Brethren,
At this time of the Thanksgiving holiday, it is worthwhile to take this celebration to heart. In 1789 the first president of our country, in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, was moved to thanks by the end of the war and it’s positive outcome for our fledgling country, and having a special knowledge of providence and it’s role. In 1621 the pilgrims, with a treacherous ocean voyage and a difficult winter behind them thoroughly understood how fortunate they were just to be alive. In thanks, they gave up the best of the first harvest to share with the Indians responsible for aiding their survival. In the days of King Solomon the first and best fruit was brought to the temple each harvest year in gratitude. Every action we take in gratitude, unselfishly giving of ourselves, helps secure a wholesome attitude. As we prepare to expose the compass in the third degree, we are also called to action. This wholesome attitude will help us place one point of the compass in the center of our being, and with the other draw a circle beyond which we will not go until ready and able to go farther.

“He drew a circle that shut me out,
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout;
But love and I had the wit to win
We drew a circle that took him in”
Masonic Service Association
Short Talk Bulletin - 1924

Have a joyous Thanksgiving celebration!

Fraternally,
Larry Grufman, Master