MASTER'S MESSAGE
January's Message
I have been thinking about all of the events of the past year and have been overwhelmed by some and awed by others. What has really impressed me though is how much can be accomplished by all of us working together. I have been humbled by the confidence my brethren have shown in me by allowing me to serve them as their Master for the year. I have heard that it would be that way but until I experienced it I did not fully understand. I have already found many of my shortcomings, but as I look forward I see that our great fraternity will move ahead and do some great things. I don't know what they will be but I have faith that my brethren will come thru. The past year was a wonderful year for our lodge, many things were accomplished and even more were started. My hope and prayer for the lodge is that we do even more this coming year. I look forward to hearing of the help and goodness we can do within our own community of Issaquah. I want us to reach out our neighbors, friends and family like we never have before. I firmly believe we all need each other both in the good times as well as the difficult times. This has been born out by many of the events since Sept. 11, 2001. Our lives have been changed forever; the Lodge can and WILL make a positive difference. May the God of peace live with you and dwell with you in the coming year.
Fraternally,
Tom
February's Message
I came across this while doing some reading in " The Hat and Gavel". I thought it was a good follow-up after Terry's talk. I also learned that John Ezekwugo has lived thru the war in Nigeria.
LIVING FREEMASONRY
"Freemasonry with its spiritual values teaches us a way of life. It offers us a complete philosophy for everyday world. Were the fundamental principles of the Craft adopted as the rules of human conduct, this world, indeed, would be a perfect one.
Consider the many ethical principles of our society. Are we not all on the same level? We should all live uprightly and deal fairly with our fellow men. As Masons, are we not taught that we owe certain duties to ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our country?
It is well that we teach and hear these fine principles explained in our lodge. But it is much better if we carry them out with us in our daily lives. By doing this, we will not only enrich our lives but we will set an example for others and bring credit to the Fraternity that instituted these principles in us. And, above all else, it will contribute towards the making of a better world in which we all can live."
Fraternally,
Tom