| Los Altos Lodge No. 712: | Last Updated on May 1, 2009 |
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Brethren -
My topic for the month continues as if it were a lecture. Los Altos Lodge needs several Officers in it’s line. Two Stewards and now a Jr. Deacon. (Bro. Maury has asked to step down from his Jr. Deacon position.)
For those of you who have not been Officers, it is not an onerous task, but a rather enjoyable one. The friendships and experiences you can gain are not measured by time spent, but rather fraternal and social in nature. The years I have spent in the line, both in Los Altos and Los Gatos, have been the most gratifying of my adult life. Only my wife and family have ever ranked higher for my personal enjoyment.
Los Altos Lodge will not survive without several Brothers coming to the table to assume future leadership position. Where are you?
If we do not have officers, we will not have a Lodge here in Los Altos!!!!!
Bob Rowan - Master
By the way, Thank you to all who attended Charlie Westbrook’s memorial service. The family was most appreciative!
We may no longer build buildings but we still build character.
From Masonic History we learn that non-operative or “speculative “masons were admitted to the craft for a number of reasons. The first was a result of the decline in Gothic structure construction. The second was a result of scholars and professional men who were admitted after becoming interested in the guild system. Our ancient brethren realized that as the number of members decreased they needed to make changes. These non-operational members became known as “accepted” masons because they did not possess the building skills of the craft. As the number of “speculative” members continued to grow lodges became entirely speculative and theoretical as they are today. The term “Free and Accepted Mason” was coined and has remained to this day.
Taken from; Information for Candidates- Grand Lodge F. &A.M. of California
The fact that the original craft was changed from operational to speculative in order to preserve its moral teachings, survive a housing crisis and reduce its declining membership is evidence that we too must make changes to survive and grow.
Sound familiar? Today Los Altos Lodge #712 has 187 members on the roll, and yet, only about 25 regularly attend meetings and that includes the officers. It may be time for us to take a good look and find the reason why? Some say it’s because of television and others because our life styles have changed and lodges are no longer relevant. When you look at it those arguments they just don’t hold water. We still have the greatest fraternity in the world as we maintain and support the Masonic Home, our widows and those less fortunate. We still teach moral and ethical behavior and we still believe in a Supreme Being. As we look at the corruption and greed that surrounds us today one can only come to the realization that Masonry is relevant and needs to be practiced. Please join us at a meeting and become involved in your lodge. We can only give you Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Yours in Faith
Bobbie Byers
Senior Warden
Brethren,
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” - President John F Kennedy
That question and one we have heard so many times asked in lodge, “Are you a mason”, are the topics for my article in this trestleboard.
The first question I am asking is for you to consider, what you can do for our Lodge in particular and Freemasonry in general. Now some of you may think that is a plea to come to stated meeting, but you would only be partially correct. Coming to stated meeting would be A thing you could do, but what if you are not living the area, or have other things happening, there are many other things that you could do for Los Altos Lodge in general or for the betterment of Freemasonry. After coming to stated meeting here are a list of some other things you could do:
1. Bring a friend who might be interested in Masonry to stated meeting dinner. 2. Bring your spouse or significant other to stated meeting dinner. 3. Bring a friend to a social event hosted by the Lodge. 4 Come to a degree 5. Make Mondays “Masonic Day”Which brings me to my second question, how would someone know by looking at you if you are a Mason? How could some non-Mason figure out “2 be 1 ask 1” if they do not know whom to ask? Twice in the past three months I have had people approach me to ask me about masonry. Once, because I was wearing a Masonic square and compass, and once because I have it on my some of my internet sites under “associations” and someone from work asked about.
So here is my idea, if you can’t come to stated meeting, or the dinner or bring anyone to a social event, on Mondays wear your Masonic emblem, wear it were people can see it. It is time to remove the bushels from our lights.
David Anderson
Junior Warden
If you have not sent your dues payment for 2009, you are not in good standing, and therefore, not entitled to Masonic Priveleges. Please remit ASAP.
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