April Message:
Is it really April already? The winter months have whisked by so quickly and we are now into spring. Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth in nature. As the plants wake from their winter slumber and the birds return and nature is in full bloom, so we may as a lodge be reborn. This time of year is also a time of cleaning and cleansing. As we move into spring think about this;
Hiram King of CityTyre was walking through the placeCityTemple on his way to a
meeting with King Solomon. Along the way, he passed through a
particular hallway and noticed all the stones in the walls.
"What are you?" King Hiram asked of the stones as he walked by.
"I am a perfect Ashlar, of course!" a myriad of stones answered,
and there was surprise and indignation in their voices as he passed.
But, here and there, a lonely stone answered, "We are this Temple.", and
there was neither surprise nor indignation in their voices, but just a
quiet certitude
Spring can also be a time of reflection to look at one's self and reevaluate what it is that is important to you. Are you the perfect Ashlar? Or, are you the placeCityTemple? Or, are you a rough Ashlar?
The lodge is full of activity this time of year as we have a full class of candidates moving through the degrees and our biggest community service and fund raising event is drawing near (Collingswood Mayfair). We started a great new tradition at our lodge last month in that as part of the master mason exam for our newly raised brothers we as a lodge reaffirmed our Master Mason obligation in unison with the new brothers. My challenge to you this month is to knock off the corners of that rough stone and renew your commitment Masonry and the spreading of Masonic Light.
Fraternally yours,
W.M. Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr.
March, 2008
Brethren;
Over the door of an ancient lodge is carved “Light in Extension". The letters are unusually artistic, and those who appreciate the art of engraving always admire them as a masterpiece. It is said that a Master Mason drew them on paper, from which the apprentices would trace them onto the stone so that the fellowcraft could then carve them out before the master finished them.
A young apprentice attended the master as he sketched the letters. The apprentice was charged with keeping the quills sharp and ensuring there was plenty of ink and paper. But the apprentice was also a little cocky and often criticized his master's work. "That's not very good," he told the master after his first effort.
"How is this one?", asked the Master.
"Poor. Worse than before," pronounced the apprentice.
The master patiently wrote one sheet after another until thirty-two copies of “Light in Extension” had accumulated, still without the approval of the apprentice.
Then, when the young man stepped outside for a few moments, the master thought: "Now this is my chance to escape his sharp eye," and he wrote hurriedly, with a mind free from distraction, "Light in Extension”.
When the apprentice returned he nodded confidently, "Now that is a masterpiece!"
Sometimes brethren our best work is best done when we are without distraction and without someone looking over our shoulder. Our own best work is solely within ourselves and can only come out when we are patient and can put aside the distraction and criticism of others. As you try to be more like the Master Mason in the story above, also remember to be less like the apprentice and allow others to truly fulfill what it is they have inside of them.
Fraternally yours,
W.M. Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr.
January, 2008
Brethren:
Can Masonic Light be studied? Is Masonic Light something that can be learned or taught? The following story may answer some of these questions;
Adoniram asked Hiram Abif: “What is masonry?”
Hiram said: “Everyday life is Masonry.”
Adoniram asked: “Can it be studied?”
Hiram said: “If you try to study, you will be far away from it.”
Adoniram asked: “If I do not study, how can I know it is Masonry?”
Hiram said: “The light of Masonry does not belong to the world of the senses; neither does it belong to the world beyond the senses. Neither thinking nor not thinking can contain it. If you want to know the truth of Masonry beyond doubt, make yourself as free as the sky. You name it neither light nor darkness.”
At these words Adnoniram was brought to light.
Masonic Light is naturally occurring within each and every one of us, it is how we live our lives and set examples for others. It occurs in all of us because it is what originally drew us together and inspired us to become Masons in the first place. It isn't something that can be studied, learned or taught it is only something that can be spread by example in an effort to draw others to us.
My challenge for you this month is to spread the light of masonry and involve someone that is not a mason with the lodge or your life, and maybe, just maybe we will find a new mason or two.
Fraternally yours,
W. M. Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr.