​SENIOR GRAND WARDEN’S MESSAGE y previous article was followed by many excellent opportunities for Instruction. Our Grand Jurisdiction conducted its Annual Instructional Meetings in January. These meetings had a great turnout with 96% of the Lodges represented. I hope you attended one of these meetings, got the instruction and shared in the fellowship. The First Saturday of February, our Grand Master hosted the yearly Grand Master’s Workshop for Worshipful Masters with 77% of the Worshipful Masters present. I appreciate those who helped make these meetings possible and everyone who attended. The Warden’s Workshops material is being finalized and those meetings will be held at the District Level and scheduled right after our Annual Grand Lodge Communication. If you are a Senior or Junior Warden, watch out for those dates so that you can mark them on the calendar and attend. We discussed the plumb previously, which is one of the working tools of a Fellow Craft. In this article, we will discuss the square. Before we explore the idea of the square of virtue, let's pause and think about the nature of Freemasonry. Our Fraternity is based on timeless values of brotherhood, morality, and personal growth. We gather to support each other in our quest for knowledge, virtue, and enlightenment. Just as a square is a vital tool in the work of a stonemason, it also symbolizes the principles we value - integrity, truth, and ethical behavior. The square is a tool that guarantees precision and accuracy in the work of a stonemason. In Freemasonry, the square has a deeper meaning. It represents the square of virtue, reminding us to match our actions with the principles of honesty and fairness. It is a reminder that, just as the square ensures the integrity of the physical structure, our behavior should maintain the integrity of our character. The square of virtue serves as a guide, leading us toward righteousness and reminding us of our duties as Freemasons. Now, let us examine what it really means to be square in our actions. Being square involves living by the values of honesty and fairness in our daily lives. It means telling the truth, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. Think of the square as a reflection, showing our intentions and actions, exposing any inconsistencies or errors. By adopting the square of virtue, we aim to lead lives of authenticity, where our words and deeds are in sync, and our integrity remains solid. Knowing the square of virtue is one thing, but how do we use it in practical terms? Let us think of some examples. Just as the square guarantees the accuracy of a building's foundation, we must build the foundation of our actions on honesty. Let us ask ourselves: Do our business transactions show fairness and clarity? Do we treat others with respect and dignity, following the principles of equality? By deliberately applying the square of virtue, we create a chain reaction of integrity and righteousness in our daily interactions, both inside and outside the walls of our Lodge. Let us keep in mind the power and importance of the square of virtue in our lives. It is a guiding star that shows us the way, reminding us of the significance of honesty and fairness in all that we do. By accepting the square of virtue, we respect the traditions of our Fraternity and help improve society. Together, let us try to square our actions, aligning ourselves with the noble principles that make us Freemasons. Our Annual Communication is quickly approaching. I look forward to seeing you in North Charleston for this meeting.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
A.C. Flora, IV
​Senior Grand Warden Chairman, MEC Committee

Happy New Year! I hope each one of you and your families had a safe and wonderful Holiday Season. ​During the month of January, we will have our Instructional Meetings. Please attend your District’s Instructional Meeting. It is especially important if you are an officer. Your Masonic Education Committee has worked very hard to put together an educational program that will be worthy of your time and attention. We are on the threshold of a new year and should be filled with anticipation and excitement. It is a time of fresh beginnings, a chance to embark on a journey of growth and discovery within our beloved Fraternity. Just like the changing of the calendar, we too have the opportunity to start afresh, to leave behind any challenges or setbacks of the past, and embrace the new possibilities that lie before us. One of the greatest joys within our Masonic Journey is the welcoming of new members into our fold. Think back to that moment when you were first initiated, Brothers. The excitement that filled your heart, the eagerness to learn and explore the mysteries of Freemasonry. Each new member brings with them a unique perspective, fresh ideas, and a renewed energy that invigorates our Lodges. Let us remember that we were all once new Masons, filled with enthusiasm and determination to make a positive impact within our Fraternity. With the new year, often comes new leadership within our Lodges. The installation of new officers signifies the trust and confidence bestowed upon them by their Brethren. Just as I recall the moment I became the Worshipful Master of my Lodge, I am sure many of you have experienced the thrill of taking on a leadership role. It is a time to meticulously plan, to communicate with our officers, and to execute our vision for the betterment of our Lodge. The responsibilities may be great, but so too are the rewards of leaving a lasting legacy and positively shaping the Masonic Journey of our Brethren. To aide us in our work, we are furnished with working tools. The plumb is used by operative masons to raise perpendiculars, but as speculative Masons, we are taught that it admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before both God and men. We should make sure that our actions are upright and morally sound, and strive to embody these teachings in our daily lives. Let us strive to align our conduct with these principles, not only within the walls of our Lodges, but in every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and set a shining example for future generations of Freemasons. Let us start this year by walking upright in everything this year. Brethren, as we embrace the excitement of new beginnings, new members, and new officers, let us remember the power and significance of our journey within this Fraternity. Let us use our working tools to guide our actions and align our conduct with the principles of Freemasonry. Together, let us make this year a year of growth, unity, and unwavering commitment to the values that make us who we are as Freemasons. Thank you, and may this be a year filled with boundless potential and meaningful connections. A.C. Flora, IV Senior Grand Warden Chairman, MEC Committee

​There’s got to be a morning after!

In 1972, the Poseidon Adventure, one of the best disaster movies of all times, hit the big screen.
  At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the SS Poseidon was struck by a 90-foot tidal wave and capsized. Of the over 1700 passengers and crew aboard, only 9 survived led by Reverend Frank Scott.
  Several events led to the disaster that unfolded that
dreadful night. The decisions of the leadership of the company combined with a natural disaster produced a nightmare that would cause much pain and agony.
  The Poseidon was pushed to her limits in an effort to
complete her last voyage and stay on schedule to be de-commissioned. The leadership of the company made the decision to dump the ballast and let her ride high in the water in order to make more speed.
  An underwater earthquake produced a 90-foot tidal wave that capsized the Poseidon plunging her crew and passengers into darkness.
  Nine passengers had faith enough in the leadership of
Reverend Scott, to follow him upward and find their way out of the darkness into the light, while some of the passengers followed a leader that was using unsound judgement to their death.
The theme song of this movie was “The Morning After.”
Two of my favorite lines from this song are: “We have a
chance to find the sunshine. Let’s keep on looking for the light” and “Oh, can’t you see the morning after? It’s waiting right outside the storm.”
  Brothers, we have been through quite an adventure this past year. We were cruising along enjoying our Masonic Journey and all of a sudden out of nowhere, that tidal wave know as Covid-19 struck our ship, sending us into total chaos.
  Decisions were made by our leadership, some necessary but not popular. Some extremely hard to understand and some that plunged our ship into total darkness. 
  However, as the song says, “We have a chance to find the sunshine.” During our Annual Communication, held
in April, new leadership emerged and asked us to follow him upward out of the darkness into the light. Some of our Brothers wanted to continue to follow a path that led to chaos and certain destruction.
  The Craft said, “Let’s keep looking for the light” and elected a new slate of officers to lead our Grand Lodge. With Most Worshipful Brother Ronald C. Mitchum on the Bridge, I feel certain that we will find the Morning After because It’s waiting right outside the storm. 
  Brothers, we have weathered the storm and now it is time for us to focus on the horizon and move forward to new adventures as we endeavor to grow our Fraternity.
​
Welcome to the Morning After!

Thomas E. Watson, SGW

The Age Old Pillars of Freemasonry

The smooth stones Josephus speaks of are without flaw or blemish. The stones we refer to in Masonry or the “Ashlars” and represent what we have been and what we hope to become. It is up to each individual Mason to pass his own judgment on himself while here on earth, and to adjust accordingly. Consequently, when he lays down his earthly working tools and makes the final journey to Heaven above he may hope to hear these welcome words “Well done Thou Good and Faithful Servant.” He might also leave behind a reputation as a wise counselor, a pillar of strength and stability, a Prefect Ashlar on which younger Masons may test the correctness and value of their own contributions to our Masonic Order. Brothers each one of us is leaving behind a ​mark of some kind on our younger Brothers. Is this a true MARK that can be identified as a MARK of a skillful Master Mason?

