From the East – June 2017
My Brother,
We are about to q
uick this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue to mix again with the world. This phrase is spoken at the closing of every meeting and usually lasts one month until we are all together again. However; we must be diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet over the next couple months.
Darkness is synonymous with Masonry as it is with the Great Creator. As darkness was upon the face of the deep before light, every new member will be in darkness throughout his degrees before he is raised.
Many Lodges go “dark” during a few months during the year. This not only bears a striking similarity with the Bible and our degrees, it also serves as a more practical purpose. Depending on the geographical location of the lodge may determine when they “go dark.” 
In the Northern Hemisphere where the climate is temperate many lodg-es go dark during the mid-summer months. This can be for a couple of reasons; farmers yield the most crops during these months, families are on vacation, and/or the Lodge building may need some repairs and maintenance. In colder climates they may close during the winter months due to safe-ty concerns and may not even be able to travel to the lodge.
Nonetheless over the next couple months we must not forget the duties you have so frequently inculcated and so forcibly recommended while in lodge.
Have a safe and wonderful summer my brother. And if you find yourself in a time of distress we will al-ways be accessible to one another.
Fraternally,
Jonathan Murray Worshipful Master, 2017