Master’s Masonic Message (May 2008)
There is no ONE word to describe what I have observed , partaken in, and realized
about the meaning of masonry, what masonry is about, and the future of our beloved
ancient and honorable fraternity. April was a great month, brothers were reinstated
due to the amnesty program, petitions were voted on, just showing that masonry is
still growing and is still alive and well. I would be safe to say that the highlight of the
month was on April 12th. The day began with a called meeting and the initiation of
Brother Jackie Adams to the fraternity, then we traveled to the Fields Lodge 832 and
conferred the Master Masons Degree. For those in attendance they can attest to a
very long night, but well worth the lost sleep toward the following day.
I was shown that how even thought you are a past master of the lodge, it is still
very important to stay active and support your lodge. Brothers at this meeting, when
the work was to be put on, Fields lodge turned the seats over to our lodge and ALL of
the officers seats were filled with Past Masters of OUR lodge, with the exception of
the Tiler. From Bill Collins in the East to Sec. Eddie Bentley Sr.as the junior steward.
My dad said that in a way, it was sort of a Past Masters Night for them. Both sections
were conferred with a great meal in between. By the end of the night, our great
fraternity had three new obligated brothers.
A sixty seven year old man with the nickname of "MUGGINS", a distant cousin from
Cumberland, and a friend of mine in whom I've known since the third grade. This
teaches me many things. It taught me that WE have an EXCELLENT lodge in which I
am so proud and ecstatic to say that I am the Master of this lodge. Secondly, that it is
NEVER TOO LATE to become a Mason, no matter what the age is. This was
definitely present with Muggins and what a great addition he is to have to this
fraternity. And last is, that life gives you many roads to travel, and offers many
different opportunities. The paths that are presented may often be rough and rugged
at first but with the right turns when presented you will end up at the right place at the
right time. For the second time this year a friend from whom I've known since I was
eight years old is now my brother. And again it hits me, did it ever cross into J.D.
Bedwell's mind that one day two kids that played pee wee football as he coached and
mentored them would cross paths again but this time on a different field but for the
same team. To hear J.D. talk about masonry really hit's the heart. Congratulations to
his son, Little John, on taking that final step and becoming a Master Mason.
While writing this message I can not believe that this is for the May newsletter. This
year has flown by. Petitions have been voted on, degree work has been conferred at
either regular and called meetings, attendance has been astonishing with almost or
over thirty members at each meeting, and there is always a new face at a meeting.
Brothers we STILL have the Traveling Gavel, be proud for that, but if the time comes
that it leaves our lodge it is my pledge that it will not stay gone too long. May will be
another busy month that will come and go before we know it. Plans for this month
already include another Pancake Breakfast on May 24th, the breakfast will begin
around 7:30AM and last till 11:00AM. All proceeds of this breakfast will go to benefit
the Letcher County Relay for Life and the American Cancer Association. Prices will be
five dollars a plate. Brothers, everybody in this lodge has been affected by some form
or fashion by a friend, loved one or brother of the fraternity, that either lost their life or
battled and won the fight with cancer. I would like all that can help to attend, or just
bring the family to a day for fellowship and a great breakfast at our lodge.
Also on June the 6th, is the annual Relay for Life at the Whitesburg River Park.
Brothers the lodge has formed another team for this year, and Brother Chris Caudill
will be preparing the soup beans again. For the last three years we have participated
in this event and WE have been able to shine our light in the community just by being
there. It seems that with every year more and more members show up and
participate and fellowship at this event while we remember those brothers that we've
lost to that horrid disease, and we embrace the ones that are fighting the battle.
In closing for this newsletter, I would like to remind everybody that the Amnesty
Program will be wrapping up on May 15th. All reinstatement petitions must be
received before that time. Brothers if you know anybody that has been suspended
and would like to get reinstated either tell them to call me, if you can not reach me at
my home number, have them call either 606-454-6813 or 606-634-5051. That goes
for all brothers, if you need me call me. Also, dues notices have been sent out and
there are still a lot of brothers that have not paid their dues. Brothers please do not
get suspended for the time is drawing near, if you are having a financial burden or find
yourself in a tight spot bring it to the lodge, we will see what we can do. Brother's I
look forward to another great month, the District Meeting is on MAY 20TH, at the
Jackson Lodge in Breathitt County, beginning at 7PM, and I would love all that can
attend to attend. Keep shining your light in the community, reach out and help that
brother when he is down and please, DON"T GET ABOVE YOUR RAISING. I will see
you at the meetings. "FROM THE CRAFT I CAME, AND TO THE CRAFT I WILL
RETURN".