From the East
Greetings from the East,
Brothers, we are seeing light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. We have a ways to go until the global pandemic is no longer a primary driver of caution and daily life. I encourage you to stay safe as long as it takes.
The lodge is attracting new interest from candidates seeking light! This good news is
spurring us to practice for the first degree and gathering weekly at the lodge on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.
Our last stated meeting had updates on the sale of the lodge building and property. This is moving along with a closing date mid year. I have appointed a committee to discuss this and to make recommendations. We want to be sure we are being prudent and looking long term by this thoughtful approach.
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in the lodge soon.
Fraternally,
Chris Lueck – Master
From the South
Greetings from the South!
We are looking at a busy March and April. We have two men who were held over from 2020 and are waiting to be initiated into the fraternity. At our March Stated Communication, we have the opportunity to vote on two additional men who have petitioned our lodge. We could have two and possibly four candidates in an upcoming Entered Apprentice Degree, likely in April. We continue to practice on Tuesdays at 7pm in order to be ready for this degree. Please plan to join us for these practices with other members to assist in this degree.
Fraternally,
Paul Parker
From the Secretary
Brothers,
I trust that this Trestleboard finds you an yours safe and well. The global pandemic has certainly impacted every aspect of our lives, including your lodge, but I am gratified to see that we are slowly and carefully beginning to return to some activity in the lodge. If you are willing and able, we would love to see you join us in the coming months.
Musings on the Comparatives of the White Leather Apron – The Badge of a Mason
The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by Philip the Good, as the highest order of knighthood, especially as wool was an important part of his domain at the time. The fleece was chosen as the emblem because wool was the predominate product of the lower European countries in which the order flourished. The number of knights in the order was twenty-four.
The eagle was highly esteemed among the Romans. It was usually depicted with outstretched wings. It was carried at the head of a staff in the same manner as a banner. The eagle borne upon a spear appears to have been used first by the Persians. The Romans took the idea from them, and used it as an emblem of honor, to be carried before the chief ruler. The revisers of our rituals probably selected the reference to the Roman Eagle as it was the highest emblem of dignity, honor and power of that famous empire.
According to the tale, the Countess of Salisbury was exposed to jest and laughter from the court when she lost her garter while dancing. King Edward III, being a man of honor, came to her defense by picking the garter up and placing it on his own leg stating, “Honi soit qui mal y pense”. A phrase that is literally translated “shamed be he who thinks it evil”. The phrase was appointed the motto of the order The Order of the Garter is the highest honor within the British honor system, and its exclusive membership is limited to 25 regular members.
The Order of the Star was an order of chivalry founded on 6 November 1351 by John II of France in imitation of the Order of the Garter.
So, Brethren, we have our badge of white for purity, of lamb’s skin for innocence; more ancient than the Golden Fleece, which was founded in 1429, and the Roman Eagle, which was instituted in 1701; and more honorable than the Star 1351 and Garter 1343, which is the highest order of knighthood in the world. Always remember brethren that if you never disgrace that badge it will never disgrace you.
Mike Hamrick, PM
Secretary