The Ashlars lie open in the Lodge for Brethren to moralize on to derive some moral benefit. Often they are quickly referred to, and just as quickly forgotten. The Ashlars in Masonry are consecrated.
The Rough Ashlar is the stone in its rude and natural state, and is emblematic of man in his rude and natural state. Through the lapse of time, education will exert its influence in expanding his intellect, restraining his passions and purifying his life. Now he is represented by the Prefect Ashlar, which under the skillful hands of a workman, has been smoothed and squared and fitted for its place in the building with our Mark upon it. However, you will notice the Rough Ashlar in a Masonic Lodge is not in its rude or natural state. It has been squared in a fashion, partially smoothed and has apparent strength and solidarity. It possesses all the qualities to make a perfect stone for use in the construction of the Temple. We must never forget, it needs the hands and skill of the Craftsman to bring about GOD’s design. Aspirants are neither ignorant, uncultivated nor vicious. Masonry does not or should not
accept men of such qualifications.

Membership in a Lodge does not make a man a Mason, it makes him a member of Masonry. The aspirant joins us, we do not join him. If one is satisfied with being a Master Mason in name only, he loses the benefit of further advancement and improvement that can be gained in actively pursuing light in the Order. In other words, he falls short of that Prefect Ashlar.

To maintain the state of perfection in absolute balance, there is a standard we must have whereby each workman can constantly test the tools he is using. We must ensure the wear and use have not changed the measurements even in the slightest degree. Do we have such a tool to test what we are working with? That which we are or hope to become is not a race, but a journey to be experienced each day. Time was not one of the essential factors in building the Temple, perfection was the goal. Our rush to advance candidates, or ourselves should be evaluated ensuring we are placing the proper Mark upon our work. In each Lodge rests on the Altar in the center of the room is a copy of the Great Light of Masonry, which must be the instrument we use to gauge ourselves. It is the solid foundation upon which we can build. It never changes. Civilizations come and go, but the Book stays the same, a guide for all mankind. Each must strive to become that Perfect Ashlar by the example we see of those more perfect example in action, reactions and deeds. Let us all work together for that goal of becoming a better person today than what we were yesterday. Each day we should begin attempting to build our Spiritual Temple towards that Perfect Ashlar by first seeking guidance. “Before any undertaking, invoke the blessings and aid of Deity.”

Word of the month: Consecrated-solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose, usually a Holy purpose.

“Our Best Is the Least We Owe Each Other”

Steven D. Hames, Senior Grand Warden
​
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

​MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER “The First Instructions”   As candidates, we received our first instructions whereon to erect our future moral and Masonic edifice in a particular part of the Lodge, because on our initiation, we commenced the great task, which we are never in our future Masonic life to be discontinued, of erecting in our hearts a spiritual temple for the indwelling of God, of which the great material Temple at Jerusalem was but a symbol.  Each new duty which we learn, and each new virtue we practice, becomes a living stone in that temple.  Therefore, it is proper that we respect the whole system of symbolism as we begin the labor of erecting a spiritual temple just as the operative mason would commence the construction of his material temple.  By first laying the cornerstone on which the future edifice is to arise, great care must be taken.  Our first instruction constitutes that cornerstone and on it, when laid in its proper place, we construct the moral and Masonic temple of our life.   Let us look at a few of the statements and words in our first instructions. “Our future moral and Masonic edifice.” Moral: upright, honest, straightforward, open, virtuous, honorable, integrity, standards, morality. Edifice: a building, especially one of large size or imposing appearance.    We all agree Freemasonry is a splendid Fraternity steeped in
tradition numbering many great men of the past and present as its members; that it has a beautiful ritual and it is indeed a great honor to be a Freemason. Our Lodge is not just a room.   It is not merely a place in which to enjoy fraternal fellowship. It is not an organization which replaces the church.  It is not the means of promoting one’s self in business. Our Lodge really is a group of men, a group of Brothers, who have dedicated themselves to a common task, and that is to build.  A Freemason is a builder; a builder of character; a builder of a better community; a better nation; a better world in which to live; a builder of an Eternal Temple for the indwelling of God.  As we build this spiritual temple not made with hands, we are building this temple for the indwelling of God. King Solomon’s Temple was also built to serve and worship God.  Only the best materials were to be used in the building of King Solomon’s Temple. This Temple has long crumbled into dust, but we as Masons are taught that we should build another in our hearts.  We must also build this temple with the finest material and use the plans upon the trestle board of the Supreme Master which must be found in the Great Light of Masonry.  The Edifice of character or character building for a Master Mason is clear.  Character is what we are, and not to be confused with reputation, which is what others think of us. If our character be sound, be good, be true, then reputation can take care of itself.  If we build this temple upon a solid foundation by laying the cornerstone and using the materials we know to be true, plumb, and square, then our temple will have the correct foundation. Then as we commence the lifelong task without discontinuing our first instructions, our efforts will not be in vain and our spiritual temple will not crumble and will stand the test of time.   However, in the final analysis, the future of Freemasonry depends not only on these things, but on the influence it exerts in the life of each one of us. If society is to be successful and everlasting, it must live and breathe the principles on which it is founded.  It must be workable, and this means that the individual members must live in the spirit of real Brotherhood, we must be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer only. To assume obligations of friendship, morality, and brotherly love; to reaffirm love for the dependence on an Eternal Father, are but empty words lost forever in the restless air if they are not practiced in our daily life.  In this sense, we as present-day Masons, could very well classify ourselves as “Operative Masons.”    Such should be the real meaning of Freemasonry to each of us. If not, we should re-dedicate our lives right now to those principles of Freemasonry to which we have obligated ourselves to accept, to learn, to keep and to exemplify. We are brought to Light in order that we may let our Light so shine before our fellowmen, that they may see our good works and join us in glorifying The Great Architect of the Universe. Word of the month: Fidelity – strict observance of promise, duties, etc. loyalty Thought of the month: Start where you are, apply what you have, and do what you can to improve every day. “Our Best Is the Least We Owe Each Other”  
​
Steven D. Hames,
Senior Grand Warden  
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

  ​My dear Brothers, it has been a distinct honor and my pleasure these last two years writing for the Masonic Light Publication. It has been enjoyable and a challenge, enjoyable because we have studied together, and challenging because of the great questions you asked causing me to seek and find. I hope you received something out of my articles which you were able to apply.
 Now is the time for us as a “Band of Brothers” to once again come together and support our New Grand Master and the Elected Line Officers. Each of these men are here to serve you and assist you in any way possible.
  The past several years of working with R.W. Brother Cal, I have grown to know his heart and I can assure you he will serve us with all his energy, heart and soul with an impartial mind to make those difficult decisions that come with the duty of being our Grand Master.
The cement which binds our Subordinate Lodges as one Grand Lodge is our Code and Constitution, Rules and By-Laws, we each freely took under obligation to abide by. We must not always look to the Grand Lodge to solve Lodge problems. We must solve our problems before they get out of hand, and cease looking for someone else to solve our problems by sweeping it under the rug of complacency hoping it will go away. This has never worked because the problems remain there getting bigger and more out of hand. As Deputy Barney Fife said, “Nip it in the bud.”      Some of the problems Lodges want the Grand Master to solve are personal conflicts between Brothers, budget, finances, and the question of “should we merge with another Lodge?”  My Brothers, these challenges can only be solved on the Lodge Level as God fearing men who want our Fraternity to continue.  We must educate, challenge, and inspire our new and old members to stand up and “Do That Which is Right.”  Let us begin anew to enforce our laws, become one mind as our ancestors did, which made our Fraternity what it is today, this is the time, now is our place in history, and none other should satisfy us. 
   Our Grand Master and your elected line can only recommend, it is up to each Brother to roll up his shirt sleeves and work in his Lodge and show the community what we as a Fraternity stands for.  Each of us need to stop, look and listen to the changes the world is taking. Churches are losing members, 40 percent of the population does not believe in God, crime is on the rise, and people only think about themselves. Many seek what they can get for doing nothing. My Brothers A.F.M. does not mean All for Me!!  Now is the time for each of us to demonstrate to humanity what we are made of and what we stand for, and how we are here for our neighbors and Brothers in a time of need.  Now is the time, here is the opportunity before us, we shall pass through this world but once, any good;  therefore, that we can do, any wisdom we can impart or any kindness we can show to any human being, let us do it now!  Let us not be deterred or neglect our duty, for this world is not our home and we shall not pass this way again.
Word of the Month: Destiny: the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future.
Quote of the Month: Be all that you can be!
Thought of the Month: May God, the Grand Architect, continue to Bless our Fraternity.  
O.B. Smith, Senior Grand Warden  
​Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

​MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER
To Know Wisdom
Brothers, we have just celebrated the birth of our saver, Jesus Christ, a wonderful time of the year. To remember the love He gave and showed to the world demonstrates “greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” During our Ladies Night at our Lodges, we invited widows of our beloved Brothers who have passed to that Celestial Lodge, that House not made with hands. It was made from Love and Compassion for people of the world, another lesson which Jesus taught us. We as Masons came together to show our love and respect for each other and we did not forget the memories of our deceased Brothers nor their families. This showed, “love for each other.” We have elected New Officers for the ensuing Masonic Year. Each Brother elected to a station or appointed to an office has a great responsibility and a duty to his Brethren and the Fraternity to be ready to lead, make them and their Lodge stronger in Ritual Work, understanding the By-laws and Constitution, most of all gave something back to the community. Those of us not elected or appointed have a duty to support our Lodge and our officers.

As a child growing up on the Mill Hill, my parents provided everything our family needed. The most precious gift was their good name. My mind often goes back to the times my parents would open the Bible and share God’s Word. I remember the following words from King David, and then I heard them again when I entered Law Enforcement: “To know wisdom and instruction; To perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement and equity; To give subtlety to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” (Proverbs: Chapter 1 vs. 2-5). If the new officers, follow these simple rules, they will have a great year by providing and gaining respect from their Brothers. To all New Masters and Wardens, you are now the leaders of your Lodge. Prepare yourself to be a great leader of men, pray for understanding, a will to listen, have the courage to “always do that which is right.” Let our New Year’s Resolution be to leave the world better than when we found it. This will take teamwork, the most successful organizations are where subordinates input is welcomed, and leaders are willing to listen. The Lessons of Freemasonry are based upon truth, and they will keep on being true. The pages of history prove over and over truth never wears out and it does not succumb to the passage of time, but rather provides the courage to face times of trial and despair. It promotes within the individual, compassion to be generous to his fellow man in all his distresses. It enables one to realize the greatest charity is not when we give from ourselves, rather when we give of ourselves. Word of the Month: Educate- to give and provide intellectual, moral and social instruction. Quote for the Month: “Listen before you speak.” William Arthur Ward Thought for the Month: Demonstrate your love for one another by never placing yourself before our beloved Fraternity.
Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow.
O.B. Smith, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

