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Worshipful Master
Senior Warden | Junior Warden
In Memorium |
| updated 5/3/2008 |
From the East
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Brethren,
While reading material from the Southern California Research Lodge, I came across an article, a portion of which is shown below.
The word Temple is derived from the Latin word Templum. The root of this word is Temp meaning “to cut or scribe” as in template.The ancients observed flights of birds and cut or scribed their direction on the ground with sticks. Ancient seers then used these markings to get their bearings and guide their travels.
Masonic Temples similarly help their member “to get their bearings.” So Temple does not mean a place of worship to Freemasons, but rather a place to find direction for successful living. It is indeed an “Ancient Masonic usage, “ which also alludes to the various levels of King Solomon’s Temple where Masons met. This meaning is taught to all Masons who take the Scottish Rite Degrees.
In days gone by, all of our Masonic buildings were prominently labeled Temples. Political correctness has now caused them to become “Centers, Buildings, or Lodges.” We, I suppose, don’t want the public to think that Freemasonry is a religion, so rather than explain the ancient Masonic meaning of Temple, someone simply changed it.....
Gary C. Carlson, Jr., Grand Chaplain, New Mexico Freemason, Fall 2007
Yes, Brethren, we are not a religion, but our beliefs are based in religious teachings. Masonry has men of all faiths which we can draw on to make ourselves better. We are taught that toleration is one of the basic tenets to a civilized world and to teach each other to search for a higher purpose. Come to Lodge and Share you Masonic knowledge and receive further light from your fellows. Let the light of Knowledge shine upon the world.
Fraternally,
William E. Price, P.M.
Worshipful Master
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From the West
Brethren,
In the month of April, we witnessed four men knock on the preparation room door and request admission into Freemasonry. Their admission, and the lessons they received, will be forever imprinted on their minds. As Burlingame 400 continues to initiate new members and guide them through the teachings of Masonry to the betterment of the new initiates and their families, we continue a long tradition of making good men better.
The impressions of the lessons learned during the three degrees are, in great measure, dependent on the quality of the ritual work. My background with ritual was learned during my active days in DeMolay where we were taught to strive for perfection in our work. Gene McMahon was the Ritual Advisor for Redwood Chapter, Order of DeMolay, and after every meeting Dad McMahon would approach us with tips and suggestions on how to improve our work. He was never demanding, nor did he make you feel inferior, but his consistent words of encouragement made all the members strive to be their best. And it wasn’t until we were perfect that we could be content with our work. As young men, we were taught that our ritual was not merely random words written by men of past generations, but true examples of how to lead clean, upright, and manly lives--lives of which our friends and parents could be proud.
As you continue to work on your ritual and teach our new initiates the great lessons of Freemasonry, strive for perfection and always remember that the impression you make upon our candidates during their degrees will be everlasting impressions in their hearts and minds. It’s our duty, for the benefit our new initiates and as a tribute to the Freemasons who proceeded us, to strive for perfection.
Fraternally,
Thomas Krutman
Senior Warden
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From the South
Brethren,
April Fools Day and our April Stated Meeting have come and gone (no connection of course). We had an excellent presentation in conjunction with the Stated Meeting from Mr. Larry Teshara, the Director of the San Mateo Adult School program in which he described the extensive array of courses offered and gave us some idea of the enthusiasm for education demonstrated by his students. Mr. Teshara introduced one of his students, Melissa, who presented her personal story and illustrated how worthwhile our scholarship efforts really are.
Moving on in April, it is hoped that you were able to participated in at least one of the events planned for April 25 and 26. The De Molay fundraiser and Silent Auction on the 25th, Rebuilding Together scheduled for San Mateo on the morning of the 26th and the SaberCats game that same evening in San Jose.
In May, our Stated Meeting will be May 8, and as part of our on-going presentation series, I will give a talk entitled “Freemasonry and the Jews”. It sounds a kind of dry subject, yet on the two previous occasions I have given it to Masonic organizations, it has stimulated lively discussions that were longer than the presentation itself.
Remember to mark your calendars for July 12, our Centenary Gala, at $39 per person truly the bargain of the century.
Fraternally,
A. David Goodman
Junior Warden
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In Memorium
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Edward Paul Olivera, P.M.
Born: August 10, 1927
Raised: November 29, 1971
Entered into Rest: March 23, 2008
H. Dale Rowe, P.M.
Born: September 25, 1928
Raised: May 28, 1957
Entered into Rest: March 28, 2008
Don Clermont Combellack
Born: September 13, 1930
Raised: January 21, 1955
Entered into Rest: March 30, 2008
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