Brethren,
At the building of King Solomon's Temple, one of the most fantastic things was the relationship that Hiram, King of Tyre had with both King David and King Solomon. (I Kings, Chap. 5; II Samuel 5:11; I Chronicles 14:1) This alliance resulted in the finest timbers from Lebanon, and skilled artisans from Phoenicia. To secure the timbers from Lebanon, 30,000 Israelites were employed and sent in detachments of 10,000 each month (I Kings 5:13-14); 150,000 of the remnants of the Canaanites were pressed into service as hewers and carriers; "70,000 as bearers of burdens, and 80,000 as hewers" (I Kings 5:15; 9:20; II Chron. 2:2, 17, 18); 550 chief overseers and 3,300 subordinate overseers were appointed for the work. Of these, 250 Israelites and 3,600 were Canaanites. In addition to these overseers, the work was under the direction of the chief of his officers.
Thus, the greatest efficiency and the most abundant results were assured. Besides these vast companies of workmen and overseers, there were scores of the best architects, metal workers, engravers, cunning workmen in blue, purple, and scarlet, weavers and decorators in brilliant coloring. Refiners were drawn, not only from the most skilled of Israel, but from many foreign countries and distant nations.
As we seek the wisdom of King Solomon, remember no one person can do the job alone. The race car drivers may have the name of popularity, but if they had to change the tires, gas the cars, yes, even wash the windows, they would never win the race. The person who washes the bugs off the window, so there will be good vision for the driver (thus preventing an accident) is just as important as the driver. Many of us cannot drive the car, but we can wash the windows for our Brothers, thus oreventing an accident or harm. Just as it took teamwork to erect the Temple, so it is with Freemasonry. 'We have repeatedly promised to relieve, protect and vindicate each other. Let us therefore, be diligent . . . by benevolence and diffusive charity, we may discover to the world the happy effect of this ancient and honorable institution!' Have you washed the bugs off a Brother's windshield lately?.
Faternally,
Jim Nichols, Sr., WM
The Web site is now up and running and we have already received some e-mail. If you have a presence on the internet, let us hear from you. www.desotolodge.com
If a task is once begun, never leave it till it's done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.
Calendar of Events
Craftsman Club will meet every Tuesday night at 7 PM for study and Ritual work.
| Saturday | May 29, 2000 | 7 AM | Memorial Day Breakfast, |
| | | | MM Degree to Follow |
| Thursday | June 1, 2000 | 7 PM | Stated Meeting |
Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or for evil, the silent, unconscious, unseen influence of his life. This is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is, not what he pretends to be. Every man, by his mere living, is radiating sympathy, or sorrow, or morbidness, or cynnicism or happiness, or hope, or any of a hundred other qualities. Life is a state of constant radiation and absorption; to exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiations.
And if all men had always obeyed with all their hearts, the mild and gentle teachings of Masonry, that world would always have been a paradise; while Intolerance and Persecution make of it a hell. For this is the Masonic creed: BELIEVE, in God's infinite benevolence, wisdom and justice: HOPE, for the final triumph of good over evil, and for Perfect Harmony as the final result of all the concords and discords of the Universe; and be CHARITABLE, as God is, towards the unfaith, the errors, the follies and faults of men; for all are one great Brotherhood.
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