FRATERNAL REVIEW

Editor - Ralph A. Herbold        (11-15-93)                       No. 682

COMMUNICATION
"Why is a Meeting of Grand Lodge Called a Communication" in the June 1993 The
Western Mason, publication of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia:

"In Old English 'communication' was 'to common' - to share with others.  In the
church, 'communion' is the common partaking of a sacranent.  In a Grand Lodge,
'communication,' 'to common,' is to gather in a 'communication,' signifying not
just a meeting of brethren to legislate, but a gathering of brethren with a 
common purpose, governed by a common ideal. It is one of the precious and
delightful ways in which Masonry keeps alive an old idea in the words of long
ago.

In a Grand Lodge of Ohio Committee on Masonic Education Bulletin:  "Why do we
need Masonic Education?"  "Should the Masonic lodge be any different than any
other part of our lives?"

PUBLIC RELATIONS-CHARITY
"NC Masons To Aid Vaccination Progran" in the September/October 1993 North
Carolina Mason (you will receive it in 1994) tells how North Carolina Masons
will be getting the jump on our adninistration as regards vaccinating children:

As measles have increased 900% and the mumps 600% since 1988 due to lack of a
good vaccination program the brethren in North Carolina are taking the bull by
the horns to lick this problem.

District deputy grand masters are working with the health departments in ways to
reach all children by offering to furnish transportation to clinics and or
proposing use of lodge buildings as clinics.(RAH: I would prefer the latter)
The state will pay for vaccines and local health departments will furnish health
professionals to administer them.  The lodges are to help promote the project
through local schools, churhes and the news media.

"This could be a nationally important initiative.  In her letter to health
department directors, Annette Byrd, Immunization Branch head said, 'Through
your efforts, this will become a model (community based organization)
collaboration that helps accomplish our goal of fully immunizing every child
by its second birthday."

ENTERED APPRENTICE-STATED MEETING
In the same issue a part of the comments of one made a Mason elsewhere:

"When I was made a Mason on July 1, 1942, it was in The Royal Connaught 3266
E.C. (English Constitution) at Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, then British West
Indies. English Lodges open and conduct their work in the First Degree. When I
was accepted as an Entered Apprentice, I was seated in the Lodge with my fellow
Masons.

"Months later, when I was raised to the Subline Degree of Master Mason, an
event I shall never forget, I already knew most, if not all, my fellow Masons,
either from sitting with them in the Lodge, or at the refreshment table, to
which all nembers repaired after the Lodge meeting.

(RAH:  And because we are more likely to attend a 3 when one knows the
candidate this in itself would bring better attendance at that time.)

"Why do we prevent a candidate, having been admitted as an Entered Apprentice,
from meeting with his fellow Masons in the Lodge?  Why must he wait around alone
until the meeting is over, to join in the refreshment?"

(RAH:  I don't know, why do we?  Can't think of a good reason.  I will add that
having Stated Meetings in the 3 is in itself an innovation made in the body of
Masonry in our country in 1843, 150 years ago.)

RELIGION
Again, in the same issue, quoting the Oklahoma Mason:
"When Port City Baptist Church was destroyed by a tornado, the minister, a
Mason fron Missouri, called Catoosa Lodge.  The Church was given full use of
the lodge building until they can rebuild.  The church and lodge signs side by
side are quite a site."

RUSSIA
From the Septenber 1993 Emessay (Masonic Service Association) Notes:

"The Grande Loge Nationale Francaise has advised MSA that a second Lodge will
be consecrated in Russia. Lodge Astree #803 will be consecrated between
September 8 and September 12, 1993 in St. Petersburg.

"We are also adivsed that Lodge Harnony in Moscow is performing well and they
are experiencing a number of initiations."

RELIEF
In the Grand Secretary's Notes in the September 1993 Kentucky Masonic Home
Journal:

"Several Lodges have responded independently to the immediate needs that have
come to their attention as noted by the following letter received fron the Grand
Lodge of Illinois, A.F.&A.M.:

"'Dear Brother Conway:
     We would like to send a special 'Thank You' to the brethren of your Mt.
Sterling Lodge No. 23, who delivered four 48-foot truck loads of bottled
drinking water to the City of Alton, Illinois after arrangenents had been made
through our Franklin Lodge No. 25, located in Alton.  The drinking water came at
a time when the water plant was flooded and the water supply had been turned
off.  We sincerely appreciate the thoughtfulness of our brethren from Mount
Sterling Lodge.  Their thoughful gesture will long be remembered by the citizens
of Alton, Illinois.
                    Robert Kalb, Grand Secretary'"


