Fraternal Review

(6-1-94)

No. 693

ORATOR
From the April 1994 Consueulo (Escondido, California) Trestleboard:

Consuelo is perhaps the only lodge in California that has a seated honorary
officer with the title Orator, an officer with the responsibility of preparing
and delivering a message of Masonic interest or education at the Stated
Meetings.  (Excellent idea for a permanent officer in our lodges.)

SISTER LODGE - CLARENCE L FRASER LODGE NO 294
Amazing what can be accomplished by a lodge whose officers and active members
have a bit of imagination. The lodge has an 800 number by which members in any
other part of our country can call.  If no one present a message can be left 
and the call returned.  They want to hear from their members.  They also have 
a fax machine.

Working with our Grand Lodge they have developed a Sister Lodge program with
Bond of Friendship Lodge No. 890 in the Grand Lodge of British Freemasons in
Germany within the United Grand Lodges of Germany.  Contact was made by phone
during one meeting and the coversation was heard by all present over their new
PA system.

Making further use of the new equipment they scheduled a conference with Dr.
Leazer (you may recall his article regarding the Southern Baptist situation in
an issue of the Georgia Masonic Messenger last year) when he was in Irvine at
the regional Scottish Rite Conference.  Following this the lodge had a call 
from Robert O. Ralston, Sovereign Grand Commander, Northern Masonic 
Jurisdiction Scotish Rite, complimenting them on their interest in Dr. Leazer.

Bears out the premise that the potential for lodges in unlimited if they but 
do.

Incidentally, in the Summons of the lodge in Germany we noted that the 
position of Tyler was listed as "Past Masters by Rotation."

AUSTRALIA - FRANCE - RITUAL
When reading the following in the December 1993 The NSW (New South Wales,
Australia) Freemason I was reminded of the some time claim, erroneous, of our
critics who say we say we can ascend to Heaven by good works alone.

The Grand Master has directed that the words "by the Grace of God" be inserted
in the last paragraph of the 2nd Degree Working Tools.  The paragraph will
therefore read:

"Thus, by the Grace of God, square conduct, level
steps, and upright intentions, we hope to ascend to
those immortal Mansions whence all goodness emanates."

An unusual meeting conducted under the Charter of The Research Lodge of NSW:

On the afternoon of Monday 27 September 1993 the Masonic Centre in Castlereagh
Street was invaded by some eighteen members (and their ladies) of Lodge
Bartholdi No. 500 of the Grande Loge Nationale Francaise (GLNF).

With only two speaking English, they were hosted by the Grand Master, MW Bro
Noel F Dunn, and his wife Faye at a 'getting to know you' get-together and
luncheon.

The Bartholdi Lodge is a Lodge of Historical and Symbolic Research named after
the famous French sculptor Frederic August Bartholdi (1834-1904).  One of his
greatest achievements is the world renowned Statue of Liberty, unveiled in New
York USA on 28 October 1886 - exactly one hundred hears prior to the formation
of the Lodge.

Since its formation, it has been the custom to install the Master into the 
Chair of King Solomon in a foreign country each year.  This year the Lodge 
selected Sydney, NSW, Australia.  When the Lodge's request was received the 
Grand Master gave it his blessings and passed it on to The Research Lodge of 
NSW No 971, which then hosted our French brethren at an emergent meeting.

A thought:  Suppose they would like to come to California?

STATED MEETING- ENTERED APPRENTICE
The February-March 1994 The New Mexico Freemason told us that legislation to
allow conducting business in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Degree was not adopted.  The
same thing happened recently in District of Columbia.

The delegates to a Baltimore Convention about 150 years ago created an
innovation in Freemasonry by having their Grand Lodges change their business
meetings from the First Degree to the Third Degree.  As a result we are the 
only country in the world whose lodges keep a segment of their membership from
attending their business meetings.  Why?

ALMONER - CHARITY
From the May 1993 United Masters Lodge No. 167 (New Zealand) bulletin:

Many of you will be aware that the Almoners of several lodges brought to the
Almoners' Association's notice the deplorable conditions in the Childrens'
Cardiac Ward at Greenlane Hospital. Mothers of sick children often have to 
stay at the Hospital, yet there were no proper cooking facilities for them, 
no cutlery or china, nothing to sit on, and nothing to take their minds off 
their troubles.  All these matters have been rectified by the Almoners.

However, the equipment in the Ward itself is sub-standard.  The ventilators,
which are essential life support for some children are old and unreliable, and
sooner or later will lead to a tragedy.  The Almoners are seeking $25,000 to 
buy a new ventilator and will need further funds to assist in upgrading the 
Ward itself. This is a very worthwhile project for the Craft to undertake, and 
apart from its intrinsic value, offers a chance to counter adverse publicity.

All lodges in the area have been approached to assist, and I urge all members 
of United Masters to get behind this project, and ask their lodges to 
contribute. If you haven't heard about it, ask your lodge Secretary or Master 
to read the letter he received from the Almoners' Association.


