April 2005

Editor: MWBro Robert E. Juthner Vol. 70, No. 4

tions, you soon discover What are the Ancient Landmarks? that defining it to your own By RWBro Mahlon Weir, satisfaction is a difficult Avon Glen Lodge No. 170, AF&AM, GRA task indeed. One generally In the jurisdiction of Alberta we nition by commenting that accepted definition pro- charge each new Master Mason to pre- Landmarks were often vided by John W. Simons in serve carefully the Ancient Landmarks stone pillars. He adds that The Principles of Jurispru- entrusted to him. Interestingly, we do Landmarks were not per se dence states: “We assume not tell him what they are. Unless some- irremovable, but to move those principles of action one informs him, or he is curious enough your neighbour’s Land- to be landmarks which to seek them out, or he stumbles upon marks, without just cause, have existed since time im- them by chance, chances are he will go could be considered an un- memorial, whether in the to the Above none the lawful act. He adds that the written or unwritten law; wiser. modern use of the term has become which are identified with the form and But it’s not only when he becomes a wide and figurative and usually refers essence of the Society; which the great Master Mason that he’s informed of his to permanent, indicative objects. Ber- majority agree, cannot be changed, and relationship to Landmarks. He also nard E. Jones, in his 1956 revised edi- which every Mason is bound to main- hears about this when he becomes an tion of Freemasons’ Guide and Compen- tain intact under the most solemn and Entered Apprentice and a Fellowcraft. dium (George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., Lon- inviolable sanctions.” Also, during Installation, the Master- don, p 332) observes: “Our Masonic Thus, with respect to Landmarks, it elect is called upon to consent that he is idea of the landmark comes from the seems we’ve found another fine example well skilled in his knowledge of the An- Bible.” Indeed, in Proverbs 22:28 you of symbolism and figurative meaning in cient Landmarks. read, “Remove not an ancient landmark, our beloved Craft. For the humorists Recently, during a discussion with which thy fathers have set.” among us, one might be tempted to say some of my Brethren at the Masonic A number of learned Masonic writ- that knowledge of Landmarks is similar Spring Workshop, I was surprised to ers have defined what a Landmark is. to knowing how many Masons it takes discover that none of us — despite our After reading a number of these defini- See Landmarks, page 2. varied tenure and accomplishment of office within the Craft — was in posses- Thank You! sion of sound knowledge about our The 2005 Conference of Grand Masters of North America was held in the Ancient Landmarks. As a result, I dedi- City of Calgary during the period February 19th – February 23rd, 2005. cated myself to research this topic. In preparation for this Conference, an appeal was sent out to all Freema- Here’s what I found: sons in the Calgary region for volunteers to assist the Calgary Host Committee As surely as the aftermath of the with a number of important responsibilities. The response to this appeal was historical observation of “The face that overwhelming! Many Freemasons and their families and friends volunteered launched a thousand ships,” when Dr. their services. Unfortunately, because of the volume, we could not utilize the Anderson used the term “landmarks” service of all that had volunteered. To these we extend a most sincere “thank — once only and without definition — you.” while creating the first Constitutions in To the many volunteers whose services were utilized, we offer our sincere 1723, little did he know that he launched thanks. The outstanding success of the Conference was due, for the most part, a debate that would last for hundreds of to their excellent work. Many accolades were received from those who years. I think Helen of Troy would be attended the Conference. Their services were greatly appreciated and will jealous! always be remembered by those in attendance as the highlight of the Confer- But let’s begin with an academic defi- ence. It had been our wish to direct a letter to each volunteer personally. For nition of a Landmark. My 1998 edition of fear of missing someone in particular, this medium is used to express our The Canadian Oxford