06/03/2024
Stated Communication
28 January 2024
As we begin the first year of our lodge using only the MacBride ritual, it is also the last year of my service to the lodge as Right Worshipful Master. When we began this work, the plan was that I would serve three years; the pandemic had other ideas, and we started the clock anew in 2022. Moving forward, it is important to say that the tenure of a Master is up to the brethren; not to any other perceptions or benchmarks from elsewhere. However, it would be useful—and pleasantly symbolic— if we expected those who serve as master in our lodge to be willing to do so for two years. One of the often heard remarks among Past Masters is that it took them the whole year to fully understand the job, and then they were removed from it. A two year term in the Oriental Chair allows that brother to be a Past Master not in name only, but to have a chance to further perfect his ashlar as a Master. Again, the choice to continue a man in that role belongs to the brethren; our code wisely requires an election every year, regardless of the custom of the lodge. I leave that thought with you for your further consideration.
Our first meeting of the year always includes our Burns Night Harmony, coming as it does so close to the birthday of the Scottish bard and Mason (25 January). Permit me to say that our approach to this celebration is more modest than others, and therefore in my humble opinion less kitschy. We do not employ a piper, which, in such a small space is more of a nuisance than a cultural touchstone. We do not serenade a giant haggis, because quite honestly, we are not haggis eaters, and the ritual of stabbing the haggis to spray offal juices everywhere is just not our style.
We do have Scottish music, based upon Burns’ own work; we review why he is significant, and certainly, we have Scottish food as always.
In thinking of a message to send to the brethren, it occured to me that what I wrote a few weeks ago was well worth repeating. It is a sentiment that I believe we all share already, but should constantly remind each other to uphold.
«Often when we think of a lodge at work, we automatically think of the degree work. This is a flawed understanding of what we came to the Craft to do. The degree ceremonies are merely a means to an end. They are necessary to the making of a Mason, but the making of a Mason does not end with his degrees. The work of a lodge is that process of continuing education and experience that must be present in every lodge meeting; that inner work with the self that allows us to maintain the qualifications we need to continue to confer degrees on others. The work of a lodge is the perpetual development of the brethren assembled. Each of us has something new we can learn; none of us has learned all there is to learn in Freemasonry, much less about ourselves.
A lodge meeting where nothing is discussed other than administrative matters, or non-Masonic content, is no meeting at all. No work has been done. Each of us should keep this in mind, from the newest apprentice to the most seasoned Mason, as we now enjoy the fruits of our labour in the years ahead.»
The lodge will open on the Entered Apprentice Degree, in accordance with Masonic custom throughout the world. Any apprentices who might be visiting must be accompanied by a Master Mason from the same lodge who will vouch for him.
I look forward to seeing you in lodge.
