From the East – January 2017

My Brother,

Masonry for many is another thing we have added to our daily lives. With many,
the New Year is often filled with joy, reservations, and resolutions. While many
of us may make new year resolutions, I would like to speak about a phrase in
our closing charge that every Mason should follow but never take it personally.
Prior to the charge we are reminded that all Masons meet on the level, act by the
plum, and part upon the square.

In the Closing Charge we are reminded that we “…have promised to remind an erring brother of his failings, to aid in his reformation…” This is something that is often very difficult to do and when one realizes the courage to do so; what do you do when nothing changes or only becomes worse or when nothing happens
at all?

I ask you that if you had done this and waiting for that reformation, not to give up hope or promise. We are all human and as a result we are all inherently erred. I only hope that it will not be too late when they have faced their failings and made a commitment to themselves to change for the greater good.

This year I ask that if you had to “aid in one’s reformation” or were the one that needed the aiding; that you look beyond yourself and see what is the best for all parties involved. For there may have been some simple misunderstanding, some perception that may have not been made clear, or a mutual disagreement.

None the less as Masons we are all taught to meet on the level meaning no one Mason is of better stature or status than another. Acting by the plum, meaning to stand upright with integrity, character, and above all honesty; both to yourself and your Brothers. Parting upon the square so that every party does not harbor ill feelings or intentions to another.

Thus, as the new year begins I personally ask you to join your Brother’s in Lodge and let’s all meet on the level, act by the plum, and always part upon the square. After all one man may be able to design a building but it takes many men to build that building. Let’s build ours together Brother!

Happy New Year!

Fraternally,

Jonathan Murray
Worshipful Master