Master’s Message

Brethren,

Thanks to all of you for your participation in all of the rehearsals leading to the our GLI.  We are making progress on the renovations to the collation area.  W.B. Charlie Johnston has ordered materials and has the scope of work defined.  Our goal is to have the room completed in time for the installation of officers.  Some of our newer brethren will be moving into officers chairs and on behalf of the lodge we are excited for you and thank you for the time you have dedicated to Temple Lodge over the past months. Again thank you for great attendance at the GLI, have a Happy Halloween with your friends and families and remember to cherish each day with them!

From The East

The brother who casts a ballot wields a tremendous power. Like most powers it can be used well or ill. It may work harm or good not only upon him upon whom it is used but to him who uses it. Unlike many great powers put into the hands of men this one is not subject to review or control by any human agency. No king, prince, potentate; no law, custom or regulation; no Masonic brother or officer can interfere with a brother's use of his power.

For no one knows who uses the black cube. No one knows why one is cast. The individual brother and his God alone know. The very absence of any responsibility to man or authority is one reason why the power should be used with intelligence and only when after solemn self-inquiry the reason behind its use is found to be Masonic. The black cube is the great protection of the Fraternity; it permits the brother who does not desire to make public his secret knowledge to use that knowledge for the benefit of the Craft. It gives to all members the right to say who shall not become members of their lodge family. But at the same time it puts to the test the Masonic heart and the personal honesty of every brother present. The black cube is a thorough test of our understanding of the Masonic teaching of the cardinal virtue Justice, which "enables us to render to every man his just due without distinction." We are taught of justice that "it should be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof."

Justice to the lodge requires us to cast the black cube on an applicant we believe to be unfit. Justice to ourselves requires that we cast the black cube on the application of the man we believe would destroy the harmony of our lodge. Justice to the applicant requires that no black cube be cast for little or mean reasons. Justice to justice requires that we think carefully, deliberate slowly, and act cautiously. No man will know what we do; no eye will see save that All-Seeing Eye which penetrates the innermost recesses of our hearts.

A well-used black cube goes into the ballot box. Ill used, it drops into the heart and blackens it. (Carl H. Claudy)

DrewPantello
Worshipful Master