Dictionary states appreciation to all for a job well done. that it is “a conspicuous object in a Again, a most sincere thank you to all who volunteered to assist with this district, etc.; an object marking the Conference. boundary of an estate, country, etc.” In Sincerely, the New Encyclopaedia of D.A. (Dave) Bruce, Chairman (Combined Edition, 1970, University Calgary Host Committee, The Grand Lodge of Alberta Books, Inc., Volume the Second, p 3), 2005 Conference of Grand Masters of North America A.E. Waite follows through on that defi- Editorial host” to come to visit with him, a host the order means much to him, and that who most sincerely desires to welcome he is intent on making up for his ab- R.S.V.P. the recipient of this invitation and sence next time. would, therefore, certainly be entitled Is this all a dream? Because it hasn’t In Canada, we’re all bilingual — are to his response. Is it equally safe to been done so in the past? Not in these we not? So we know that répondez s’il assume that everyone does so respond? parts, anyway? Not an excuse! There vous plaît means “please reply.” We Obviously, we are here talking about are Masonic jurisdictions where it is are used to finding this four-letter ab- the Lodge Summons (some say “no- expected that the would-be absentee breviation quite frequently at the end tice”), the invitation to attend a Lodge inform his Master, or Lodge Secretary, of invitations, and having decent up- meeting. In this case, the “host” is of his inability to be present — any- bringing, decorousness and good man- known as the Worshipful Master, and thing short of that would be consid- ners, we always reply in a timely man- he may not really anticipate receiving ered rude and unworthy of a Mason. ner, whether it be to inform the host of “yes-I’ll-come” letters, phone calls or And rightly so! our gracious acceptance of the invita- Emails, but is he not entitled to receive We are here not talking about an tion, or to tender our regrets for good regrets when a Brother is hindered “innovation” in Freemasonry, we are reason. (truly and severely incapacitated) to talking about what used to be common It seems safe to assume that every attend? What a difference that would practice, and still is elsewhere; some- Lodge member, about once a month, make! It would show that the caller has thing to think about, to put into prac- receives an invitation from a “gracious good manners, that his membership in tice: common courtesy!

Landmarks, from page 1. in 1856, of Kentucky pub- North American phenomenon. Also, lished a list of 27 Landmarks. One might Landmarks vary by jurisdiction. Many to change a light bulb. (Answer: “I can’t wonder if these fellows were in some jurisdictions have no specifically ap- tell you, it’s a secret.”) sort of competition. proved Landmarks: half of Canadian H.L. Haywood, in his book How to In 1858, the well-known Masonic au- ones, for example. Today, some USA Become a Officer (p 37) thor Albert G. Mackey of South Carolina jurisdictions have entrenched as few as states, “A Landmark is something which compiled and published a list of what three and as many as 54. In total, about belongs to what Freemasonry is, and in he deemed were the Ancient Landmarks. 38 percent of the USA Grand Jurisdic- such a way that if it were destroyed, In the American Quarterly Review of Free- tions have approved Landmarks, and of Freemasonry would be destroyed along masonry, volume 2, page 230, he identi- these five either use Mackey’s list out- with it. Each Grand Lodge works under fies 25 Landmarks, including these ten: right or have a list based on it. Currently the Landmarks; no Grand Lodge is su- 1 The modes of Recognition in Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick perior to them; if a Grand Lodge were to 2 The division of Symbolic Masonry and Quebec each have 25, basically take such action as would destroy a into Three Degrees those authored by Mackey. Saskatche- Landmark, that action would be an In- 3 The legend of the Third Degree wan also has 25, although a Grand Lodge novation; if it were to become guilty of 8 The prerogative of the Grand Master committee is reviewing these with the an Innovation, other regular Grand to make Masons at sight goal of reducing the list to about five. Lodges would withdraw their Recogni- 9 The necessity of Masons to congre- And, Prince Edward