​MASONIC EDUCATION CORNER The Master’s Journey to Past Master
A Brother elected to the office of Master of his Lodge must have the characteristics of a good leader, Trust in God, The Great Architect of The Universe. The Brother must have moral convictions, which is a subjective assessment of one’s attitude about a specific issue or situation, that is associated with one’s moral beliefs and fundamental sense of right or wrong. He must be dedicated to serving the Craft and protecting his Lodge from failure and set the example to always strive to be the best that one can be. A good leader is a good listener. One can learn something new just by listening to good counsel from all Brothers. As he works through the appointed chairs and the Elected Line, he has given his support to the Brothers and Masters who have gone before him. In these positions, he has shown the Craft he is fit to hold the positions that have been entrusted to him by being dedicated, attending all required meetings, learning the Rituals, overseeing the superintendence and direction of the work of his Lodge. As one can understand, it takes a lot of work, time and dedication to be a Master, Warden and member of a Masonic Lodge. On this journey to the East, he should have now become experienced in all the degrees and Rituals, learned the finances of his Lodge and made himself a better Mason and individual. He has had the opportunity to observe the Brothers, who hopefully, will make their way to the East one day as Master. At the end of his term as Master, he has earned the title of Past Master. He now becomes one of the most important members of his Lodge. As a Past Master, he has gained the knowledge, experience, know how and the Moral Compass to keep his Lodge on the right track. He must insure that the Brothers who start their journey to the East are persons that have the interest of the Craft at Heart, have good morals, dedicated and willing to learn plus many more qualities. After a Brother is elected to an office, on the night of his installation, he makes a promise before God and his Lodge that he will perform the duties of his office. The Members and Past Masters must insure that his promise is kept. I challenge all Past Masters to attend their Lodge and be prepared to give sound and wholesome instruction to the Brothers that seek guidance. I once was told by a Past Grand Master, if a person does not share his experience and knowledge, it is as if you opened a book that was titled “Behold All Secrets of Man,” but when you eagerly opened the book to gain this knowledge all you found were white blank pages. If we go through this world without sharing our knowledge and experience, we leave ​nothing behind for the Brothers that will follow, and we are long forgotten if we are unwilling to share the knowledge we have gained on our journey through life. All Brothers have a duty to attend their Lodge, support their officers and serve in any small way they can. If our members fail to attend, then your Lodge will surely die. Some Brothers say “I send in my dues!” Brothers, while we thank you for this support, it is of utmost importance that you attend meetings and are instrumental in helping us preserve our history and the Fraternity.
O. B. Smith, III, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee

Band of Brothers The officers of a Lodge have been elected or appointed to serve the Lodge because of their particular talents. Some are more gifted in certain areas than others, but all of them must possess one very important characteristic, that of DEVOTION TO DUTY. When our Brother accepts an office in our Lodge, he is affirming to the Brethren he has committed himself to Masonry and to the complete success in his office. Additionally, when a Brother joins our Lodge, it is a twofold commitment as he unites with his Band of Brothers. There is a great deal of planning, studying, and attending involved in each of these offices and each officer will need the support of everyone. When we are not prepared to make these sacrifices and prioritize, we are not being just to our Band of Brothers by accepting the office. If you do not have the support of your family and are willing to place GOD first, family second, your chosen vocation third and the Lodge fourth, then you should have never taken the responsibility of a Lodge Officer. Every officer must work with enthusiasm, not only at his own particular job in the Lodge, but he must assist each officer in the performance of their duties. In the performance of duty, the officer demonstrates a desire to ascend to the next office in line or to some other position of responsibility in the long line of service. A successful Lodge is united through a good educational program, good Lodge administration and management, a good mentoring program, a good community outreach program, and good Ritual. It is the responsibility of every officer to ensure your Lodge is a Band of Brothers. Decorum in our Lodge was established by our Founding Fathers. They wanted to institute a culture grounded in unity and decorum creating place for our families to gather and a quality experience for the aspirant. They were convinced of the need to be distinctive in terms of quality rather than opaque. As we think about the year 2018 with the challenges, hopes and dreams awaiting, we must not find ourselves looking back. We must remain united as a Band of Brothers who meet on the level. A portion of the charge we administer to each Senior Warden is very poignant-- “The LEVEL demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and, though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we are Brethren.” It is interesting how our mind recalls a song, poem or a particular place we identify with which corresponds to a time in our lives. Poetry was never one of my strong suits, however certain stanzas from a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson does permeate my thoughts as I reflect on our Band of Brothers.
​Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Word of the month: Decorum---etiquette, protocol, good form, custom, convention, formalities, niceties, Quote for the month & Thought for the month:  “Your beliefs become your thoughts,  Your thoughts become your words,  Your words become your actions,  Your actions become your habits,  Your habits become your values,  Your values become your destiny.”                                                     
Mahatma Gandhi 
​Carpe Diem Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow
O.B. Smith, SGW Chairman, MEC

