2014 Raffle Calendars are on sale now. $30 Each. See a brother to get yours.

DATE: October 26th, 2013

PLACE: Mariners Masonic Lodge, 692 East Bay Ave, Barnegat, NJ

TIME: 1:00 PM

Bethlehem Chapter # 40 O.E.S. Will be holding a Scentsy Party on Saturday October 26th at 1PM. Come out to support our sister chapter. Everyone is welcome so invite your friends and family to come try out the many scents and enjoy a fun afternoon.

When I first became a Mason and went to my first couple of meetings, I was impressed with the fact that during the meetings there were many discussions with many different opinions. At first it seemed as if there was a lot of disharmony and unfriendliness in the lodge but I soon realized that as soon as a vote was taken or the discussion ended all the disharmony seemed to disappear. I was impressed by the fact that from that point it seemed that everyone came together. The respect shown was what impressed me. The respect that Masons had for each other was what I was looking for in an organization. We must keep this “respect” for each other. This “respect” is what makes our fraternity a step above others.

However, it seems that some are losing the way and do not respect others when they disagree. We are not always going to agree with each other. It is only natural that when so many people get together there will be many different opinions. However, we must remember the importance of respecting each other. Instead of talking about someone (especially behind his back which we promise not to do in the Master Mason obligation) because you do not agree with them, the best and most Masonic thing to do would be to talk to that person either one on one or ask a neutral person to mediate to settle any differences.

Many of our disagreements would not escalate if we just communicated with each other in a calm and respectful manner. If you hear a brother being disrespectful to anyone, remind him of the following charge he is given during the closings of the Lodge. “Remember that you have promised to remind an erring brother of his failings, to aid in his reformation, to vindicate his character when traduced, and to suggest, in his behalf, the most charitable judgment”.

Fraternally,
Stephen Ruch, Worshipful Master

Work has begun on refurbishing the lodge room. Recently several of the brothers braved the heat to move furniture and remove carpeting. By summers end the room will be freshly painted and new carpeting put in.

A special thanks to all of the brothers who came out to help.

On Saturday March 2nd several brothers were raised during the 20th Masonic District’s “One Day Class” held at Harmony Masonic Lodge in Toms River. We congratulate all who participated and welcome them to our fraternal brotherhood.