Island has seven. tion of it — it would be outlawed and gate in Lodges. MWBro F.G. (Glenn) Fox, Past Grand every Lodge in it would become a clan- 14 The right of every Mason to visit and Master of The Grand Lodge of Alberta, destine Lodge.” sit in every regular Lodge wrote two articles about Landmarks in In 1965, (RW) Brother W.E. (Skinny) 19 A belief in the existence of God the October and December 1974 issues Bright wrote a paper entitled Masonic 22 The equality of all Masons of the Grand Lodge Bulletin. He observed Landmarks. In addition to observing that 23 The secrecy of the institution that there has been a great deal of re- the first recorded mention of Landmarks 25 …These Landmarks can never be search on the subject, but that there is occurred in 1723, as I reported above, changed no unanimity amongst Masonic schol- he also notes that in 1850 the Grand The more you dig into the subject of ars in this regard. Fox reported that in Lodge of Missouri was the first jurisdic- Landmarks, the more you are drawn to 1961 Bro S.H. (Sam) Hardin, following tion in North America to attempt identi- the conclusion that, like so many other extensive research on the subject, con- fying Landmarks. Six years later, the things in this world, there are few abso- cluded by recognising three Landmarks: listed 26 lutes. For example, interestingly enough, 1 The Fatherhood of God Landmarks in its new constitution. Also “” is primarily a 2 The Brotherhood of Man The Committee on the Grand Lodge Bulletin Provided to Freemasons of Alberta and the Northwest Territories west of the 4th Meridian who are members of MWBro Robert E. Juthner (Chairman); The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. WBro Garth Cochran; WBro Stephen Dafoe; WBro Loren Kline; Bro Trevor Morris; VWBro 330 – 12 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0H2 David Watkins — Ex Officio: Grand Master, Tel 403-262-1140 — Fax 403-290-0671 Deputy Grand Master & Grand Secretary Published each month except July and August by www.freemasons.ab.ca Annual subscription rate for non-members of the GLA is The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. C$10.00 plus mailing costs. Republication rights are Grand Master MWBro Rodney B. Ponech granted to other Masonic Jurisdictions, but acknow- Editor: MWBro Robert E. Juthner Deputy Grand Master RWBro Rex Dawson ledgement of the source is requested. The Editor reserves Senior Grand Warden RWBro Malcolm Berry 14103 Buena Vista Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5R 5S2 the right to accept, reject and re-write material submitted Junior Grand Warden RWBro Robert A. Drury Tel 780-483-5124 — Fax 780-486-4512 for publication. Deadline for copy is the 1st day of the Grand Secretary RWBro Jerry W. Kopp e-mail: [email protected] month, two months prior to the month of issue. 2 3 The Immortality of the Soul In a well-researched paper entitled The Travelling Mason – Springtime in “Landmarks, Landmarks! Landmarks?” Washington (Vox Lucis 1(1): 13–18, Spring 1981 and Vox Lucis 2nd Ed. 1: 35–43, 2004), WBro In April 2004, the annual meeting of reduce the wear and tear on the an- Gerald Gibbs concluded that there are the American Physiological Society was tiques. Prior to that, an Entered Ap- three Landmarks, namely: held in Washington, DC. This again af- prentice from North Carolina proved 1A belief in a Supreme Being forded my wife Gloria and me the op- up. The catechism is much, much longer 2A belief in the Fatherhood of God portunity to visit one of our favourite than ours. It is very detailed and thor- (and its corollary, The Brotherhood cities for both business and pleasure. ough. of Man) Sometimes things work out in won- The normal Lodge room was very 3A belief in the Immortality of the Soul derful ways. We had been to Washing- large and spacious. The candlesticks What does the Grand Lodge of Alberta ton several times. I asked Gloria if I had around the altar were brass, about five officially define as our Ancient Land- ever taken her to the George Washing- feet high, and very impressive. The marks? Like the United Grand Lodge of ton National Masonic Museum in Alex- remainder of the meeting was done in England and the Grand Lodges of Brit- andria, Virginia. I had not; thus, we the same polished, efficient manner as ish Columbia, Manitoba, Canada in boarded the Metro (Washington’s won- the