Brotherly Love and Affection
The tenets of our profession of Masonry give guidelines on how we should interact with one another. I have a friend who always closes his communication to me with the words 'Brotherly love and affection'. What do these words really mean? Several months ago, during a refreshment period of a Lodge meeting, I observed nine young Brothers in a circle. They were not discussing Lodge business or degree work. They were just talking about things that were happening in their lives and it was obvious they were thoroughly enjoying each other's company. This was an example of Brotherly love and affection being demonstrated for all to see.
What can we do to insure Brotherly love and affection is a priority in our Lodges? The Senior Deacon is charged with greeting all visitors, but should not that be a priority for all officers and members?
Some Lodges have a short refreshment period before stated meeting where everyone is greeted and enjoy fellowship and food in a relaxed setting. Much can be accomplished during this time to insure a good and productive meeting will ensue.
The next time you visit a Lodge, notice how quickly someone comes to greet you and welcomes you into their fellowship. This says volumes about their Brotherly love and affection not only for visitors, but for members themselves as well. At a meal, never let a Brother eat alone. Show you care for him by sharing your company with him during the time of refreshment and also in the Lodge.
It is understood that our main business in a Lodge is to confer the three degrees and then teach, our initiates how to live by the lessons they contain. This can be illustrated by a tree where the degrees are the trunk of the tree, but the tree cannot live without its branches. The branches that keep this tree alive and well are the Brotherly love and affection we show and practice with each other. It is our duty to instill in every Brother
there is never a day too short or an hour too late that we cannot share our resources in his behalf, no matter what the situation.
Although our detractors are sure they have obtained all our secrets from the internet and other places, the one thing they cannot obtain is our dedication to each other through the Brotherly love and affection we share. Remember that around our altar we have promised to befriend and relieve every Brother who shall need our assistance. Are we fulfilling the duties we owe to each other by faithfully practicing that all important tenet of Brotherly love and affection? Only you know the answer.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
William R. Logan, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
The tenets of our profession of Masonry give guidelines on how we should interact with one another. I have a friend who always closes his communication to me with the words 'Brotherly love and affection'. What do these words really mean? Several months ago, during a refreshment period of a Lodge meeting, I observed nine young Brothers in a circle. They were not discussing Lodge business or degree work. They were just talking about things that were happening in their lives and it was obvious they were thoroughly enjoying each other's company. This was an example of Brotherly love and affection being demonstrated for all to see.
What can we do to insure Brotherly love and affection is a priority in our Lodges? The Senior Deacon is charged with greeting all visitors, but should not that be a priority for all officers and members?
Some Lodges have a short refreshment period before stated meeting where everyone is greeted and enjoy fellowship and food in a relaxed setting. Much can be accomplished during this time to insure a good and productive meeting will ensue.
The next time you visit a Lodge, notice how quickly someone comes to greet you and welcomes you into their fellowship. This says volumes about their Brotherly love and affection not only for visitors, but for members themselves as well. At a meal, never let a Brother eat alone. Show you care for him by sharing your company with him during the time of refreshment and also in the Lodge.
It is understood that our main business in a Lodge is to confer the three degrees and then teach, our initiates how to live by the lessons they contain. This can be illustrated by a tree where the degrees are the trunk of the tree, but the tree cannot live without its branches. The branches that keep this tree alive and well are the Brotherly love and affection we show and practice with each other. It is our duty to instill in every Brother
there is never a day too short or an hour too late that we cannot share our resources in his behalf, no matter what the situation.
Although our detractors are sure they have obtained all our secrets from the internet and other places, the one thing they cannot obtain is our dedication to each other through the Brotherly love and affection we share. Remember that around our altar we have promised to befriend and relieve every Brother who shall need our assistance. Are we fulfilling the duties we owe to each other by faithfully practicing that all important tenet of Brotherly love and affection? Only you know the answer.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
William R. Logan, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
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