I have personally enjoyed witnessing many of my friends receive their masonic degrees and offering my right hand of fellowship to them at the conclusion. Also witnessing and/or participating in a degree continues to be an educational experience for me that strengthens my love and attachment to the fraternity.
Reason 8: Strengthen Fraternal Bonds
Last, but certainly not least, are the fraternal bonds that are strengthened between brothers of the Craft through spending time together in each other’s physical presence. Either before or after lodge meetings, brothers come together for a meal and some fraternal joy. It is during these moments that brothers get to know each other at a deeper level and bonds are strengthened. Remember, we are a fraternity FIRST. During our process of becoming a Mason, many of us were told, “do not schedule anything on a lodge meeting night.” This statement has stuck with me over the last two decades and I continue to remind myself of this suggestion. There have been many lodge meeting days that have started at 5pm and ended after midnight. The days that I have not enjoyed the time spent during these gathers are few and far in between. Our fraternity is what we make it. The success or failure of our lodges will be dependent on our consistent attendance, active engagement in our monthly meetings, and completing the necessary work of the lodge. Lodge meetings offer a wide spectrum of opportunities to learn Masonry, develop skills, and strengthen relationships. If you are having doubts or questioning why to attend your lodge meetings, I’d encourage you to share feedback with the Worshipful Master. Be sure to offer suggestions to enhance the experience and ways you, personally, would like to contribute to making the lodge meetings a better experience for all the brothers. Masonry requires the collective to work together in harmony. Remember the symbol of the Beehive and may your next lodge meeting be impactful, informative, and enjoyable. Summary of why I attend Lodge Meetings
Reason 1: Experience Opening and Closing Ritual Reason 2: Ensure Accuracy of Lodge Records Reason 3: Increase Awareness of Official Masonic Activity Reason 4: Dispense Charity and Sympathy to Sick and Distressed Reason 5: Protect the Door into the Craft Reason 6: Elect Lodge Officers Reason 7: Confer Degrees Reason 8: Strengthen Fraternal Bonds
Prince Hall Sentinel May 2024 Page | 65
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