first half. All first time visitors were Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labra- derful subway system) for the ride out given a lapel pin to commemorate their dor, Alberta has no specific written and to Alexandria. I had been to the mu- visit. The Festive Board was a complete approved list of Landmarks. seum before, but had heard about the meal, but without a formal program. It’s interesting to note that, accord- renovations and wanted to see the new The members and visitors served them- ing to the text on page 39 of the Proceed- Washington Museum. We selves and sat around the tables, chat- ings of the Grand Lodge of Alberta 2000, went into the replica Lodge Room just ting about the evening. to qualify to be recognized, a Grand off the main entrance. The room is iden- As I walked back down the hill to the Jurisdiction must satisfy these condi- tical to the room where Washington Metro station, and during the half hour tions: had been Master of his Lodge (Alexan- ride back to Dupont Circle, my mind 1 Legitimacy of Origin; dria Lodge). They have some of the was filled with pleasant thoughts about 2 Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction, original furniture on display. The guide, visiting around the world. The Frater- except by mutual consent and/or Jack Riddell, gave his usual excellent nity does provide an opportunity to treaty; discussion of the artefacts and then meet strangers who quickly make one 3Adherence to the Ancient Land- asked if there were any Masons in the welcome, as a Brother should. Travel- marks, specifically, a Belief in God, group. I was the only one. He said that ling also provides one with a chance to the Volume of the Sacred Law as an Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 not only visit but to learn more about indispensable part of the furniture was having “Charter Night” that the Craft and how it is practised in of the Lodge, and the prohibition of evening. Charter Night is the annual North America and around the world. the discussion of politics and reli- meeting held in the replica room, and I L. W. Kline gion. was invited to attend! Then again, based on my interviews The tour started. The museum had a Grand Master’s Itinerary of several eminent Alberta Masons, they new elevator, the Shrine room was car- consider the following to be our An- peted and had new displays, the Scot- April 1–3 Annual All Canada Conference, cient Landmarks: tish Rite floor (a joint Northern and Southern Jurisdiction project) had a Winnipeg 1 Belief in a Supreme Being 4 Empire No. 63, Freemasons’ Hall, much-improved display of Washing- 2 The Volume of the Sacred Law Edmonton ton’s artefacts, and the auditorium had 3 Belief in the Immortality of the Soul 5 Kenilworth No. 29, Curly Foster A word of caution: one has to be been redone. Night, Red Deer careful not to confuse regulations with That evening I returned to the Mu- 9 Griesbach No. 191, Lodge Mess Landmarks. Landmarks are commonly seum to attend Charter Night. After Dinner, Officers’ Mess, Edmonton believed to be unchangeable. And as passing the Board of Trial, I went into Armory surely as a Grand Lodge can establish the Replica Room and joined the rest of 14 Mayerthorpe No. 148, Legion Hall its Constitution and Regulations, it can the Brethren that included a large con- 16 Eastgate No. 192, Taste of the Orient, also change those. tingent from North Carolina who had Mirama Restaurant, Edmonton And so you have it. The debate of the made a special trip to attend. We sat on 18 Astra No. 179, Cold Lake ages continues. After all the searching, the antique chairs and thought about 19 St. George’s No. 169, Commmunity discussing and head scratching are the distinguished Brethren who had centre, Elk Point done, it appears that in reality it is ulti- used them over the years. The Lodge 21 Finance, Benevolence and Public mately up to the individual Mason to officers were in white tie and tails; the Relations meetings, Red Deer 24 Northern Lights District Church define his own Landmarks. To satisfy Master also in a top hat. He was a young Parade, Knox United Church, himself that each is indeed a Landmark, man. The Master rises when he speaks. The business was conducted in a very Edmonton he needs to apply this test: would the th polished manner. When the majority of 29-1 May — 40 Annual Masonic Spring higher ideals of