| From the East Worshipful Master John Davis |
| Brethren, I hope everyone is doing well as the weather warms with Spring welcoming us. There will be a stated meeting for April at 7:30 pm on the 6th. The meeting will continue to be within the restrictions outlined by the Grand Lodge. We have a few presentations, so please join us if possible. We have multiple Entered Apprentices ready to be advanced. We also have many men that have petitioned for the degrees. We hope that Grand Lodge will allow degree work shortly. We will continue to practice our degree work on a regular schedule on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. If you would like to participate or learn any part of the degree work, please contact the Senior Warden or come down to the lodge during practice. Daily I am reminded about Freemasonry and how its teachings influence our life. I was out walking my dog and noticed that numerous bees were already out collecting nectar. The beehive is explained to newly Master Masons that it is an emblem of industry and that it recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the lowest reptile of the dust. It further teaches the Master Mason, that as we are born into the world rational and intelligent beings, so should we be industrious ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us are in want, when it is in our power to relieve them without injury to ourselves. So, I charge each one of you to go out this Spring and provide someone with aid in need. I look forward to hearing how you helped another. WM John Davis Below is a special message from our District Deputy Fellow Brothers, I have enjoyed being your District Deputy this past year, even though we have not been able to do much. I’m looking forward to the new Masonic year (my Masonic year starts in June) as we are going to receive some DD training virtually on May 1st. One of my goals for Masonry in Josephine County is to do more in promoting our great Craft to the public. I have often heard that Masonry is one of the best kept secrets in the world. We can change this by actively promoting and marketing our Craft. Brother Torbert is a good example of promoting our Craft. Jon is a walking bill board for Masonry. But Jon’s bill board is passive vs active. Jon will respond to inquiries about his bill board, but we need to actively approach good men and introduce them to our Craft. I would like to have the Lodge develop a business card size brochure that tells the benefit of Masonry and how it can benefit a man of good character. We don’t need to be pushy but when we see a man that we think may be of good character, we can informally approach them, hand them the card and say “you look like a man of good character, Masonry can make you a better man, thanks for taking my card”. This is actively telling good men about our Craft. If the man doesn’t take the card or says no, thank them for their time and simply walk away. If he is a good man he will take the card. Reach out to me with questions or comments. RW John Rall District Deputy of the Grand lodge of Oregon |
| From the West Senior Warden Jim Warriner Brethren the time is growing closer for us to begin conferring degrees. We have (I believe) 3 EA’s ready for their Fellowcraft. If you know these Brothers, keep in touch we do not want them to feel abandoned. We also have several petitions in the queue, if you were one of the signers or know these petitioners, please let them know they have not been forgotten. In fact let them know of our informal/unofficial High Twelve that meets for lunch Mon, Wed, and Fri. from noon until ??? and let them know they are welcome to join us. I look forward to our practice for FC Degree and April’s stated meeting. Practice will be adjusted to keep safe distance but allow officers to learn floor work as well as spoken ritual. As a final note, if you have or wish to have a role in the second section of the MM degree please let me know I am creating a list. See you at our next stated meeting. James Warriner And Meet On The Level | |
| From the South Junior Warden Tracy Morton |
| Brethren, I am working on what I hope to be ready when we can reduce our restrictions and can start to have dinners again. With the restrictions from Grand Lodge, I am unable to have these things. The one thing at this moment that I am hoping for is the work we are doing to be ready for when we can start to perform degrees. Having worked with one of the Entered Apprentices, I have stayed in contact to let him know of the circumstances. While He understands, I know that he is eager to progress in the degrees. While our practices are going great, I feel that it is in the best interest for everyone that all members involved in the degrees be there. With everyone there we can make sure that we are all prepared for when it is time to continue our work. Remember when you went through these degrees and what impressed you the most. Our diligent work on these degrees is to impress the candidate with the serious nature of the Masonic light being presented through our ritual work. We do have a tentative schedule of a Past Masters Roast for Doug Sammis. It is planned for April 27th at 6:30pm at The Black Bear dinner. If this changes we will keep everyone informed. Let us remember that we will also have to practice physical distancing for this event. I hope to see those that can make it out to honor our past master. Tracy Morton And Act by the Plumb |
| Learn the work! No one can contemplate upon the ceremonies of our Order without being forcibly struck with the important lessons which they teach. To really know and understand them you must learn them and help teach others. Any officer would be proud to have the opportunity to coach you in his part for any degree, and you will have the satisfaction that comes from having imparted further light to a less informed Brother. |
