From the Worshipful Master

We focus a lot of time, effort and conversation on bringing in new members, and this is important for the sustainability of the lodge. At Wayfarer’s we have done well getting new members, but today I would like to address the importance of developing the members we have. Bringing in new members is just the beginning of Masonry, the balance of our time and focus should be in developing ourselves and our brothers. I know when I sit in the East or on the sideline, I always have a reverence for those who have taken the time and put forth the effort to learn a lecture or section of ritual and perform this in lodge. I know it comes easy to some and not so easy for others such as me, it may take a year to learn a lecture, or months to learn a charge, but the satisfaction you will get from performing this in open lodge and the personal growth you will feel by challenging yourself will be worth every moment spent learning it. Knowledge is power, and each member should strive to be powerful.

We have some many giving brothers who are willing to spend the time with you in person or over the phone to assist you in this learning. Just last week a brother offered to help me study over the phone any night after work, all I have to do is reach out. This is what I am talking about today, each of us can aid in developing the members we have, all we need to do is reach out. I am challenging myself to learn more and to be able to contribute more in the future and hope that you will join me in this effort. If you need help just ask myself or others you will be surprised at how giving your brothers are.

I hope that you enjoy your summer vacations and that you find time to support us as we continue to initiate, pass and raise our brothers over the summer months.

Fraternally

Doug Steele
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

I look at the calendar for this month and it dawns on me every time just how blessed we are. We have so many strong candidates going through the degrees that I feel comfortable with the future of Wayfarers. However we can always do more. I believe that a good lodge continues to grow, and continues to gain members. Of course not just anyone. We are not in the business of making bad men good, we are in the business of making good men better. There are a lot of good men out there, they just need to be shown the way.

Our Worshipful Master tells an interesting story about every time someone comes up to them and says they knew someone who was a Mason. The inevitable question is, “Was he a good man?” And the answer is always yes. I have found myself doing the same thing and following this lead, and it is true, that this is the answer I receive. This is a good time to find out if this person might be interested. If they are mentioning to you that they had a grandfather, or uncle, or cousin, or whatever who was a Mason, then they must have meant something and it is a memory that stands out. This is a great jumping point to see if they would be interested in coming to a stated meeting dinner, an education night, or perhaps one of our other public events.

We need to find quality men to become Masons, and the first place to look is to find those people who know other, or are related to other Masons. We have seen time and again how many people want to walk the same Portals that their older relatives have and we would love to meet them.

Remember, we don’t recruit, but an invite, or a Q&A session, or a chance to explain what Masonry is certainly educates. And this brings in good men indeed.

Yours in the Craft,

Jason Michlowitz
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

As Junior Warden, I am currently in the process of moving up the line of officers. From here, I hope to go on to Senior Warden, then, I hope, Worshipful Master.
And then, sitting in the north, talking about how we did it different in my year.

Humor aside, there’s a reason for going through the work of going through the officer line, of memorizing ritual and practice.

As you advance, you learn the rituals, but also to speak to people, to work with others, to carry the ever-changing responsibilities that come with each position. From conducting candidates as a steward, to leading the lodge as the Master, each step carries new expectations. And all contribute to the proper conduct and practice of the lodge.

Not everyone chooses to join the line, though. Does that mean that a Mason who is not an officer is less important than those who are?

Without the members of the lodge, without the men who seek out Masonry, join, follow the traditions laid out in our practices, and most important, show the world the tenets of Masonry in their everyday life, Masonry could not continue. Lodges could not exist. And a craft that has been extant for hundreds of years could not flourish, and continue to make good men into better men.

Fraternally

Bryan Bullock
Junior Warden