Garden City Lodge collectively peered glowingly towards the enlightenment of the East on January 12^th, when we held our fifth communication of the Masonic year in the Newtonville apartments.   We welcomed two worthy Brothers into our fraternity as they completed their First Step in Masonry.  Our new Brothers were recipients of hard work and preparation by the officers of GCL as the First Degree Ritual flowed with grace and meaning.  Brother Christopher Kelley added new wrinkles to the First Degree JW lecture with innovative floor work and elegantly delivered ritual.  Wor. George Pultz filled in as Sr. Warden and the furniture of the lodge seemed to sparkle as he walked the candidates through this portion of the lecture.   I want to thank the entire line for their full engagement and preparation which allowed the ritual to be delivered in a meaningful and memorable form.   The evening’s success had as much to do with the line officers as with the brethren who filled the sidelines and the Past Masters who set the Masonic tone.  Wor. Mal Lemeshow filled in as Secretary and anchored the somewhat difficult proceedings of the business meeting.

Our Solemn Service helped usher in that sublime feeling of exhilaration associated with meaningful degree work.  Sadly, however, the business meeting required the members present to consider a serious and distressing matter.   The discussion was meaningful and contributions were made by most present.  By an overwhelming majority the members of GCL voted to remand the matter of a distressed brother to Grand Lodge for further investigation pursuant to possible suspension or expulsion.  I want to thank everyone partaking in the business meeting for their direct and honest contributions to the discussion.  

Masonry units men of every country sect and opinion and on January 12^th, we were truly united as brothers, our disparate backgrounds notwithstanding.  Our communication held a rare energy which has not been felt in lodge for many months.  The derivation of our names, our vocations, regional accents, educational background and country of origin are qualities which contribute to our individual nature, but has little bearing on our indissoluble chain of sincere affection. 

Brother Chris Kelley has endeavored to create themed and interesting dinners throughout the year while maintaining deference to the dietary proclivities of our meeting attendees.  Once in a while everything just comes together and Brother Chris experimented with a new caterer for his Hawaiian themed meal. The meal was prepared by Phyllis Rotberg of Social Expressions who happens to be Wor. Mal Lemeshow’s sister-in-law.  I am still hearing the accolades regarding this culinary experience.

Part of the First Degree lecture calls for the Rite of Destitution, perhaps the most solemn component of the degree work of the evening.  I have performed this rite as Master of the Lodge on a number of occasions and witnessed it as an officer, candidate and brother on many other occasions.  The lecture, albeit brief, is packed with meaning and it has taken me about eight years to really understand the message.   When we are entirely destitute are we simply referring to that short, transient moment when we are deprived of all mineral or metals as a First Degree Candidates or a much broader definition?  In order to better understand this concept I performed some research and came across this excerpt from the Masonic Awareness Association, written in 1923 in the Short Talk Bulletin.

………..the needy which this Rite requires that we aid are "All Poor and Distressed, Worthy Masons, their Widows and Orphans;" that is, those who are destitute through no fault of their own, but as the result of untoward circumstances. They are those who, through accident, disease or disaster, have become unable, however willing and eager, to meet their obligations. Such are deserving of charity in its true Masonic sense, not only in the form of financial relief, but also in the form of companionship, sympathy and love.  If we are bidden to be on our guard against impostors, who would use Masonry for their own ends, where there is real need, our duty is limited only by our ability to help, without injury to those nearest to us. 

We all know someone who has been or is in destitute circumstances.  This could be a brother, his widow or orphans.  I question whether I, as a brother, or any of us are providing the relief that a distressed worthy brother requires.  I know I can do more and that we, as a fraternity, can do more.  The indissoluble chain of sincere affection, which sublimely unites us as brothers, will be reinforced and strengthened with even a single gesture in this regard.

The balance of our Masonic year is will be filled with ample opportunity for the brethren of Garden City Lodge to enjoy both great ritual and fraternal exchanges.  In February we will experience our Ladies and Widow Night.  The brethren will be treated to a Rainbow Rose ceremony, terrific dining and great music.  Please get you reservation into Brother Chris Kelley as he is feverishly planning this event.  In March we have our Table Lodge, jointly with Waltham Triad. 

I look forward to seeing as many of you as I can in the upcoming months.

Warmest fraternal regards,