March 2023 Trestle Board

Brethren, we are rapidly progressing through this year, and I was somewhat taken by surprise to realize we are already a fourth of the way through this 2023 year. Borrowing from line 284 of book 3 of Virgil’ Georgics, where it appears as fugit inreparabile tempus: “it escapes, irretrievable time”…as I watched the blossoms emerge from the Bradley Pear trees in our neighborhood. Preaching more to myself, I am further reminded to enjoy life to the fullest – it is but a fleeting period in which we remain on this side of the veil. Take time to smell the roses, watch in amazement as spring rekindles the beauty of the flora and fauna, and remember to not sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff. God has a plan, and while that plan may be beyond our comprehension or understanding, pause to reflect on the depth of the meaning of our oft-repeated phrase – “Thy will be done”.

Moving forward, I am pleased to say we have several candidates progressing toward attendance at the April 1-Day Conferral. We will be balloting on a candidate at this upcoming stated, and I am hopeful that we can get fourth candidate in the mix for a total of four. Nonetheless, it is happy news indeed that we see the lodge membership steadily growing. It would be inspiring to see the lodge overflowing…let’s target needing additional seating! Remember to speak about masonry to those you believe would be great additions to the lodge.

Finally, a reminder that Kilwinning Crosse lodge has pledged support to the upcoming ritual school, which will exemplify all three masonic degrees. The event, while not on the event list below, will be held mid-March, the details of which will be included in the March trestle board. Nonetheless, I am looking for volunteers; please ask me about it at this next stated communication.

Upcoming Events:
March 16, 7:30 PM – DDGM Official Visit to Ashland Lodge 168
April 29 – 9AM – One Day Conferral; Fredericksburg Lodge #4

March Masonic Birthdays
Brother Ernest Beazley                                                       March 15, 1993
Brother Emmett Coleman                                                    March 20, 1968
Worshipful Brother James Madison                                     March 8, 1971
Brother Myron Rummel                                                       March 16, 1987

Finally brethren, I was reading through several online articles this week on masonry, and stumbled upon the following that seemed so meaningful to me that I thought I would pass it along. Bro Claudy speaks to eloquently to the allegories and symbols of masonry, but more importantly, to the underlying importance of the words of our rituals. I pray you find it worthy, and further reason to pause for reflection.

Respectfully,
S&F,
Huey Allen
WM, Kilwinning Crosse 2-237


ALLEGORY AND SYMBOLS 
Freemasonry is “veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols” because these are the surest ways by which moral and ethical truths may be taught. It is not only with the brain and the mind that the initiate must take in Freemasonry but also with the heart.

Mind speaks to mind with spoken or written words. Heart speaks to heart with words which cannot be written or spoken. Those words are symbols; words which mean little to the indifferent, much to the understanding.  The body has its five senses through which the mind may learn; the mind has also imagination. That imagination may see farther than eyes and hear sounds fainter than may be caught by ears. To the imagination symbols become plain as printed words to the eye. Nothing else will do; no words can be as effective (unless they are themselves symbols); no teachings expressed in language are as easily learned by the mind as those which come via the symbol through the imagination.

Take from Freemasonry its symbols and but the husk remains, the kernel is gone. He who hears but the words of Freemasonry miss their meaning entirely.

Bro Carl H. Claudy
Master Mason