Considerable confusion may be avoided by keeping clearly in mind the fourfold use which Masonry makes of the

metaphor of architecture.

1. The universe is viewed as one vast structure, which owes its existence to the Supreme Architect.
2. Man, too, is a builder. He is engaged in the construction of personal character. For this sublime task he is supplied with abundant materials, worthy patterns and explicit instructions.
3. Man is also commissioned to build an ideal social structure. The nature of the social order depends on the quality of the individuals composing it. Masons must, therefore, qualify as “living stones” of society to contribute to its betterment.
4. There is still another structure that Masons are engaged in building – “that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

To keep these different projects clearly distinct is to avoid confusion. For the present, we must confine ourselves to the personal edifice. Masons are under obligation to build out of the material at their disposal a character worthy of the fraternity whose confidence and fellowship they enjoy. This is no simple undertaking. Human personality is a compound of many elements which, if effectively used, make for harmony and happiness;
conversely, for discord and grief.

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]reetings to all, I hope this message finds you in good spirits.

March is special month. Why you ask? Well let me tell you why:

• The Republic of Texas declared its independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. (Excuse me will I overcome the emotion of mentioning the Great State of Texas.) It was also the 43rd birthday of Brother Sam Houston who served as the Republic’s first President.
• That same date, 137 years later, the Vietnamese Peace Treaty was signed in Paris.
• On March 3, 1931, the Star Spangled Banner became the official national anthem of the United States of America.
• The Constitution of the United States of America went into effect on March 4, 1789.
• The Alamo fell on March 6, 1836.
• The U.S. Ninth Armored Division captured the Bridge at Remagen on March 7, 1945.
• On March 9, 1790, Brother Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Reverend Ezra Stiles, wrote what became known as Benjamin Franklin’s creed…”I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. The he governs it by His Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we can render to him is doing good to his other children.”
• Brother Franklin D Roosevelt’s first radio fireside chat aired on March 12, 1938.
• March 19th the Swallows return to San Juan Capistrano, Ca.
• King George III succeeded to the throne of England on March 20, 1751.
• On March 23, 1775 Brother Patrick Henry spoke the following at the Virginia. “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

I’m sure you noted that so many of our Brothers made the month of March special. Let’s honor their memory and Guard with our Lives, their legacy.

Brothers and friends, you may recall that our Childhood Language Center has a special recognition program. It is called the “365” Club. For a donation of that amount, you will become a member of the special group of people who contribute a dollar a day to support our number one charitable undertaking. Please make your check payable to Santa Ana Childhood Language Center and turn it in at the office..

If you have not had the opportunity to visit the Valley web site lately, I encourage you to do at your earliest convenience. The web site address is
www.ocscottoishrite.org. You will find the results of a lot of hard work by Andrew Todd 32°. Brother Todd has really taken the bull by the horns on this project. We owe him a serious debt of gratitude for his efforts on our behalf.

Have you given that petition for membership to your buddy yet? Time is running out to include him in the June Reunion class. His petition must be received by the Stated Meeting in May to eligible to be included in the June Class.

By the way, have you considered becoming a member in the Century Club? For a gift of $100 or more, you can become a member and help the Valley. WE have recently been most fortunate to have received the support of so many of our Brothers and Friends. We honored a few of them at our February Stated Meeting and will honor more at the March Stated Meeting. I must mention one at the risk of alienating others but Honorable John Rider 32° Knight Commander of the Court of Honor continues to go the extra mile for our Valley. I mentioned at the February meeting that he had donated almost $200 worth of table cloths for our use. In addition, Brother Rider has increased his financial support to the level of Silver Membership in the Century Club. Thank you, Honorable Brother, for your ongoing support.

Get involved, my Brother; you can make a difference!

Fraternally,

Ray Godeke