The usefulness of our working tools have come in very handy in my life. Since I learned about the level, plumb and square, I have endeavored to live and help by their allegories. I know I don’t follow them all of the time, I am human after all, but I do know that when I do, my life and those around me tends to notice an effervescence about me. I feel better about my fellow man and consequently better about myself.
Therefore, let us not, as speculative brother masons, forget the lessons of the working tools which we were taught and urged to use. The shining example that we can set will be a beacon to other men who wish to walk in our several stations before God and man as Master Masons.
Many people, upon finding out that I am a mason, always ask, "What do they do?". I am ashamed to say that I did not have a good answer to that question. I have since traded the "they" in the question and inserted "me". I am the one that needs to do something. I am the one who should greet my fellow man with joy and reverence and not with contempt or talking behind others backs. (Something that I am guilty of.) And from this will rise more and greater opportunities for our fraternity to use our working tools to help, aid and assist our fellow man. Then will we see a rise in membership. I as master of the lodge guarantee it.
I would also like to welcome and introduce our two newest Master Masons who were raised on December 10. Brothers Matthew Wells, and Mark Moriarty. Both of our new brothers were present at our Annual meeting and have volunteered to take offices in the lodge. Congratulations on your appointments and welcome to Masonry.
Fraternally yours,
Joseph P. Macko, Worshipful Master
Albert Schweitzer said, "On thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve"
Brethren,
We are fortunate to have the enthusiasm of Worshipful Brother Joe Macko in the East once again.
This is a great opportunity to develop teams promoting membership, degree proficiency, Social Activities, dinners, and getting back to our roots with a Widow's Luncheon and appropriate Charitable Projects. This year we will celebrate each members Masonic anniversary by inviting them to dinner during the month they were raised. For those who cannot attend we are asking that they share comments about the night they were raised, or some other Masonic story they remember.
Call one of the Line Officers today and state your area of interest for making this a successful year. We are all committed by our obligations to work for the common good of Masonry.
Fraternally,
Vern Bandel, Senior Warden
The following is a continuation from the November issue of the Arcana Trestleboard of an excerpt from The Masonic Service Association of the United States Short Talk Bulletin, Volume 32, July 1954.
Recent publications such as the movie National Treasure, and Dan Browns popular book The DaVinci Code have brought Masonic symbols into light for the general public. As Masons we should remember that Masonic symbols are like many common words which mean different things at different times to different people when used in different ways. A large book would be required to list all Masonic symbols and even suggest the several meanings of each. All that may be attempted here is a suggestion of the “symbol behind the symbol” in a few of Masonry’s images often quoted as “A beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols”.
The second great symbol of the fellowcraft Degree is the letter G. Of its obvious meanings the degree is sufficiently explanatory. But why the emphasis upon geometry?
"Prove all things - hold fast to that which is good (I Thessalonians V:21).
There is no such thing as a proof of a belief which has no evidence; man cannot "prove God" in the same way in which he can "prove" an algebraic equation. Faith is a matter of the heart; geometry is a matter of the mind. But there is a meeting point where mind and heart touch. And there is a meeting point where faith and science touch.
The "question of the watch" has confounded many who have refused to believe in a Creator. It is impossible for the human mind to believe that a watch can make itself, wind itself. It must be the work of a man. Inasmuch as it can predict, it must work in accord with natural laws.
No one who found a watch, going, could be convinced that it had not been would within thirty-six hours, and had not been put where it was found by a human agency.
Geometry proves the visible universe to be a great watch. Geometry can predict the future, just as a watch can predict the interval of elapsed time before a certain hour. As, obviously, man did not create the solar system, or the laws by which geometry can predict the eclipses, the sunrise and sunset, the phases of the moon, the tides, they must have had another, not a human creator.
Geometry proves that the universe runs according to law.
Masons name the creator Great Architect of the Universe. Other men have a thousand different names for Him.
But it is Geometry which produces the nearest possible "proof" of His existence. Hence the symbol behind the symbol of the letter G is the scientific demonstration not only that "order is heaven's first law" but that there is a Creator, name Him as you will.
One of the many mysteries which Freemasonry presents to those who love and follow her in the absence of comprehension, on the part of the many, of the real content of the Master Mason Degree. It is, apparently, being unable to see the forest because there are so many trees; an inability to see the ocean because there are so many waves and so much foam!
No greater ceremony to express man's longing for and belief in immorality has yet been conceived; no more beautiful mental rainbow has ever arched through the skies of the mind than "The Search for That Which Was Lost". Yet too many see only the literal story of the tragedy of Hiram and thus fail to see as their personal own a vista which has for a far horizon the realization of the dearest hope of all mankind.
The histories of all peoples reflect a belief in an ancient and lost Golden Age; an Arcady; a Fairyland; a Lost continent in which all men were happy and all joys were constant; a place and time of contentment before evil came to the world.
It is the basis for all the "searches"-- for the hope of the recovery of the Holy Grail; the wish for a faith which cannot be undermined; the longing for a certainty about life here and hereafter.
Had we lost merely a word - one or more syllables - how easy to invent another. But the "word which was lost" is the memory in man's consciousness that there is a Something Beyond his senses, the knowledge they bring him, his understanding of the life he lives. It is his longing to possess this again - as racial memories demonstrate that he once possessed it - which is Masonically expressed in The Search.
This is the symbol behind the symbol of the Master Mason Degree.
Happy the brother - if he exists - who following this thought, finds his Masonic pot of gold at the end of the rainbow which is the Lost Word.
Masonic AnniversaryThis year Arcana Lodge is celebrating the Masonic Anniversary of each member with a dinner and small presentation during the anniversary month of the date each brother was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. The members and officers look forward to seeing each of you, but if you cannot attend your Anniversary, please regale us with a story about the night you were raised, or a favorite Masonic memory. January Masonic Anniversary Monday, January 23, 2006 Dinner 6:30 PM — 7:30 meeting
February Masonic Anniversary Monday, February 27, 2006 Dinner 6:30 PM — 7:30 meeting
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MembershipDo you have friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers who would appreciate the teachings, and brotherhood of being a Mason? Do you know any young men between 13 to 21 years old who may be interested in the social activities and fraternal brotherhood found in DeMolay? If you do, please tell them about these great organizations. If you’re not sure how to handle certain questions or situations, or if you would just like to have the assistance of another knowledgeable Mason from our Lodge to help with some of the tough questions please contact any of the names below.
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Arcana Koffee KlubThe Koffee Klub meets at 9:30 AM every other Wednesday for coffee, treats, and fellowship. Occasionally someone will even have a good joke to share. Upcoming Koffee Klub dates are January 18, February 1, February 15, and March 1. Come join the fun. |
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Do you need a ride to Lodge?
Phone Kevin
Erickson — 612-781-7352, - - -
If you would like to receive Arcana Lodge
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