Fort Pierce Masonic Lodge No. 87

05/31/2026

Harmony: A Discipline of the Craft

Brethren,
Harmony is often admired—but rarely understood.
We speak of it as something we should have, something we should protect, something we should maintain.
Yet harmony, in its truest sense,
is not a condition we inherit—
It is a discipline we practice.
Have you ever wondered why even the most well-ordered Lodge can feel unsettled?
Not because of great conflict,
but because of small divisions left unattended—
A difference in opinion.
A misunderstanding left unresolved.
A moment when pride speaks louder than patience.
These are not great storms—
but even the smallest waves, when constant,
can erode the strongest foundation.
I once observed a group of Brethren— capable, dedicated, sincere in their intentions.
Yet their work faltered.
Not for lack of skill,
but for lack of alignment.
Each moved with purpose,
but not in unison.
And it became clear:
Strength alone does not build the Temple—
it is harmony that holds it together.
Brethren, cooperation is the working tool of harmony.
It is not found in agreement alone,
but in the willingness to move forward together—even when perspectives differ.
To listen with patience.
To yield when necessary.
To support, even when the task is not our own.
For in Masonry, we are not called
to compete with one another—
We are called to complete one another.
The beauty of our Craft
lies not in individual brilliance,
but in collective effort.
Like stones of varying shape and size,
we find our place not by force—
but by fit.

Let us reflect:
Do we insist on our own way…
or do we seek the good of the whole?
Do we listen to respond…
or do we listen to understand?
Do we cooperate only when it is easy…
or especially when it is difficult?

Let us remember:
The Square teaches us fairness in our dealings.
The Compass teaches us restraint in our passions.
And when both are applied with sincerity,
they create balance—
And from that balance, harmony is born.
For a Lodge that works in harmony does more than function—
It flourishes.
And in the conscious effort to labor together
with patience, humility, and respect,
the true Mason is revealed.

This piece is respectfully shared for the continued light of Masonic learning and meaningful exchange among Brethren. You are welcome to circulate it for educational purposes.

From the Brethren of Hadji Butu Rasul Lodge No. 393,
where light is sought, character is built, and Brotherhood is lived.

05/27/2026

Here is what Freemasonry actually teaches:

1. God is God. In God we put our trust. We do not replace Him, compete with Him, or pretend to stand beside Him.

1. No man inside the Lodge is worshipped — not the Master, not the officers, not the oldest member in the room.

1. Every Mason, whatever his faith, enters the Lodge with his belief in God intact. We do not touch that. We respect it.

1. The Lodge is not a church, a mosque, or a temple. But it is a place where men of faith come together in brotherhood.

1. Our titles are historical. They carry tradition and respect, not religion.
Freemasonry teaches morality, brotherhood, charity, truth, and reverence for God — never the worship of man.

Freemasonry has often been misunderstood because many people see its symbols, ceremonies, and titles without understanding their true purpose. Yet at its core, the Craft teaches reverence for God, moral discipline, and respect for humanity.

Freemasonry does not ask a man to abandon his faith. Rather, it reminds him to live his faith more sincerely.

When a man enters the Lodge, he does not leave God at the door. He enters with his belief in the Supreme Being intact, and that belief is honored — never replaced. The Mason kneels in prayer not to worship men, titles, or institutions, but in humble acknowledgment that all wisdom and strength ultimately come from God.

The Worshipful Master is not “worshipped.” In ancient usage, the word “Worshipful” simply means honorable or respected because of office and duty. It is the same historical use found in civic titles such as “Your Worship” for judges or magistrates. It is tradition, not divinity.

The Lodge itself is not a religion. It has no plan of salvation, no sacraments, and no claim to replace churches, mosques, or temples. Instead, it is a fraternity where men of different faiths meet upon the level of brotherhood, united by moral principles and a shared belief in God.

Freemasonry teaches a man to become better: —to practice charity without pride, —to seek truth without prejudice, —to lead with humility, —and to treat every human being with dignity and compassion.

Its symbols are lessons. Its rituals are moral teachings. Its purpose is the building of character.

The true Mason is not known merely by signs or titles, but by his conduct — by the kindness of his heart, the honesty of his dealings, and the sincerity of his faith.

© Credit to the rightful author.

05/23/2026

Memorial Day Message
This Memorial Day, Ft. Pierce Masonic Lodge No. 87 F.&A.M. pauses to give heartfelt thanks and solemn respect to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we, and future generations, may live in freedom.
Their courage, service, and devotion to our nation must never be forgotten. We honor them, we remember them, and we remain forever grateful.
If you or a family member has experienced a loss and would like to visit the gravesite of your loved one to pay your respects, but for some reason cannot get there, please call or text me at (954) 290-6994. I will make sure you get there.
This is my personal commitment to any of you who need assistance—because I am a Mason, and Masons take care of their families, friends, and community.

With respect and gratitude,

Michael A. Salvati, JW
Ft. Pierce Masonic Lodge No. 87 F.&A.M.

