Dear Brethren,

The Lodge. A dictionary definition of a Lodge is a place of shelter, or temporary home. A place that is warm, inviting, and safe. While the physical building that we meet in may not match that definition, our true Lodge, the one that exists in our hearts and minds most certainly does. Our Lodge is a temporary shelter from our daily concerns and employments. There is warmth that can only be generation by the Brotherly Love displayed at our fraternal communications. Inviting, in that, as a Master Mason you are welcomed in the assembly even when traveling and not be personally familiar with those in that particular Lodge. Safe in the knowledge that we meet on the level, share common ideals and our communications are protected from intrusion by our Tyler. Any home or shelter, be it temporary or permanent, physical or spiritual, requires maintenance to prevent disarray. The maintenance of a physical edifice is relatively straightforward, but the maintenance of our spiritual Lodge is more complex and subtle. We must labor to prevent disarray in our own spiritual temple, as well as the Lodge as a group. As individuals we should endeavor to live up to our obligations daily by word, deed and actions. As a group we maintain the Lodge by encouraging new membership, participating in Lodge events, and most importantly, by keeping an open mind toward the ideas of others. The flexibility of thought towards new ideas is critical in maintaining the peace and harmony of the Lodge, and without peace and harmony, the strength and support of our Lodge can be irreparably undermined.

Happy New Year!

Fraternally,
James T. Lind
Worshipful Master