“It’s your problem now.” This statement, and variations of it, were expressed to me as I assumed the position of Worshipful Master. Certainly, positions of authority come with administrative challenges. I do not consider being elected to serve as Worshipful Master of our venerable institution as anything short of a great privilege. To add my name to the Pantheon of men who’ve led our 99-year-old Lodge is to me an achievement, not a problem. One that I am proud of. It’s a short opportunity to have a positive influence in the future of Freemasonry and our Lodge in particular. I chose to serve in the East. Why would I see it as a problem?
Is Freemasonry a ‘problem’ for you?
If you’re reading this letter, then you likely bear some interest in the workings of your Lodge. You pay your dues. You consider yourself a Freemason. Do you practice the Masonic virtues? Do you practice the responsibilities of a Mason: to our Lodge, to our Country, to God, and to our fellow man? I dare say if you did, we would collectively SOLVE a great many problems.
As of this writing we count nearly 350 members of John E. Mair Lodge. Many of our Brethren do not live nearby. Many are of full age and poor health, and attending Lodge is not practical or safe. To you Brothers who cannot attend, I say send us a note! It is not a problem for us to share your Fraternal greetings in our meetings. Use the ‘contact us’ form on our website or send a letter to our address. We would treasure hearing from you in lieu of attendance.
If you do live nearby, and you are not of a full age, I wish to share a short parable:
A Ferry Boat captain whose income was from ferrying passengers across a river was asked, “How many times a day do you cross the river?” He replied, “I go as often as I can. The more I go the more I get. If I don’t go, I don’t get.” So it is with attending Lodge meetings. The more we go, the more we get out of our Lodge membership. If we don’t go, we don’t get.
You sought in your heart to become a Mason. Come to Lodge. Visit with and get to know your Brethren. Commit to attend even 1 meeting a year. Surely that doesn’t present a problem, does it?
Fraternally,
James E.
Worshipful Master
