Chaplain’s Corner – August 2019

Since I am continually looking for something to write in my Washington Lodge #46 message, I ran across some thoughts that WM Matt Wand of Milwaukie Lodge wrote, that I agree with. At Grand Lodge, when he was asked to give a response for the Worshipful Masters, and then in his monthly trestleboard, the message I got was close to the following: As Masons, we have the solemn charge of maintaining harmony among the brethren. Maintaining balance is a challenging task during this time of historic division and social change. Of course, being members of a fraternity whose age is measured in centuries, we have excellent guidance because every generation thinks they are living in historically difficult times. Of course, that can’t always be true.

So I have been contemplating what exactly sets masons apart and allows us to maintain brotherly love in spite of widespread division and upheaval. What I have considered to be our best strategy is simply good faith. We believe, always, in the good faith of our Brothers. Once we commit to understanding and accepting that our Brothers are acting in good faith, no disagreement or difference of opinion can shake our bonds. So I implore all of us, as brethren, to remember to give each other the benefit of good faith and believing in the good faith of our Brothers at all times. Our Masonic buildings are our legacy and our critical assets for our future. We have an obligation to preserve them for future generations. Indeed, there is no better investment in the future of Masonry in Oregon than to preserve our beautiful historic buildings.

As Masons, we have discovered the power in age-old wisdom of improving ourselves through the relationships and friendships that we keep. This often means that we are willing to travel the road less traveled, especially in this day and age. We have found commonality in our brotherhood that is based on morality, ethics, and character. Not a single member of this fraternity is perfect, and there are times that each of us falters. Thankfully we all have this group to help keep us on the level and upright in our daily lives. This month we are challenged to believe in the good faith of our brothers. I think we can take this one step further and strive to be uncommon in our daily approaches to life, friendship and each other. Being uncommon means going the extra mile for each other. Maybe a brother needs to go out for a burger and some laughs, checking in with each other after we have had a rough time, or just randomly throwing out a text or phone call to see how things are going. This challenge also means demonstrating to our non-masonic friends the principles of friendship, morality, and brotherly love. Don’t be afraid to help out a neighbor with a project, go workout with a co-worker, or volunteer with a local group. Today’s society is very dependent on the individual self and digital connections. We, as Masons, haven’t forgotten about the power of our brotherhood and still strive to connect person to person. I believe this sets us apart and allows us to model the civic values that seem to be eroding from society. Simple.

As for my thoughts, I would rank the content of WM Wand’s message as the first rebuilding block that has to be fixed for any lodge that has declining membership and wants to revitalize their lodge.

WB Ken Hall, Chaplain
Washington Lodge #46