The month of love is over and the month of green is here. Don’t get carried away and start planting till the chances of frost is over. But, when you look around, you see the daffodils spouting and the trees budding. Spring is just around the corner. And with the better weather approaching, it is hoped that we will see more of you attending lodge. It is an exciting time for we have degree work taking place and several special events planned thorough out the year. Our Worshipful Master is busy at work to make this a great year for the brethren.

Another one of our brothers has gone to that Celestial Lodge above, Bro. George Franklin Stephens. He will be missed but not forgotten. If any of the brethren know of the passing of a brother, please call or email me who and when. We want to keep our records up-to-date and remember their widows. A few of you have done this and it is greatly appreciated.

I read this in passing and wanted to pass on this true meaning, Masonic Charity.

Masonic charity is strong, kindly, beautiful and tender, and not charity at all in the narrow sense of the word. Nay, it does not wait until a brother is in distress or strikes a burden of repayment, but throws about him in his strength and prosperity the affectionate arm of friendship, without which life is cold and harsh. Friendship, fraternity, fellowship---this is the soul of Freemasonry, of which charity is but one gesture with a thousand meanings.

Freemasonry not only inculcates the principles of love and benevolence, it seeks to give an actual and living presence in all the occupations and intercourse of life. It not only feels, it acts! It not only pities human suffering, it relieves it! Nowhere in the world can a good freemason feel himself alone, friendless or forsaken. The invisible but helpful arms of our order surround him wherever he may be.

It is a common error to regard charity as that sentiment which prompts us to extend assistance to the unfortunate. Charity is a Masonic sense has a much broader meaning, and embraces affection and goodwill toward all mankind, but more especially our brethren in Freemasonry. It is the sentiment which prompts a freemason to suffer long and be kind, to control his temper, forgive the erring, reach forth his hand to stay a falling brother, to warn him of his error and whisper in his ear that correction which his fault may demand, to close his ear to the slander and his lips to reproach; in short, to do unto others as he would be done by.

Charity as applied to Freemasonry is different from the usual and accepted meaning. All true freemasons meet upon the same level, regardless of wealth or station. In giving assistance we make the too common error of considering charity only as that sentiment of commiseration which leads us to assist the poor and unfortunate with pecuniary donations. Its Masonic application is more noble and more extensive. We are taught not only to relieve a brother’s material wants, the cry of hunger, etc., but to fellowship with him upon our own level, stripped of worldly titles and honors. When we thus appeal to him, giving spiritual advice, lifting him up morally and spiritually with no sense of humiliation to him, we set him free from his passions and wants. To such charity there is a reciprocity rich in brotherly love and sincere affection.

My brothers, I leave you with these sterling truths:

“Remember that happiness is a way of travel-not a destination”-Roy M. Goodman

“Tell the truth, and so puzzle and confound your enemies.”- Sir Henry Wotton

“Better a witty fool than a foolish wit”- William Shakespeare

“Logical consequences are the scarecrows of fools and the beacons of wise men.”-Thomas Henry Huxley

With brotherly affection and love,

WB Lee R. Webb II

Secretary