This year, 2017, has been an interesting year, both in and outside the lodge.
Outside of the lodge many, especially in the media, would have one to believe that ours is a world of doom and gloom. Our country is still at war, we are in our first year of another controversial person holding the office of President of the United States, we may be on the brink of war with a foreign dictator with nuclear and chemical capabilities, we are bombarded with scandals like alleged election fraud and alleged Russian interference with our election process. Daily we hear of racial and economic division, sexual aggression charges against our leaders in the government, military, business, and entertainment arenas. Police officers are being targeted for assassination, global warming is still a hot argument, and the biggest hurricane in history impacted much of our country while wild fires and other natural disasters affected other parts of our country. There have been riots, mass killings/shootings at public events and in churches and schools, and people of faith are under attack (physically, morally, in the media, courts, politics, and most especially social media). This list could go on and on but the point is that there are many controversial issues occurring daily outside of the lodge and like it or not, we as individuals are limited in our power to change these things.
The lodge on the other hand is anything but doom and gloom. This year alone we have welcomed new members/brothers and their families, had successful fund raisers, won some awards, published a new web site and Facebook page, set a new record with a quad-lodge session in which we are able to witness an initiation, passing, and raising all in the same session, became members of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, witnessed brothers running for and winning election to local political offices, and had a couple of good lectures and discussions. We have stayed true to our virtues by quickly coming to the aid of brothers who were ill or injured and participated in Masonic rights for departed brothers. We have enjoyed the swelling of our influence, evidenced by the number of brothers who have joined the ranks of Scottish Rite, Shriners, and other appendant bodies of our fraternity. We have shown that we, as a lodge, are able to overcome disappointment, resignations, controversy, and divisive moments to remain a lodge of men who are dedicated to the lodge and the fraternity and look forward to what we can accomplish in the future.
That’s what I like about the lodge. We have men of all ages and experiences who have something to offer to the future and development of the lodge and the brethren. First, I enjoy the dinners. It doesn’t matter what the food is, I enjoy the time spent getting to know others and giving them the opportunity to learn more about me. I have enjoyed several interesting and educational conversations at dinner whereas if dinner had not been part of our program I might not have ever been offered this opportunity.
Second, I enjoy the people who make up our lodge. The older ones have so much to offer in Masonic education as well as lessons in life. There is so much to learn from these guys that I often refer to them as walking masonic encyclopedias. I am continuously amazed at their ability to recall masonic traditions, history, rules, and rituals. I usually try to sit near one of these guys each meeting, hoping that some of their knowledge will somehow find its way into my simple mind. However, I have come to realize that most of these guys don’t openly speak of these things without prompting, you have to ask questions. These men are neither arrogant nor boastful of their knowledge and do not attempt to shove it down your throat. But when asked, they are more than generous in sharing their knowledge and experiences.
The younger members have much to offer as well. They have the energy along with the motivation or desire to do well. They want to learn. Their personal experiences and the culture in which they were raised brings new ideas and technology into our way of doing things. These young men realize that the tenants of our fraternity provide them with an opportunity for self-improvement and they don’t take it lightly. They are the future of the lodge and they know it. Again, they want to learn.
Third, when presented properly I enjoy the lectures. I learn something new each and every time.
And finally, I enjoy the friendships and relationships I have developed since joining the lodge. There are many role models and men of character in this lodge.
Although we live in a seemingly doom and gloom atmosphere the lodge provides us a means to temporarily escape this phenomenon and concentrate on the good things in life or how to make things better for someone or for our community. Despite what our society may want us to believe, our lodge and the people who make up our lodge remind us that there are more good men than bad. Our lodge reminds us of the fact that our lodge is nearly 150 years old and teaches us that our exterior situations are not necessarily the end of the world, after all our lodge survived two world wars, Korea, & Vietnam, the great depression, numerous recessions, and an endless collection of political, social, and economic catastrophes. Wisely used, these lessons will ensure the future of our lodge as a means to improve the lives of future members and communities.
I have enjoyed this year as a Mason and am grateful to the ones who helped me get started, coached me (a very difficult task considering the target audience), accepted me, and have either personally taught me something or pointed me in the right direction to learn more about the craft, myself, and my relationship with God.
Our world may be full of turmoil outside of the lodge, but inside the lodge I am at peace and hope you are too.