Freemasonry be the Workshop, Education: The Road to the business was concluded, we were same, for him, if his Landmark was Enlightenment, Delta Lodge at to retire to the regular Lodge room to removed or changed? Kananaskis 3 HONOUR ROLL Recognition by Long Service Awards – January to December 2004 The following Brethren were awarded the indicated jewel or bar, and are to be congratulated on their many years of loyalty and their contributions to their Lodge in particular and to Freemasonry in general. Should you see one of these Brethren, be sure to congratulate him. Juthner, R.E. Commercial Lodge No. 81 Schecter, T. MizpahLodge No. 35 60-Year Bars Kenny, P.E. Schlenker, E. Mizpah Lodge No. 35 Anderson, C.O. Irricana Lodge No. 137 West Edmonton Lodge No. 101 Shuler, L.J. Anderson, W.A. Irricana Lodge No. 137 Knox, C.W. Glenbow Lodge No. 184 Highlands-Unity Lodge No. 168 Berry, G.T. Jubilee Lodge No. 173 Lait, H. Mizpah Lodge No. 35 Simpson, R. Westlock Lodge No. 114 Brown, H.G.W. Gleichen Lodge No. 36 Latta, A.L. Soklofske, A.W. Cartwright, A.B Perfection Lodge No. 9 Highlands-Unity Lodge No. 168 Medicine Hat Lodge No. 2 Devonshire, G.S. Camrose Lodge No. 37 Loat, C.I. Jordan Lodge No. 177 Stephenson, F.W. Dodds, D.W. Palestine Lodge No. 46 Lovett, C.W. Mizpah Lodge No. 35 Highlands-Unity Lodge No. 168 Elford, C.H. Glenbow Lodge No. 184 Margach, W.C Canada Lodge No. 165 Stevely, G. Alberta Lodge No. 3 Everitt, B.A. Palestine Lodge No. 46 Markine, R.S. Street, K.A. King George Lodge No. 59 Gault, E.W. Irricana Lodge No. 137 Highlands-Unity Lodge No. 168 Sullivan, D.W. Lethbridge Lodge No. 39 Jacobs, T.W. Palestine Lodge No. 46 McGregor, T.N. Thompson, D.G.B. Charity Lodge No. 67 Jenne, F.K. Acacia Lodge No. 11 Temple-Centennial Lodge No. 167 Tough, N.J. King George Lodge No. 59 Siewert, William Walter McKay, B.R.L. Sherwood Lodge No. 183 Utas, P.E. Barrhead Lodge No. 171 St. Mark’s Lodge No. 118 Moore, A.W. Canada Lodge No. 165 Walker, G. Nanton Lodge No. 17 Thorssen, E.A. Gleichen Lodge No. 36 Morrison, J.H. Vermilion Lodge No. 24 Wearmouth, T.R. Newby, F.B. Patricia Lodge No. 91 King Solomon Lodge No. 41 50-Year Past Master Jewels Newton, C.W. Apollo Lodge No. 27 Wearmouth, W.A. Coggan, H.L. Bow River Lodge No. 1 Nimmo, M.J. Jubilee Lodge No. 173 King Solomon Lodge No. 41 Goodrich, J.E. Bassano Lodge No. 55 Peacock, J.L. White, C.H. Perfection Lodge No. 9 Hughes, S.H. Forestburg-Alliance Lodge No. 128 White, W.F. Astra Lodge No. 179 Mayerthorpe Lodge No. 148 Perry, G.N. King George Lodge No. 59 Whitfield, F.G. Wearmouth, H.H. Potter, G.H. Strathmore Lodge No. 53 Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 54 King Solomon Lodge No. 41 Pound, M.R. Excelsior Lodge No. 80 Wiedman, E.E. Acacia Lodge No. 11 Price, W. Sentinel Lodge No. 26 Wilson, A.K. Eastgate Lodge No. 192 50-Year Jewels Riley, E.F. Concord Lodge No. 124 Wilson, D.G. North Star Lodge No. 4 Band, T.W.S. Lethbridge Lodge No. 39 Sammons, K. King Solomon Lodge No. 41 Wood, A. Perfection Lodge No. 9 Bateman, J.R. King George Lodge No. 59 Canning, E.H. Sherwood Lodge No. 183 Carnegy, K.M. Mizpah Lodge No. 35 Bow River Lodge No. 1 Honours 50-Year Past Master Dafoe, T.R. Vermilion Lodge No. 24 WBro Harold Coggan, 86, was Wor- Orillia, Ontario. Devonshire, G.S. Camrose Lodge No. 374 shipful Master of Bow River Lodge No. 1 Following the presentation of the Dickey, T.J. Bow River Lodge No. 1 in 1954, and is now the most senior jewel everyone enjoyed a light lunch Drever, W.K. Camrose Lodge No. 37 living Past Master of the Lodge. He re- and fellowship. The next opportunity Dunnwebber, E.A sides in Lakefield, Ontario. Bow River Lodge will have for a similar Lochearn Lodge No. 151 During a recent personal family va- presentation will be in the year 2012. Dutton, T. Mizpah Lodge No. 35 cation in Ontario, WBro Herm Woeto- The picture shows (l-r): WBro Bruce Edgar, R.J. Westlock Lodge No. 114 wich, Secretary-Treasurer of Bow River, Coggan; Doug Coggan; WBro Harold Edgelow, C.A. King Solomon Lodge No. visited WBro Coggan and his family to Coggan; and WBro Herm Woetowich. 41 make a special pre- Fisher, R.M. Beacon Lodge No. 190 sentation of a 50-Year Fletcher, W.L. Lethbridge Lodge No. 39 Past Master’s Jewel Garvin, D.G. Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 54 on behalf of the Goulding, E. Sentinel Lodge No. 26 Lodge. Joining in the Grant, P.S. Canada Lodge No. 165 celebration were Hale, R.S. WBro Coggan’s wife Temple-Centennial Lodge No. 167 Audrey, his son WBro Halhead, J. King George Lodge No. 59 Bruce Coggan, a Past Harbin, S. Redwood Lodge No. 193 Master of Sussex Hay, G.B. Edmonton Lodge No. 101 Lodge No. 5, GRC, his Hogg, T.G. St. Mark’s Lodge No. 118 son Doug and several Huppe, H.A. Hussar Lodge No. 130 family members. Ac- Ianson, T.B. North Star Lodge No. 4 companying WBro Irwin, J.H. Corinthian Lodge No. 22 Woetowich were his Janssen, V.T. wife Ann and a cousin, Temple-Centennial Lodge No. 167 Bro Bob Cox from 4 National Treasure desk just a few short months ago,” said a hit in Drumheller WBro Bill Hunter, Master of Drumheller By WBro Jerry Brett, Drumheller Lodge No. 146, GRA No. 146. “RWBro Darwin Durnie had The of Drumheller says WBro Doug Wade of Symbol Lodge heard that National Treasure was to be (Dinosaur District) decided to ask for No. 93. “Ryan told me his team had released in theatres, and put the idea the assistance of Hollywood in their been to the theatre and had just forth during our Regular Meeting to campaign to raise the awareness of watched National Treasure. He said, host the movie if the local theatre could Freemasonry. On 10 January 2005, the did I know ‘how big Freemasonry is?’…” get it for us,” Hunter continued. Keystone Society of Drumheller, an or- Doug says with a chuckle. WBro Hunter gave a small speech ganization formed from Symbol Lodge The Keystone Society wasted no time immediately prior to the movie show- No. 93, Drumheller Lodge No. 146, and in arranging the rental of the theatre ing. He welcomed visitors and gave concordantly Eheyeh Chapter No. 27 and the movie, and setting the Lodges them a brief overview of the tenets of and Ruth Chapter No. 55, OES, hosted a to work in putting together an invita- Freemasonry. Freemasons from as far movie night at their local movie the- tion package that was hard to resist. as Hanna, Hussar and Calgary helped atre. “We compiled a list of people who we to make up the audience. The Brethren The Society rented the Napier The- thought would enjoy the movie and be from the Lodges and concordant bod- atre in downtown Drumheller on a night fascinated by its positive message. We ies were asked to pay $10 each to help that it would usually be closed and hoped that this fascination would en- defray the cost; otherwise, the evening held a special viewing of Walt Disney courage an interest in pursuing Free- was offered free of charge to those re- Pictures’ National Treasure. The mo- masonry further,” said WBro Jerry sponding to the invitation. tion picture, about the search for the Brett, IPM of Drumheller Lodge No. 146, The event has since proved itself a hidden treasure of the Knights Templar, who designed the invitation for the success, with at least four letters of and starring Nicolas Cage, Harvey Keitel event. interest and applications for initiation and John Voigt, has become well known Of the 300 or so people invited, over having been filed with the Lodges. “The to many in the Craft as a movie that has 140 attended the event — despite the cost of the evening was in excess of shown Freemasonry in a positive light. weather which turned out to be one of $1300 — but the long term benefits and “I first became aware of the movie the coldest nights of this past winter. “I the awareness that Freemasonry now when I received a very excited call from was delighted with the turn-out; it’s enjoys in Drumheller is priceless,” said my son Ryan — who was away at a amazing what can be done with an idea WBro Bob Llewellyn, Master of Symbol sports tournament with his school,” that was floated out from the Secretary’s Lodge No. 93. tience of my Brothers with my learning in the USA. Our discussions led to a Alberta Miscellany progress. From the time I joined Ever- common topic, the reduction in the green, I felt this, and it has motivated Far North Lodge No. 199 number of both Lodges and Brethren. me. The observation makes me won- I would like to thank one and all for One Brother from California gave a talk der about the differences between their donations to the Lodge. They were on what he is seeing in his state. He people, and the ways in which we are gratefully received. This Lodge is very described Lodges in his area that were similar or different from others. fortunate to have received