From the Worshipful Master

Wayfarer’s Lodge #50 has been around for about 62 years. Even though our Lodge is old, many of our members right now are young both in age and in Masonic years. In addition to this, we have several candidates. I would like to gear my remarks at this time to our candidates, those perspective candidates who are petitioning or waiting to petition, and Master Masons who have been raised for less than a few years.
When I first joined the Craft, was excited to go and join the York rite and Scottish right and then the Shrine. It never occurred to me to become active as an officer in the Blue Lodge. However, after I was asked to join the officer line, I found that I really enjoyed serving my brothers and all of the experiences I have been able to have. I have been asked why I am not more active in the York rite bodies, and my usual reply is that I’m too busy with the Blue Lodge. Not busy in a bad way, but in a good way. My main point is that I was able to find great join growing and serving and building a foundation of Masonic knowledge and experience in the foundation of the Masonic family.

The advice I received upon being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, to wait at least 1 year before joining the appendant bodies. The rational for this is to become more familiar with the Blue lodge and the rules of Masonry. This is something you do not have to do. If you happen to have your heart set on joining the Shriners or become a Knights Templar, then go right ahead. My suggestion is to not forget the Blue Lodge and to stay close to it.

As you go through the degrees of Masonry, we require our candidates to memorize a proficiency. I have observed some people memorized ‘just enough’ to pass it in the shortest amount of time. I have also observed candidates take the time to really learn and memorize the material very well. There is a distinct difference between how these candidates view the Craft. My encouragement is to take your time and put in the hard and time to memorize and internalize the material. I have found as I was studying and memorizing my Entered Apprentice proficiency I was able to better remember my own experiences during my 1st degree. Additionally, as I read through Masonic literature I am able to more clearly identify commentaries and references to parts of the ritual, and thus more light is shone to my mind and connections made. When we memorize the proficiency, we essentially memorize the main parts of the ritual and thus, Freemasonry more further belongs to us.

Lastly, my last piece of advice to perspective candidates/ candidates/new Masons is to strive to be growing as a Mason. I will list a few questions to help determine this. Are you assisting in any fundraisers for your lodge? What Masonic book/books are you reading? How many other lodges have you traveled to? Are you working on becoming more proficient in different parts of the ritual? Are you involved in one of the several committees that serve the community or the lodge? Are you preparing a presentation or paper or speech for the body of Masonic literature or for the benefit of the Craft?
As Master of Wayfarer’s Lodge #50, I want to personally welcome you newly made Master Masons again. I am very happy for each of you to be a part of our wonderful Lodge. There are many opportunities for service and it is my hope you will find your place to serve. I want to welcome our candidates to our lodge. I hope that you will continue to work and study hard and be prepared to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. To our perspective candidates, I hope to see you at our stated meeting dinners and our next education night!!!

Christopher Huson
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

I would like to welcome you as a new Brother to our great fraternity! Becoming a Mason is an honor not afforded to every man and you should feel proud that you are now among some of the leading men of your community and of history.

As a newcomer to Freemasonry, you are no doubt a bit bewildered by the overwhelming amount of things to learn. Talking to your Lodge Brothers and participating in Lodge meetings and events can gather much of what you need to learn.

You will get out of Freemasonry what you are willing to put into it, learning ritual is a big part of continuing to learn what Freemasonry is about and what is happening in lodge especially during degrees.

Ken Olsen
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

There is not much better advice for a new Mason than I can give that hasn’t already been discussed with two exceptions. The first is to stay off the internet. The internet is littered with so much noise that it is hard to distinguish between pro- and anti-Masonic information, even if it purports to be in support of Masonry by the way the article reads. It is difficult when reading some of these articles and make that determination without having been through any real Masonic education. At the same time, any possible exposes on Masonry would ruin for one the experience of initiatian and being surprised by the ritual in all of its glory. The ritaul is meant to impress upon the candidate wise and serious truths, and without that element of surprise, some of that experience is lost.

The second is patience. It is hard work becoming a Master Mason and it can take a while to get through the application process. It is important to remember that this is a life-long commitment and one doesn’t instantly have the wisdom that is imparted on a Mason through careful study, ritual particpation, and regular attendance. One must come to these revelations honestly and through a reflection of the inner self.

Yours in the Craft,

Jason Michlowitz, PM
Junior Warden