​Opportunities multiply as they are seized!
It was not long after entering Law Enforcement, I was introduced to the book The Art of War by Sun Tzu. The text presents basic principles of warfare and provides military leaders advice on when and how to fight. As I began my career as an officer, I gleaned many truths which aided me in my interaction with my community and fellow officers. The book offers specific battle strategies providing broad advice about conflicts, their resolution, and on life. As a young officer, to me the most significant was “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” Sun Tzu noticed momentum was important to warfare and the same is true in life. Similarly, in a career or Fraternity, often small actions snowball into something bigger. For example, volunteering at work could lead to networking contacts providing clients, or a future job. In our Fraternity, attending Special Communications of your Grand Lodge provides the opportunity to meet and develop friendships which last a life time. Being present could lead to an opportunity to serve as a Grand Lodge Officer. My life in Law Enforcement turned where I met Sheriff Johnny Mack Brown, who provided opportunity for growth. As I volunteered for special duty, new opportunities were presented. I began as a Patrol Officer, next vice and ultimately, property crimes. Upon reflection, I know each season of my life provided momentum through opportunities for growth equipping me for increased responsibility. Each season in my life, united with your support, has enabled me to serve our beloved Fraternity. To concentrate on one season is to miss the kaleidoscope of life. Consequently, to appreciate challenges facing our Fraternity, we need to know our history, appreciate our present, embrace our challenges and plan for our future.
Consider the following parable. There was a father who had four sons which he wanted to learn not to judge too quickly. Therefore, he sent them on a quest to gaze at a pear tree located a great distance away. The first son he sent in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest in the fall. Upon completion, the father called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said, “the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.” The second son said, “no, it was covered with green buds and full of promise.” The third son disagreed. He said, “it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.” The last son adamantly disagreed. He said “it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.” The father then explained that each of them was correct, because they had each seen but one season in the tree’s life. He told them that “you cannot judge a tree, or a person by only one season.” The essence of life’s joy, and love shared, can only be measured at the end of the journey when all the seasons ensue. If you miss the opportunity of your winter, you will miss the opportunity of your spring, missing the opportunity of your summer, and fulfillment of your fall. Don’t let the pain of one season rob your joy contained in the next season. Consequently, our Fraternity has faced the pain of Masonic Trials, financial challenges, NPD’s, neglected facilities, and declining membership. The spring of our Fraternity was when we accepted men from all stations of life as equals. The summer of our Fraternity attracted the greatest philosophical minds. The fall of our Fraternity remained selective on the quality of aspirant we would accept. Now we find ourselves in the winter of our Fraternity focusing on numbers. Focusing on one season, we can miss the purpose of Freemasonry! No season in Freemasonry was codified to increase our membership. Our defined purpose and goal is to serve our communities by developing our membership providing the opportunity for growth and service, not increasing the number of members on the roll. Sometimes, it just takes one opportunity for the floodgates to open. Attend your Lodge and Grand Lodge because silence is also a lost opportunity.
Word of the month:
Videlicet-adverb, Latin - that is to say; namely (used especially to
introduce examples, details, etc.).
Quote of the month:
“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the
bricks others throw at him.” Sidney Greenberg
Thought of the month: Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here
am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6: vs. 8
Carpe Diem
Together we can protect, preserve, serve, and grow.
O.B. Smith, SGW
Chm., ME