I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. — George Washington – US President & Freemason

This work is by Brother Juan “One” Sepulveda, out of Orlando, FL. You can read Brother Juan’s biography or check out some of his original work for sale. You can also check out Sepulveda Fine Art on Facebook. He also has recently donated three original oils to Winter Park Masonic Lodge #239.

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.

From the conference of Grand Masters:

The new Masonic Renewal site http://www.masonicrenewal.org/ has just recently been launched. The Masonic Renewal Committee is charted by the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America.

The new site has been 4 years in the making and is the largest collection of Masonic development programs, books, images and videos on the net. The current content is only a fraction of the information slotted to be put on.

I was perusing the library and found a huge collection (even podcasts!), more than enough to keep a seeker of light very, very busy.

Message from WM Stephen Ruch for June 2013:

The summer is upon us. Just because the Lodge will not be meeting from the middle of the month of June until the beginning of September, it does not mean that Masons go “dark”. Keep in mind that the Craftsman’s club will still meet the first Monday of each month as well as breakfast with Hiram will continue on the third Saturday of the month. We hope to do some things around the lodge (maintenance and cleaning) so please come and help as much as you can when asked.

However, just because the lodge does not meet, that does not mean that our responsibilities as Masons go dormant. Remember that “Freemasonry is founded on the purest principles of Morality, Brotherly Love, and Charity”. By “Morality”, as Masons we should do what is right. Do not be persuaded by others but do what is proper for the situation that confronts you.  By “Brotherly Love”, we should do onto others as you would want them to do unto you. By “Charity”, we are to help others. It is not always monetary, although that sure helps those in financial need, but it can be in other ways. Help a sick friend by doing some chore for them or even just visiting them to lift up their spirits, donate some time and volunteer your services.

The principles of Masonry are always with us and should be practiced at all times. By acting on the square, you make yourself (and hopefully those around you) better “Making good men Better”. Remember when you were put in the Northeast corner and told that “as you now stand before us to all appearances an upright man and a Mason, I give it to you strictly in charge ever to act, walk and conduct yourself as such before God and man”.

Come out and join your brothers at the 20^th Masonic District dinner and dance on June 1^st and at the annual picnic at A. Paul King Park in Manahawkin in July. Both of these events should provide a great time.

I wish you and your family a healthy and happy summer.

Fraternally,

Stephen Ruch, Worshipful Master

 

WM Stephen Ruch’s message from the East for May 2013:

I have been sitting here trying to think of what Masonic Light that I can impart this month. However, I cannot get the events of the Boston Marathon out of my mind. My heart and prayers go out to all the victims and families of everyone that was hurt and especially to those who were needlessly taken. Having three children of my own, I cannot even image what it is like to lose a child. The images of those that were hurt are heartbreaking. I cannot understand what would make someone want to inflict such pain and suffering on others. With that being said, it sure is comforting and heartwarming to see how people jumped in and starting helping each other in times of need. The stories of people helping others without thinking about themselves, not knowing if there would be any other explosions or what might happen, is what brotherhood is. The first responders whether they were police, firefighters, or EMT (not only the first responders, but individuals who were there just as bystanders) teach us what helping those in need is all about. Their quick action certainly helped save lives. For this, we must be grateful. At this time, no one knows why someone did the bombing but there is no reason why such a thing should happen. We must be tolerant of others views. We don’t have to always agree with everyone but we have to respect them. As Masons, we should teach others that tolerance and respect are important and should be practiced not only with Masons but with everyone.

Fraternally,
Stephen Ruch, Worshipful Master

Note: The above was written before the suspects were caught; however, the message still applies. Many different departments and government agencies used their expertise and worked together to successfully identify and apprehend the suspects despite seemingly impossible odds. On a much smaller scale, the lesson that we can learn is that when we come together and use our individual strengths, even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished. Teamwork is important and can help elevate our lodge to heights that we cannot achieve as individuals.