05/18/2026

Dear Brothers & Guests,
At Ft. Pierce Masonic Lodge No. 87, it is always our goal to ensure that every Brother and guest feels welcome at our table and is able to enjoy our meals together in fellowship.
If you happen to see a menu item for an upcoming dinner that may conflict with any religious practice, food allergy, dietary restriction, or personal preference, kindly text me at least one week prior to the event so that I may make arrangements for an alternative entrée.
I truly want to accommodate and feed everyone whenever possible, and your advance notice will help me prepare accordingly.
Thank you for your continued support, friendship, and understanding.
I look forward to sharing many wonderful meals and evenings of fellowship together.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Michael A. Salvati, JW
Ft. Pierce Masonic Lodge No. 87 F.&A.M.

05/16/2026

THE SENIOR WARDEN
Pillar of Strength • Guardian of the West • Keeper of Balance

Among the officers of a Masonic Lodge, the Senior Warden occupies a station of profound importance. Though often described as second only to the Worshipful Master, his office is not merely administrative—it is deeply symbolic, philosophical, and practical. He is the embodiment of Strength, one of the three great supports upon which every well-governed Lodge must rest.

Stationed in the West, the Senior Warden represents the setting sun, the completion of labor, and the transition from work to reflection. Just as the sun descends in the West to close the day with order and calm, so too does the Senior Warden ensure that the labors of the Lodge are conducted with harmony, dignity, and balance.

Yet his duty extends far beyond the opening and closing of meetings.

The Senior Warden is the stabilizing force of the Lodge. He serves as the bridge between authority and brotherhood—supporting the Worshipful Master while remaining closely connected to the needs, concerns, and welfare of the brethren. In this sacred balance, he preserves the unity of the Craft.

His jewel is the Level, a symbol rich in Masonic meaning. The Level teaches equality—not equality of talent, rank, or station in society, but equality in the sight of God and within the bonds of Masonry. Upon the Level, every brother meets as a man among men, bound not by wealth or title, but by virtue, honor, and mutual respect.

Thus, the Senior Warden becomes the living interpreter of that principle. He reminds the Lodge that strength is never tyranny, authority is never superiority, and leadership is never domination. True strength lies in fairness, restraint, patience, and stability.

When he “proves” the work of the Lodge, he does not seek rigid perfection detached from humanity. Rather, he seeks equilibrium. He ensures that labor is meaningful, that fellowship is genuine, and that the harmony of the Lodge remains unbroken. He understands that a Lodge cannot thrive on ritual alone; it must also be sustained by brotherly affection, encouragement, and shared purpose.

To “guard the West” is also to guard the threshold between the sacred and the ordinary. The Senior Warden stands watch where the teachings of the Lodge meet the realities of the outside world. He ensures that the principles taught within the tiled recesses of Masonry are not left behind when the Lodge closes, but are carried outward into daily conduct, family life, work, and service to humanity.

In many respects, the Senior Warden is the quiet architect of continuity. He mentors younger brethren, strengthens weakened ties, preserves order during difficulty, and prepares himself for future leadership not through ambition, but through faithful service. For in Masonry, advancement is not measured by titles attained, but by character refined.

A Lodge may admire the wisdom of its Master, but it depends upon the strength of its Senior Warden. Without strength, wisdom cannot endure. Without balance, harmony cannot survive.

Therefore, when a brother assumes the station in the West, he accepts more than an office—he accepts a sacred trust:
to steady the Lodge during uncertainty,
to uphold equality without compromise,
to support leadership without seeking glory,
and to ensure that the bonds of brotherhood remain firm and unbroken.

For the Senior Warden is not merely an officer seated in the West.

He is the anchor of the Lodge,
the guardian of its balance,
and the enduring reminder that true strength is always built upon equality, discipline, and faithful service.

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines

05/16/2026

BEFORE YOU SEEK THE EAST… HAVE YOU MASTERED THE WEST WITHIN?

Many aspire to the East— to lead, to preside, to be entrusted with the gavel. But Masonry, in its quiet wisdom, asks a deeper question— Are you ready?

For leadership in the Craft is not conferred by election alone.
It is earned in the unseen labor of self-mastery.

The West is not merely a station in the Lodge— it is a condition of the soul. It is where discipline is tested, where obedience is learned, where humility is formed.

Before a man can rule well, he must first learn to be ruled—
by principle, by virtue, by the obligations he has sworn to uphold.

A true leader is not known by how many follow him,
but by how faithfully he governs himself:
his temper under trial,
his words under pressure,
his actions when no one is watching.

For the greatest danger is not failure—
it is premature elevation.

To seek the East without mastering the West within
is to wear authority without foundation,
to step into command without example,
to lead without Light.

And the Craft, though patient, is never deceived.

So pause, my Brother—
before you reach for the gavel,
before you desire the Chair—

Ask yourself honestly:

Have I disciplined my thoughts?
Have I refined my character?
Have I proven myself in the quiet labors of the West?

For only when a man has mastered himself
is he worthy to guide others.

Fraternally,

Bro. Joni Cabrera
General Llanera Masonic Lodge No. 168 F. & A.M.
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines

05/16/2026

Welcome to New York. Sort of...If you never had a dirty water Sabrett with onions in sauce, and a Yoo Hoo, you're in for a treat! One bite and you'll think you are standing in Times Square! This will be on the menu for our second stated meeting in June. Come join us for an evening of fun and fellowship before our meeting.

05/15/2026

05/12/2026

EVERYONE is invited to join the Ft. Pierce Masonic Lodge No. 87 F.&A.M. Supper Club for great food and Fellowship on June 08th, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Please see the details on the flyer and don't forget to RSVP.