Greetings to all, I hope this message finds you in good spirits.
I am reprinting in my column this month something I included three years ago and I think it is time to emphasize it again. This is something that I’m sure each of has seen before but a reminder never hurts. It deals with guidelines for our conduct as Masons.
Ten Guides for Masons
- I am the representative of my Lodge and of all Free and Accepted Masons. Whatever I do or say reflects directly upon myself and my fellow Freemasons everywhere and our good works. (You are an Ambassador at all times)
- I am responsible for what my Lodge and Freemasonry represent. They can be no more than what my fellow Freema-sons and I make of them.
- I should not criticize what my fellow Freemasons do for Freemasonry unless I have a better suggestion and I am pre-pared to do it myself.
- I must remember that the fact that I bear the name, Master Mason or Freemason, is not enough. I must continue to be worthy of that honor.
- My fellow members and I are our Lodges and Freemasonry. Without our active support they cease to exist.
- My Lodge does me a favor by calling upon me. I am not doing the Lodge a favor by serving. It is both an obligation and a privilege to help the Lodge and Freemasonry in general.
- I should treat my fellow Freemasons with the same respect, honor, and understanding that I would like to receive from them.
- It is not a right to be a Freemason, it is an honor. I should respect that honor by abiding by all of the precepts of my Lodge, my Grand Lodge, and Freemasonry as a whole.
- Whatever differences my fellow Freemasons and I may have, we are all bound together by the bonds of our loyalty to our Country, our families, the Lodge and Freemasonry.
- The willing Master Mason and his understanding family are the lifeblood of the Lodge and Freemasonry.
I believe the topic is appropriate as we look forward to a new year but also forward to a new chapter in the life of our Valley. I am still encouraged by what I see in our Valley. There exists a new attitude in the Valley; one that will serve well our wonderful fraternity.
How many of you have expressed a desire to learn more (gain further light)? If you have, then you should, if you haven’t already, contact Honorable Brother Bob McNamara, Knight Commander of the Court of Honour, regarding the Master Crafts-man program.
It is that time of year to pay your dues. This year, the Supreme Council has provided a vehi-cle for you to pay your dues on line. Just log on to the Supreme Council Web Site and follow the directions; something to consider if it makes sense for you.
On another note, I have appointed a committee to begin the process of identifying our officer corps for the year 2012. The process has begun under the leadership of my Assistant Personal Representative, Rick Wood 33° Inspector General, Honorary. He along with the current four Heads of Bodies and their second in command form the committee. Please contact Illustrious Brother Wood if you wish to learn how you could be a part of the future of our Valley.
Get involved, my Brother, you can make a difference.
Ray Godeke
714.345.2223
Godeke33@msn.com
