Masonic Education Corner February/March 2018

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

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