CINCINNATI LODGE No. 3 F. & A.M.

My Brethren,

 

Time is advancing way too fast as we are already in March.  Another month has passed, and like the month we are now in, we must march forward. We are in the gateway month for ending winter and moving into spring. Winter is still here, but its power is weakening day by day. The days are getting longer, and soon we will find ourselves surrounded by the revitalizing life of Spring!

 

Congratulations to our newly made Brothers Abbas, Coleman and Marlow upon being accepted into our ancient and honorable fraternity. We initiated these Brothers on February 26th at Colonial Prospect Lodge, with four others, and as Entered Apprentices, their time in the quarries has commenced.  We welcome them to an exciting Masonic journey.

 

At the Entered Apprentice degree, as I listened to the Lecture, I pondered the four cardinal virtues of Masonry: Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, and how are we practice them in and out of the Lodge. We have to first subdue OUR passions, before passing judgement onto others. I believe that this is a first step toward unity and brotherly love. Both are an essential need for that harmony which must prevail in every successful Masonic lodge.

 

Always remember brothers, we should forever use our trowel to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection, and use the compasses to circumscribe our words and actions. It is through the proper use of our Masonic implements that we shall represent Freemasonry in everything we do; it will be no secret that we are Masons; people will know and they WILL judge Freemasonry as a whole by OUR actions.

 

I look forward to seeing you in March!

 

Sincerely & Fraternally,

 

WB John M. Povich, Jr.

Worshipful Master

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Master’s Corner:

 

My Brothers,

There are number of events in March  that may interest you, please read the Trestleboard carefully as to not miss important and interesting meetings/events.  Please keep the canned goods and non-perishable items coming.  We are making real progress on the donations to the food kitchen in Morristown.

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A Word from the West - March 2024

 

Brethren,

 

As Shelley states, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”   Winter is coming to an end and our Lodge is about to bloom into spring with a new and invigorated energy. Over the last month we have been busy preparing for our degrees. Reflecting on the change of season reminds me of our own growth as Masons; we are putting behind the days of winter and embracing the warmth of Masonic light as our candidates start their Masonic journey. Only through the darkness of winter can we appreciate the warmth of the spring sun.

 

We should enjoy the upcoming degrees like the change of weather, and refocus on providing a valuable and enlightening experience for the candidates and brethren. My hope for this coming month and ensuing season is that, like the spring sun, Masonic light and brotherhood will shine upon us all and warm the way for new growth.  Please come out and witness this growth.

 

Sincerely & Fraternally,

 

John M. Cote

Senior Warden

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Notes from the South - March 2024

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Brethren,

 

I sat down today to write about Masonic charity when another phrase occurred to me, our obligation to aid in a Brother’s reformation. 

 

What do the two have to do with each other?  That depends on your definition of a “failing” and your definition of charity.  A “failing” doesn’t have to be a moral flaw.  For example, let’s suppose a Brother doesn’t know how to manage money, and is having financial issues.  Yes, you could simply write him a check – or you could help him in the reformation of his “failing” by helping him learn to manage money.  But is it charity?  Charity can take many different forms.  I respectfully submit that the time and  energy you spend to help that Brother improve his life and his family’s, and become a better man, is as great a charitable endeavor as anything I can think of. 

 

And it fulfills another Masonic ideal as well – leaving the world a better place than when we joined the Craft.  That sounds like a win-win to me.

 

So mote it be.

 

Sincerely & Fraternally

 

Alex H. Gillespie

Junior Warden