Smiles all around!

I spent most of two days at the annual Grand Lodge Communication in my jurisdiction. There were smiles all around.

It was great to see Masons I’ve known for a long time, and re-affirm our mystic tie with a handshake. There were smiles all around.

Some Masons recognized me more quickly that I recognized them. We’ve shared quite a few hours looking at each other via video-conference technology over the past two years. Now we can greet each other as a Brother should. There were smiles all around.

There were reminders of those who have passed to the Grand Lodge Above. Reminders of their contributions, their wit and wisdom, and their place in our hearts. There were smiles all around.

My hand is warm from the pressure of mutual interchange of fraternal feelings. My cheeks ache from the social mirth shared with so many fine men and Masons. There were smiles all around.

Pick up the phone and call!

We’ve heard the exhortation to call a Brother.  Pick up the phone and call!

BUT some of us need a bit more information.  What phone number?  What do I say?  How many should I call? 

Phone numbers: check your Lodge Summons (or notice from another body).  There is usually a list of Officers with phone numbers.  Get started!

Ask some questions to get the conversation going.  A script or a few prepared questions can help.  “Did you get the last issue of Ontario Mason Magazine?  Have you visited the Grand Lodge website?  Is there something that the Lodge should plan to do for the next meeting?  Perhaps there is some topic that you’d like to learn more about and we can do some Education on that.  What about the food for a time of fellowship or festive board – what meals have you enjoyed that were really memorable?”  Many Lodge Summonses have a list of milestones such as the years since Initiation; wouldn’t you feel good if you got several phone calls in one month from Brethren congratulating you for your years of fervency and zeal? You can do the same for them!

Keep in mind that is isn’t the number of calls, nor the total time spent on the phone.  This is contact — not a contest. 

Take some notes either during or after the call.  If follow-up is needed then be ready to share some details.

This is something to start now and then keep going.  And going.

Pick up the phone and call!

Now available — a new small book: “Audi, Vide, Tace — An Explanation”

I was hoping to make an announcement of a new publication at a significant event.  Instead I’ll make this announcement here.  ‘Audi, Vide, Tace – an Explanation’ is now available!

This small book is the result of my questions about the motto of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.  I followed the “five W’s” of an investigation.  Who, what, when, where, and why?  I’ve also explored both an understanding for historians and the public, as well as the esoteric understanding achieved by a Mason who has enjoyed our ritual.

Available for $5 (mailing included) at my website of www.mastersemblem.com

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/692591