February has proven to be an active time for our Lodge! We saw the first of our 2010 Stated
Correspondences, incorporating the usual business (including the balloting on six candidates to
receive the degrees and the first-time reading of petitions from six more candidates). We also
shared in the first of a series of mini-classes dealing with "The Mysteries of the Craft", in this
case an investigation into the hidden reasons for the strange wording of our symbolic penalties.
During the month, we met with many of those who had made application for membership, and
included the wives in the investigations, when possible. We even spent some time up in the
Lodge itself, so the ladies get a feel something of the ambiance of Freemasonry, which was
warmly received and appreciated.
On February 16, a number of your officers participated in the School of Instruction, hosted by
George Washington 1776 Lodge, in which our Lodge provided a demonstration of how to ballot,
and even got into a lengthy discussion as to some of the problems involved. In addition, it was a
valuable time for us, given that the rest of the instruction dealt with the presentation of the FC
degree, the very one that we were doing for four candidates on February 24.
March will be a special month for us. Our Stated Correspondence will include more balloting on
candidates as well as an intriguing mini-class, the second in our "Mysteries of the Craft" Series.
This time, Brother Tommy Baas will delve into the ties between the ancient Cabala and Tree of
Life and Freemasonry....a subject rarely touched on or understood in today's world! The
Cabalists sought hidden symbolic meanings in every word and letter of the Old Testament...Be
sure to join us...if you're interested in mysteries.
March will also see our participation in the Third class in the School of Instruction, this time at
Wauwatosa Lodge on March 22. Freemasons Lodge will be performing the MM Closing.
Although it's mandatory that the officers of the Lodge be there, others members are encouraged
to attend as well. It's truly worth the effort.
On March 24, we'll be doing another EA degree, to initiate some fine candidates. I encourage all
our members to participate. It's a great way to make our new masons feel welcome!
The big event for March will be the Ladies at the Table Banquet. This is a wonderful
opportunity to include our ladies in a special event, dedicated just to them. The Grand Master
will be there as well as many other dignitaries and their wives. Scheduled for March 10, it's a
superb banquet with many toasts and many courses and is, in addition, lots of fun! Please get in
your reservations as soon as possible! If you haven't received the formal invitation yet, please let
me know and I'll send you another.
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Finally, on March 31, the Grand Lodge has extended an invitation to all of us to be at a Joint
Table Lodge with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. . .an event of singular proportions...and drama. |
Our 4 newest Fellowcrafts Front row from left:FC Kevin Harger, FC Gonzago Barinaga, WM Curtis, FC Matt Tucker and FC Derek Becher Second row: A boisterous assemblage of Lodge brethren celebrating our new FCs' passage. |