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Meetings: 600 North Main, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 |
Lodge Trestle BoardMy Brothers, Masons. I've heard of them, but what do they do? If you have ever heard this question and thought the same thing, then something is wrong! But what? Is it that we don' t do anything? Is that we don' t really know what it is that we do? I think it is the latter. As Masons, or perhaps I should say as new and younger Masons, we are not always sure of what it is that we do. Of course, we understand that we are here to help initiate, pass, and raise members as they come through the door. But why we are doing this? Is it only to keep our numbers up, so that the dues will pay our costs? If so, this is a sad day in the history of Freemasonry. I do not think that is what George Washington thought as he took the Master' s oath, and I do not think that Benjamin Franklin joined just so he could learn a lecture. But these days it seems that all we are doing is surviving. It feels as if we are waiting for leaders to come along and motivate us to greater things. We are those leaders; we are the ones who are supposed to rally others!!!! The Freemasons of the past did not just sit around waiting for opportunities to serve and develop friendships! If we want things to happen in our towns/communities, it is up to us to take action. If we sit back and do nothing then that is what we will become nothing. We might as well scatter our ashes to the four winds of the earth, for there WILL BE NO MORE REMEMBRANCE OF US! I don't know the kinds of activities most other lodges have, but I know our lodge needs to provide more opportunities for all of us to become better acquainted with each other and develop meaningful friendships. Two years ago our Past Master Matt Henry implemented a monthly carry-in dinner (thank you Matt). All family members are invited, and many of us bring spouses and kids. Please join us the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm, and take advantage of a great opportunity to learn about others. Bring any dish to share ... unless you can't (but still come!). However, even this event is not sufficient to really get to know people. We need more activities that will let us strengthen our bonds of Friendship, because after all, isn't that what it's all about? Are we not supposed to find new people to share and talk with? I think this is one of the major things we should strive for as Freemasons! We need to help our lodge not fade into history, but rather make history. It is up to ALL OF US to maintain and even perpetuate Masonry's legacy. Please come to a meeting this year, and share your thoughts to help us grow. YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED TO BE AN OFFICER; come to enjoy some time with friends, and maybe make new ones. It is simple. With attendance comes ideas, with ideas comes activities, and with activities comes friendship. This is what we should all want.
Respectfully, Kevin Centers Worshipful Master, Bellefontaine Lodge 209 |