February 2009
Greetings Brethren,
I hope that everyone had a joyous and wonderful holiday season!!
I’ve had the opportunity over the past month to attend a number of Masonic functions. Some as Master of Montgomery, some as a member of the Scottish Rite, and some as merely a bystander on the sidelines. It never ceases to amaze me how Brothers will pull together to insure that these events are well done. No matter if it is a Brother who is participating in the ritual or one who watches from the sidelines, all have taken time away from their daily lives and families to support the craft in it’s various forms; many times doing so without any recognition or thanks.
One of the questions I have asked myself over the years is: What makes Freemasonry relevant today? In my discussions with friends and family this holiday season this question has once again come to mind. I think the answer is principle. As many of you already know the principle tenants of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Thinking of these Masonic tenants made me begin to reread Thoreau’s essay “Life Without Principle” and to seek out information on the Internet concerning Masonic principles. I think this quote from MWB Benjamin Franklin expressed it best:
“Freemasonry has tenets peculiar to itself. They serve as testimonials of character and qualifications, which are only conferred after due course of instruction and examination. These are of no small value; they speak a universal language, and act as a passport to the attentions and support of the initiated in all parts of the world. They cannot be lost as long as memory retains its power. Let the possessor of them be expatriated, shipwrecked or imprisoned, let him be stripped of everything he has got in the world, still those credentials remain, and are available for use as circumstances require. The good effects they have produced are established by the most incontestable facts of history. They have stayed the uplifted hand of the destroyer; they have softened the asperities of the tyrant; they have mitigated the horrors of captivity; they have subdued the rancor of malevolence; and broken down the barriers of political animosity and sectarian alienation. On the field of battle, in the solitude’s of the uncultivated forest, or in the busy haunts of the crowded city, they have made men of the most hostile feelings, the most distant regions, and diversified conditions, rush to the aid of each other, and feel a special joy and satisfaction that they have been able to afford relief to a Brother Mason.”
Included in this month’s bulletin is an article concerning Masonic principles which I found on an English website, The Masonic Trowel. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I would also encourage everyone to seek out and read Thoreau’s essay “Life Without Principle”. It is freely available on the Internet and I think it speaks more than ever to the present day. Our annual Montgomery Oyster Stew night was held on January 15. The fellowship and food where both outstanding!! Sr. Steward Shawn Carrick outdid himself with an excellent oyster stew and chili offering. Among the Brothers in attendance was Grand Master MWB Thomas Jackson who rewarded Bro. Shawn’s efforts with the Grand Master’s “Chili Award”. I have no doubt that Bro. Shawn will have a no trouble defending his title as Minnesota Masonry’s Grand Chilimaster.
On February 5, we plan on doing the Entered Apprentice Degree. I hope everyone will consider attending.
Fraternally
Mark Dreyer, Master
