Greetings Brethren,
This greeting comes to you from Madison, Wisconsin, a place I have visited for the last 29 years, as I eagerly await a visit to Hiram Lodge #50 here in Madison. This will be my first opportunity to visit this lodge. One of the great privileges we earn as Master Masons is the ability to travel and work side by side with our brethren. This applies not only within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, but any jurisdiction in which the Grand Lodge of New York has amity.
One of the questions I am normally asked by members of our lodge is, “How do you go about arranging a visit… Do you just show up?” What works for me is to look up the officers of the lodge on OLP (ourlodgepage.com), and with reasonable notice, send an email of introduction saying I would like to visit. Usually, a timely response from one of the officers warmly greets me and tells me how to go about the visit.
Traveling is a rewarding experience, and I always look forward to the opportunity of meeting new brothers, learning different points of view and sharing some of my experiences with them. I encourage all of you to take advantage of this opportunity any time you can. A visit to another jurisdiction is not only interesting, but it also provides the opportunity to spread the cement of brotherly love that binds us together as Masons. I look forward to sharing with you what I learned from my visit to Hiram Lodge #50 and the stories of the new brothers I have met.
As we look forward to the month of November, there are some important dates for which to give thanks:
Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and heralds in the new year. To all our brothers, friends and family who celebrate this holiday may you have a blessed new year.
Armistice Day, the ending of World War I on 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month in 1918, began the tradition of remembering those who sacrificed so much for us to live in peace. While this will be the 103rd anniversary of that day, its message lives on. Armistice Day continues today as Veterans Day, and we honor all our service men and women who unselfishly give of themselves so we can live in peace and freedom. I personally would like to thank all our armed service men and women for their service.
Thanksgiving Day – a day for family and friends and a day to remember our manifold blessings. It is also a day for our brothers to remember those who are not as fortunate – the hungry, the cold, the frail and, of course, children growing up in this world. Do not forget our Benevolence Committee Coat Drive, our Food Drive, and our Toys for Tots. There is no better way to give thanks for our blessings than by giving to those who are less fortunate.
In closing, I would like to personally wish all our Brothers, friends, and family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Br. William P Fenty III
Junior Warden