so many active in community work, involving Do we all benefit equally from this gifts from non-members — it’s unbe- Masons and their wives; these were support? Do we all feel it? Outwardly, lievable. I cannot name all, but one seeing growth in their Lodges, whereas we may appear different, but inwardly stands out by itself. That is the Lodge in those Lodges that were not changing — I suspect — we are quite similar. Fort McMurray: they had a “Remember with the times were losing members Some of us are blessed with more natu- Inuvik” night and at their get-together and Lodges by amalgamation or sur- ral confidence than others, but I sus- they passed the hat and the proceeds render of the Charter. pect we all suffer when openly criti- were sent to us. Thank you all very He suggested that we must all look cized. For those of us who have less much, Fort McMurray. at our Lodges with an eye to moderniz- confidence, the support of our Breth- I know at this time of the year the ing our meetings and taking a more ren is especially important. We may all light up here is almost gone, but a week active part in our communities. What be different outwardly, but we are all or two ago, there was a very small light are your thoughts in regards this rec- pilgrims on the road of life. We are all at the end of the tunnel, and I can ommendation? learning in our individual ways and at honestly say that I can see the light. WBro Earl D. Giebelhaus, WM With a little more effort we will be on our individual paces, from our personal experiences, as well as from each level ground. Evergreen Lodge No. 166 WBro Wally M. Wolfe, WM other’s examples. Several years ago, I was with There is a synergy, a source of Meniere’s syndrome, a stress-related strength, which comes from working Kitchener Lodge No. 95 condition that is manifested by dizzi- together and supporting each other in While I was on a Panama Canal cruise, ness. The condition was bad for a couple the group. I greatly appreciate all the I had the opportunity to meet several of years and has since been in remission, support I have received in times when Masonic Brethren from many other but one good thing is that the symptoms I needed it, and I want to acknowledge parts of the world. One from Scotland, provide a good meter for monitoring my the positive role that this support can two from England, one from New stress level. A factor that has reduced my provide. Zealand, and several from various states stress has been the support and pa- WBro Paul Carter, WM 5 broad enough in scope to provide mate- tice. Viewed from the psychological Lodge Attendance rial to interest the members of any angle, the average Lodge notice is a By RWBro L. Healey, PDDGM Lodge. It is a matter of leadership, of drab, stereotyped, and unappealing From Masonic Bulletin, BCR, Feb. 1945 efficient planning and direction with a document. No wonder it is so often laid “ACTION STATIONS!” The command definite design and purpose in view: not aside, unread, on the desk of the recipi- rings out on all combat craft to bring the merely something to fill up the evening, ent. The Worshipful Master who will crew alert and ready to their posts. to get by. take the trouble to design and frame the What would be the result in a subse- The Worshipful Master, who knows notice as his personal call to the Breth- quent brush with the enemy if less than his members, should be able to plan ren, and outline in a forthright manner half of the men turned out in response and produce a programme for the Lodge what he has prepared for their benefit to the Commander’s call? with sufficient drawing power to attract and enjoyment, most assuredly will In the greater conflict of forces in the the Brethren towards it, as all true steel evoke a response from the members. field of the moral and the spiritual, can is drawn to the magnet. No Worshipful Even a different form of notice in a the Masonic Lodge hope to survive when Master can expect a sustained atten- different kind of envelope has an effect. less than half the members turn out in dance or interested co-operation in the Most men like to associate themselves response to the Master’s call? Why this work unless he gives his Brethren some- with a progressive, up-and-coming or- failure to respond? Is there some defi- thing worthwhile to take away with them ganization. The old, stereotyped meth- ciency