MESSAGE FROM THE EAST

Brethren,

First of all I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I would also like to congratulate Bro. Ken Waltham on receiving an Honourary Membership for all the hard work and dedication he has performed for the Lodge especially in his roll as Treasurer for the last 11 years. Congratulations to Bro. John Dean on receiving his Grand Lodge Certificate. This month we celebrate the birth of Robbie Burns with our annual Robbie Burns Night -Haggis, pies and bagpipes.

Also, we have the honour of hosting The Durham Regional Police Masonic Degree Team who will be performing a 1st degree for the evening. This is always a great display of memory and floor work. I would also like to encourage all our brethren to attend our Scotch Nosing on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 and remember with all Lodge Social Events you are free to invite any family and friends. This is also a great time to invite friends who are interested in Freemasonry to see us in a social setting.

In May, we will be travelling to North Star Lodge No. 241, Warren, Penn. Please can you let me know if you are interested in travelling with us to Pennsylvania.This is a great weekend of fraternal visiting, dining and golfing. If any members have difficulty travelling there I can see if there are any car pooling options available. The more brethrens wives/girlfriends attending and the earliest they can let me know their intentions, the more transportation options are available to us.

May the GAOTU look over you and your loved ones.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Freemasonry is many things to many men. Rightly so. It is one of the few organizations that still believes in freedom for the individual, including freedom of thought. Its adherents are free to interpret its symbolism and other facets as their minds, hearts, and consciences may dictate.

It is an organization of men based on the Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man, using builder's tools as symbols to teach basic moral Truths, thereby impressing upon the minds of its members the cardinal virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth which they should apply to everyday activities.

Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward the wicked, help for the weak, trust in the strong, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another and, above all, reverence and love for God. Freemasonry is many things, but most of all: FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIFE.