January's Missive

Welcome Brethren and Friends!

2014 is proving to be a busy fraternal year and we have only just started. We ushered in the New Year with our traditional New Year’s Morning Reception which was very well attended. I think perhaps it had to do with the cooks for this year: our new officers did an exceptional job in preparing and serving the breakfast. A good time was indeed had by all. On January 20^th we have two Entered Apprentice degrees scheduled. This is a Monday night so mark your calendars, keep in mind that the EA is the degree that leaves the strongest impression so it would be impressive if we could fill the sidelines to welcome these two candidates.  As our core officers grow in their duties it is also incumbent upon our existing members to come down to the lodge and make sure we are meeting your expectations. 

A few business matters: our Job’s Daughters in Bethel 2 will be having their installation on the 11^th at 7:00PM we should all turn out to show our support. The 18^th finds the Grand Lodge Secretary’s Conference, our EA degrees are on the 20^th and the District 12 School of Instruction is on the 29^th at the Tripoli Shrine Center, 7:00PM.  We also have informal get togethers pretty much every Monday evening to go over ritual work, posting duties, or to speculate on Masonry. Peruse this Templegram for new sections from our JW Art Karos, and SW Rodney Van Tassel, if you have not been to lodge lately I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  Remember brethren all are welcome to these meetings and as they are educational I encourage you to come down and see what is going on and to share your wisdom. 

Perhaps my favorite passage of all time is the “St. 

Crispian’s Day Speech” from Shakespeare’s 

"Henry the Vth": 

                    This story shall the good man teach his son…

                    From this day to the ending of the World,

                    But we in it shall be remembered;

                    We few, we happy few, we band of brothers:

                   

There is a magic in the word “welcome” that makes us forget the word “stranger” and causes us to remember that we are brothers banded together for the good of humanity by a special tie. One who has heard the word “welcome” can never again be counted a stranger. Welcome is the keystone of hospitality. It connotes open doors, friendly greetings, sincere handclasps and solid footing. All of this I extend to you and bid you welcome brother.

In Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty

Khristian E. Kay, WM