in the quality or force of the from every meeting. This is absolutely ods of operation, that were good twenty command issued? “For if the trumpet essential. or thirty years ago, are no longer effec- give an uncertain sound, who shall pre- The Worshipful Master might ask him- tive in any walk of life today. Why expect pare himself for the battle?” self the question, “Has the programme I them to succeed in Freemasonry? Attendance, or rather lack of it, at the have arranged for this meeting got Some ideas a little out of the ordinary ordinary meetings, as distinct from such within it sufficient power to draw a have proved successful in Lodges where special occasions as Installation or Past Brother away from home, from his they have been adopted, but all of them Masters’ Night, is perhaps one of the favourite radio programme or from the are predicated upon the assumption greatest problems confronting every evening of bridge or other social attrac- that there are interesting, instructive, Lodge these days. And as this is a time tion?” Unless the answer to that ques- and inspiring programmes at the meet- of the year when many new Worshipful tion is positively in the affirmative, there ings for the Brethren to enjoy. So, in the Masters are invested with responsibil- is no need to go further into the prob- meantime, every recently installed Wor- ity, perhaps a few suggestions on the lem of attendance. The Lodge meetings shipful Master has before him the chal- subject may be in order. Different Lodges should have such a deep, appealing lenge presented by this problem, one have different problems, and what may quality that the Brethren will feel they that is worthy of his best efforts and prove [to be a problem in a city Lodge], are depriving themselves of something that will reflect the quality of his leader- may be only partially so in a country vital in their lives, when they miss a ship as a Master in the Craft. Lodge, and vice versa. Therefore, it is meeting. Thanks again to WBro Ron Bushby, not the intention here to go into the Assuming that such a quality is there, Mount St. Paul Lodge No. 109, GRBCY, details of Lodge programmes. The teach- then the pull of its attracting power Kamloops, BC ings and purpose of Freemasonry are needs to be conveyed in the Lodge no-

on the theme Education: The Road to Spring Workshop Program Expanded Enlightenment. For further information The 2005 Masonic Spring Workshop In addition, another session has been call Garth Cochran, 403-274-0563. You will be a celebration — the 40th Annual added — Creating Dynamic Organiza- can also register online at: Workshop and the 100th Anniversary of tions with Bro Victor Popow who will www.masonicspringworkshop.ab.ca the Grand Lodge of Alberta. To help us show how Masons can use the latest celebrate, we have a special guest to real-world techniques to create a dy- Who Quits, and Why? bring us greetings — Hon. Ken Kowalski, namic Lodge or District, and use the the Speaker of the Legislature. Because new knowledge to improve other as- A Louis Harris poll done for the Grand it is a celebration, the Banquet will be pects of life and work. It’s all part of Lodge of Michigan in 2002 produced open to any Ladies present at the resort becoming an enlightened man. the top five reasons why men join Free- with the Brethren. Tickets may be pur- Keynote speaker Bro Dick Fletcher masonry (and, consequently, leave chased in advance or at the Workshop. kicks off the weekend on Friday evening again if absent), as follows: • Friendship Rex Dawson’s Grand Master’s Tour… • Fellowship • Family involvement …now offers Bonus Night in Old Montreal and new lower price! • Community involvement The Rex Dawson Fall Splendour Cruise Tour to Boston and New England and • Opportunity to provide leadership. Canada Cruise has had an extra night included at the end of the cruise in If your Lodge is not doing this, then Montreal. The additional night will include a farewell dinner and breakfast. The your initiates will not remain members price has been reduced due to an improved airline and land package. Full details for long. can be viewed on the Grand Lodge web site www.freemasons.ab.ca or by Alan Tibbets, Secretary, contacting Murray Pay, MVP Travel Services phone 403-286-8506, fax 403-247- Granite Lodge No. 446, GRC 0774, or email [email protected] in Canmas, Jan. 26, 2005 6