From the Worshipful Master

My Brothers,

As we start this new Masonic year, it is my hope that each of us are able to as Masonically, or as men through Masonic service and education. Any form of growing to require pushing through our own comfort zones and exercising temperance, fortitude and patience. Growing as a mason can mean many things. It can mean growing the bonds of brotherly love and affection through lodge service, fundraisers, and charitable service to our brothers and fellow man. For example, this year we have several opportunities to participate in fundraisers and charitable events. Growing as Masons also includes educating ourselves in Masonic philosophy. This includes attending degrees and learning ritual, reading Masonic articles, and studying Masonic books. The internet is full of Masonic books and articles that one need not have to spend any money to read literally hundreds of books and articles. The more we are able to learn about Freemasonry and its principles, we more internalize its precepts and then Masonry belongs more to US. There are many things that can suck up our time. It’s not always a matter of good or bad, because I am confident we can all distinguish between them. But it’s a matter of what is good, better, and best. Learning the precepts of Masonry, you learn how to learn and how to study more effectively. It can allow you to ponder on the deeper things in life and acts as a compass to orient your direction in life if you so choose.
My brothers, it is my desire that we stretch ourselves and grow as men this year to become better craftsmen in building our relationship with the Great Architect of the Universe, our communities, our families, and ourselves.

Christopher Huson
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

Growing as a Mason, is dependent upon the individual on how far he wishes to advance his knowledge in masonry. If we look back to the second degree lecture, it informs us that as the desire for knowledge increases our intellectual faculties expand. There are many ways to grow in masonry, I would say the biggest way is by regular attendance to the meetings, or by involving yourself in the line of the lodge, getting involved with fund raisers being put on. Mostly for myself is to live by the teaching of brotherly love to all mankind, Relief to those in need, and truth.

Yours in the Craft,

Kenneth Olsen
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Growing in Masonry is part of what we do. We start as Entered Apprentices and we gradually grow to Fellow Crafts and finally Master Masons. For others that hear the call, growth continues within the lodge by beginning one’s times in the officer chairs. Looking back, I am not sure I was ready to heed this call. I came through the chairs my first time clumsy and inadequate having to fill very large shoes. But this being my second time as Junior Warden, I feel now that I am confident in my ritual and my abilities as a leader.

We are always studying. We are always having to learn. And I realize now a month into my second term in this position, I realize that while I have come a long way, I still must seek my mentors to help me grow. I hope that this growth manifests itself in the actions that I take this year and through the remainder of my term as one of your officers. I have enjoyed this growth even when it wasn’t easy.

There have been times I was chastised even when I did not feel I deserved it. But that too was a learning experience. It taught me to take criticism even if my actions were with the best intentions in mind. As Masons we are obligated to admonish where necessary. It is part of our oath and part of what makes us a brotherhood. We must all teach each other. And I am no different in that regard, even as a Past Master.

Yours in the Craft,

Jason Michlowitz
Junior Warden