From the West – November 2019

As we move from Daylight Time to Standard Time, we bring more light to start our day and lose the light of the evening. This always reminds me of my winter artic experience when in the field with the part of the 4th Infantry Division we were having arctic training in January north of Fairbanks Alaska. The rising sun was not in the East rather the South and would just clear the horizon before Noon before start to set immediately. and return us to darkness by 1PM. Here I observed in its fullest glory the numberless stars of the Milky Way around that roll across that vast expanse conducted by the unerring laws of Nature. As I hear the G lecture of the fellowcraft degree I’m reminded once again of this experience, as well as, how very cold it can be.

November brings us Lodge elections, Thanksgiving, and the Occasional Grand Lodge. We need more participation in the offices of the Lodge to be able to continue to grow. Come and volunteer for a part.

A thought from Bro. Martin Stead:

The Sun at its Meridian

The hour is noon; the sun stands high,
The stones are swimming in the heat,
And underneath the burning sky,
I see my task is half-complete.
The strip of shade is dark and small,
Along the footing of the wall.

Now as I pause, at this high time,
The mid-point of the working day,
I know I too am at my prime,
And ‘prentice hours have passed away.
I’ve reached the longed-for moment,
when I stand among the journeymen.

My youthful strength may soon be lost,
Increase of skill has been my gain,
Though some has come at heavy cost,
And I have paid the price of pain –
When sinews racked against the bone,
As I raised up some weighty stone.

In the swift hours of afternoon,
When shadows lengthen on the site,
Strengthen my arm, for all too soon
The sinking sun gives way to night:
Then guide my footsteps up the stair,
To meet my fellow craftsmen there.

Warren Burkholder, SW