Dear Brethren:
January 11th
was our inaugural meeting in our new home at the IOOF building on 7th street in downtown Washington DC. The meeting was very well attended, with
over 40 Brethren in attendance including 8 visiting Brethren and as many past
masters, and a number of non-Mason visitors as well. I was very pleased to see
such an increase in attendance over our norm, and hope the trend continues
throughout the year. If you know any members of the Lodge who have not had an
opportunity to join us recently, please encourage them to come see the new
Lodge room – it is already something to behold, and will be even more
spectacular with the arrival of our new carpet.
Our program on
January 11th was on Truth – that divine attribute, the foundation of
every virtue, and the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. We discussed what
Truth means in the Masonic context, and why Truth is not already a greater part
of our individual character and daily lives. We learned that fear of hurting
our friends, or leaving ourselves open to hurt, is often a barrier to
expressing Truth as often as we should. We closed the discussion with an
admonishment to think carefully over the coming weeks, each time we find
ourselves in a situation where we feel the need to limit or conceal the truth
or outright lie, to consider why it is we don’t feel comfortable being truthful
in that situation. It is through this introspection and careful consideration
that we can learn more about why Truth is not one of the defining
characteristics of our conduct, and endeavor to improve ourselves accordingly.
By the time you
receive this Trestleboard, we will also have heard from the Fellowcraft Brethren
of the Lodge as they demonstrate proficiency in the second degree of Masonry,
and share with us what they have learned about the teachings of the craft thus
far in their journey towards the sublime degree of Master Mason.
The Master Mason
Degree scheduled for Saturday, January 30 has been postponed. As soon as the
new date is finalized I will send a message so you will all have due and timely
notice. I hope to see as many of you attend as can make it.
In February, we will
be learning about Leadership – a topic often discussed from a business and
organizational perspective, but we will be addressing it at a more fundamental
level. What values does a leader have? What is it about his character that
makes others want to follow him? If the theme for the year is on building our
character according to the teachings of Freemasonry, why are we even talking
about something that is never mentioned in the lectures? Join us on February 8th
(and bring your friends, as this will be another open meeting) and find out.
Finally, I will leave
you with this thought from the charge we give to our Fellowcraft: In your
new character it is expected that you will conform to the principles of the
order by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.
In layman’s terms: Do what is right, always.
Fraternally,
Mark Shapiro
Worshipful Master