races and which has mutual respect and good will at its heart.
These are all principals found in Freemasonry. The Constitution of the United States was most seriously influenced by Washington, Franklin and Rudolph who were active Freemasons. Freemasonry therefore had a certain power in the making of the nation, and the fact that the first president of the United States was a Freemason is further proof of the role they played in shaping this great country. The influence of Freemasonry is one of the elements that has enabled the United States to become so strong, as the nation is based on the individual’s social responsibility and his freedom under the country’s law. The United States government also focuses on the sense of common good between all citizens, who are all equal. This makes the United States a fraternity, just like Freemasonry, and all this started thanks to the Declaration of Independence which was admitted into congress on the 4th of July.
The 4th of July is an important date for all Americans as it marks the birth of their country. However, it is also celebrated by Freemasons who have influenced greatly the making of the United States and have contributed through their beliefs and principles to making it what it is today.
God bless us and God bless America
Chris Leuck, SW
From the Secretary
Brothers,
We had a very good Fellowcraft Degree in late June, passing Brother Hellen. Looking forward, we will likely schedule a Master Mason Degree within the next couple of months. Your officers will be putting in many hours of practice so that we can present a meaningful and proficient Third Degree.
You recall that it takes far more than the officers to conduct this degree, so your attendance once that is scheduled would be most appreciated, if within the length of your cable tow.
Fraternally,
Mike Hamrick, PM
Secretary