BRETHREN;
AS WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR, I AM REMINDED THAT OUR FRATERNITY HAS REMAINED STRONG AND VIBRANT BASED ON OUR MEMBERSHIP. IT IS THE TRADITION AND ADHERENCE TO THE ANCIENT LANDMARKS THAT HAS PROVIDED A STEADY COURSE IN THE TUMULTUOUS WATERS F OF LIFE. IT IS ON THIS NOTE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO START MY YEAR AS WORSHIPFUL MASTER; A SERIES OF THOUGHT TO RENEW OLD FRIENDSHIPS AND DEVELOP NEW, TO HAVE THE BRETHREN MAKE A PILGRIMAGE BACK TO THEIR LODGE,
I KNOW THAT TIME RESTRAINTS AND OBLIGATIONS TO OUR FAMILY AND JOBS OFTEN INTERFERE WITH OUR SOLEMN INTENTION OF GOING TO LODGE. WITH THIS IN MIND, I HAVE SOLICITED THE ASSISTANCE OF WB MARK RICHARDSON, AND BROTHER CHAS VAN HORN ( JUNIOR MASTER OF CEREMONIES) WHO HAS GRACIOUSLY AGREED TO DEVELOP A MENU FOR EACH OF THE REGULAR COMMUNICATIONS, PREPARE THE FOOD AND HAVE IT READY FOR THE BRETHREN WHO WISH TO PARTAKE OF THE NOURISHMENT. BROTHERS MARK AND CHAS WILL BE ASSISTED BY OUR STEWARDS AND OTHER DEDICATED MEMBERS WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO ASSIST IN THIS WORTHY PROJECT.
MERCHANTVILLE'S CALENDAR OF "EVENTS" WILL TO BALANCE THE TRADITIONS OF OUR FRATERNITY WITH PROGRAMS THAT BRING OUR FAMILY OUT TO LODGE. MERCHANTVILLE HAS ALWAYS BALANCED THE TRADITIONS WHILE ATTENDING TO THE FAMILIES OF ITS MEMBERS. IT IS MY DESIRE TO CONTINUE THAT THAT PRACTICE, "DON'T MESS WITH SUCCESS." IT HAS BEEN IN THE PRACTICE OF MASONS TO CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER, AND WITH THIS IN MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO DEVELOP A CORE OF BRETHREN TO TRANSPORT THOSE BRETHREN WHO ARE IN NEED OF A RIDE TO AND FROM LODGE. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO PERFORM THIS FUNCTION PLEASE CONTACT ME, I AM ALSO LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER TO COORDINATE THIS PROGRAM.
THE FUTURE OF YOU LODGE IS BRIGHT, THE ELECTED AND APPOINTED LINE IS STAFFED WITH DEDICATED, ENERGETIC AND DEVOTED MASONS, WHO CONTINUE TO DERIVE THEIR"STRENGTH AND SUPPORT" FROM THE PAST MASTERS AND BRETHREN OF THIS LODGE.
I WISH EACH AND EVERY MEMBER, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS CONTINUED HEALTH AND SUCCESS IN 2006.
FRATERNALLY,
WILLIAM W. JOHNSON, SR.
What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Freemasonry has part of its roots in the ancient builders of King Solomon's Temple and uses tools and traditions of these builders in a metaphorical way to impress values and characters in its members. Its purpose, as most commonly defined by its members, is to make good men better. Freemasonry has no religious or political segregations in its members. A man's firm belief in a supreme being and an immortal soul is the only spiritual and religious requirement to be eligible for admission. The bonds of friendship and brotherly love that Freemasonry instills on its members is without equal and has survived conflicts and wars for centuries. Freemasonry teaches its members that the content of their character should be the most important unit of measurement for a man, and encourages them to constantly improve themselves through their behavior and compassion for others. Freemasons are considered men of good character who work and strive to make the world a better place.
Where Did Freemasonry Begin?
Freemasonry has mixed roots, documentation for which has mostly been lost in time. It brings together ancient history with legend and misticism to provide teachings for its members that are educational, enlightening, and entertaining. It is believed that part of Freemasonry's origins come from the builders of King Solomon's Temple. Considered to be very celebrated artists, they maintained a tight brotherhood with each other, admiting only men who could make a contribution to their craft and who would accept the bonds of their fraternity and the secrecy of their trade. It is said that the fraternal infrastructure lasted into the builders of the majestic castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. An organization known as the Knights Templar is said to have been the first organization to embrace the rituals and traditions of the guilds of stonemasons in the metaphorical representation that today is known as Freemasonry. The first Masonic lodge was said to have been started in England in the year 1717. Today you can surely find Masonic Lodges in just about every country. Their memberships span men of all race, creeds, religions, political affiliations, and nationalities - yet the believes, practices, rituals, and signs remain the same for all members - creating a chain of sincere friendship and brotherly love that spans the globe, unequaled by any other organization.
What Do Freemasons Do?
Freemasonry encourages men to strive to be the best they can in all aspects of life. This begins with their own character and integrity - the development of which being crucial for everything else that a man could strive for. Members are encouraged to practice being better men, better fathers, and husbands. They are taught that their behavior towards others clearly defines their own self-respect and should never be taken for granted. These teachings of self-growth and development are shared with a tremendous sense of charity and willingness to help others. Freemasons all over the world are heavily involved in charitable programs and events, donating an average of one million dollars every day to organizations all over the world that are in need. Freemasonry is also a social organization. During lodge meetings, members look forward to the business at hand as well as the drink afterwards. They share a bond of comarodery that cannot be compared. During parades all over the country, Freemasons known as Shriners perform in elaborate costumes using custom vehicles and motorcycles practically taking over the parade. Over the years, their marches and performances have become so anticipated by the watching public, that most parades save them for last.
Where Is Freemasonry's Influence?
Freemasonry has provided the basic infrastructure for many organizations today. These range from college fraternities to the American government. A number of our founding fathers were freemasons and the formation of our system of government has roots in masonic ritual and traditions. Even the city of Washington D.C. bears meaning its layout to masonic infrastructure. Many symbols and logos, as well as everyday sayings have origins in Freemasonry. Freemasonry has had many famous members throughout history and that is still true today (click here for Famous Masons). But the most important influence Freemasonry has provided is in the everyday conduct of its members towards society, for its teachings of integrity and compassion are at the very heart of what makes for a strong and good society.
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