From the Worshipful Master

Year in Review

I write this Trestle board post with some sadness, but more with optimism. This will be my last Trestle board post as Master of Wayfarers Lodge No. 50.

It’s been a crazy year. We started the year ready to bring in new members, have some great fundraisers going, and completing the Hiram Daylight merger. We got off to a great start to the year, with candidates making their proficiencies to move up through the degrees, new candidates putting through petitions and some really terrific ideas for fundraisers. Then came COVID-19.

Through COVID-19, we learned how to conduct our business in a virtual world, and although we had some degrees that were put on hold, those degrees are happening or will happen.

We took home the Master Architect Award for the second year in a row, and we look to be in a good spot to take it for a third year. This year we were one of only 11 lodges.

I learned how it’s important sometimes to take a step back, and be thankful that our lodge has stayed healthy, and despite our struggles with staying active, it has been amazing to see a break like that not put a damper on the enthusiasm of the lodge.

I learned how important it is overcome challenges and that time, patience and perseverance will accomplish all things.

We have made such great strides over the past few years. We consistently have people in the sidelines for meetings and degrees now, and even with the COVID-19 restrictions, we continue to build on that. I fully anticipate that the incoming leadership will continue the momentum that we have and the lodge will continue to get stronger.

In closing, I want to thank everyone for making these past two years unforgettable and I especially want to thank everyone for everything they do to make Wayfarers so great!

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori, PM
Worshipful Master

From the Worshipful Master

Our Masonic Families

Brethren:

Masonry is an organization all over the world. We are closer than friends, we are Brothers. We are obligated to aid and assist our Brothers’ widows and orphans.

But the Masonic family is so much more than that. Our youth groups expand our Masonic families to even non-Masons.

Demolay is an organization for boys aged 12-20. It was founded by Frank S. Land, who wanted to help boys whose fathers passed away in WWI, and needed a father figure. The organization helps boys bring out their leadership skills through Masonic values.

Both Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters were both founded in order to give the same Masonic leadership opportunities to girls as were available to boys.

Job’s Daughters was founded by Ethel Wead Mick, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). Until recently Daughters were required to have a Masonic heritage to join.

Rainbow Girls was founded by a Mason named Rev. Mark Sexton, who was also in Order of the Eastern Star (OES), and teaches many of the same principles.

When you look at the youth groups, we see many Masons and non-Masons in our Masonic families. Our Masonic families are why we’re here. Being a Mason stretches our family worldwide, and we know wherever we go, we have a family we can talk to and share a meal.

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori, PM
Worshipful Master

From the Junior Warden

Our Masonic Families

Brethren:

While a Master Mason is the highest level in Freemasonry: there is a wealth of opportunities and Masonic Knowledge available through additional Masonic bodies. Freemasonry has several organizations of men, woman, and youth. These bodies create a large body of support and friendship for all members and families.

THE CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS
Probably there is no other Masonic order more closely associated with the symbolic or Mother Lodge than the Capitular Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. In fact, the fourth and final Degree of the present Capitular Degrees as conferred in the Chapters, that of Royal Arch Mason, was formerly a Degree of the Lodge for which only actual Past Masters were eligible. This Degree was taken from the Lodge system as practiced in the Old World from which it originated when the first Chapters were organized in the early 18th Century in our country. This Degree along with the Mark Master’s Degree and two others comprise Capitular Masonry as it exists in our modern day.

THE COUNCIL OF ROYAL & SELECT MASTERS
The work of the Council consists of three of the most exquisite and ornate degrees in all of Freemasonry and completes the Masonic Story in a way that brings all of the previous Degrees together.

THE COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
The Knights Templar represent Freemasonry from the background of the New Testament era of the Bible. It is the change from the time of Ancient Craft Masonry to that of Christian Masonry, and thus “Every Christian Mason should be a Knight Templar”.

ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY
Scottish Rite Masonry continues the teaching of the three basic Masonic Degrees. Each degree from 4 through 32 adds more light, more knowledge and more symbolism to the lessons of Freemasonry. It is a wonderful fraternity of Masons dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

SHRINE
At the heart and soul of the Shrine are the Shriners’ Hospitals for Children. The first hospital was opened in 1922 and there are now 22 hospitals across North America. The hospitals have a three-fold purpose: to help children, to conduct research, and to train medical personnel. All care for treatment at Shriner’s Hospitals is totally FREE of charge to the patients and their families.

THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. It provides an organization where those with high moral character, a desire to work for the betterment of others and a drive to make the world a better place can contribute their time, energy and wisdom to our Order for the good of all mankind throughout the world.

THE ORDER OF RAINBOW FOR GIRLS
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is an organization for young women between the ages of 11 and 20, regardless of race, creed or color. A girl is recommended by another member, or by a member of the Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star or Amaranth. Masonic heritage is not a requirement for membership. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend meetings and activities.

THE ORDER OF DEMOLAY FOR BOYS
The Order of DeMolay is the world’s largest fraternity for young men thirteen (12 if completed grade 7) to twenty-one years of age. Started in 1919, DeMolay has over 700 chapters in the United States as well as chapters in eleven foreign countries.

JOB’S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL
Job’s Daughters’ mission is to create confident young women, respecting tradition, and shaping the future. Our members learn invaluable skills that increase their confidence and prepare them to lead.

Fraternally,
Brother Christopher Britt
Junior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Symbols of Freemasonry

Brethren:

The symbols of Freemasonry are unique in a couple of ways.

First, as the Brother begins to study the degrees, he often finds that the symbols have several meanings in addition to the obvious one explained in the ceremony of initiation, if indeed the meaning of the symbol was even explained during the ceremony.

Second, he may someday be told that the symbols are interpreted by each Brother for himself and that the meaning may vary from person to person.

Third, he may come to realize that the variation in the interpretation of these symbols is perfectly OK with the Fraternity. He is not forced to accept someone else’s interpretation of a symbol, but rather, his opinion of the interpretation is tolerated by Brethren with different views.

This leads to a plethora of symbols and interpretations and to the discovery of new interpretations and moral lessons all the time. This encourages Masons to think. It also leads to an exchange of ideas among the Brethren, resulting in a never ending quest for more hidden truth in our mysteries. It also explains why they are called mysteries. Here are just a couple of common Masonic symbols.

The Square and Compasses is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Both the square and compasses are architect’s tools and are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons. The square stands for morality, and it comes from the 90-degree angle used to test the accuracy of the sides of a stone to ascertain that its angles matched the square’s “true” right angle. The compass is meant to symbolize the strength to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds.”

Together they symbolize the importance of exploring your desires in a morally true way.

This is a deep cut in the world of Masonic symbiology, but it has an important meaning within the organization. The 47th Problem of Euclid, also called the 47th Proposition of Euclid, or the Pythagorean Theorem, is represented by what appears to be three squares. To non-Masons it can just look like a bunch of wonky squares, but to Masons, the Pythagorean Theorem is a way to square your square.

That’s not only a way to remind yourself to keep your life in order, but it’s also a handy way to lay a geometrically accurate cornerstone for your new foundation – which is exactly what a good Mason does. A brother is encouraged to explore the meanings and history behind the many symbols that Freemasonry employs.

Fraternally,
Brother Christopher Britt
Junior Warden

From the Worshipful Master

How to explain Freemasonry to potential candidates

Brethren:

One thing I think is important that we do as Masons is have a short elevator-type speech prepared. You never know if you’re going to be walking somewhere and someone sees your ring, or your polo shirt and asks what Masons do.

I start by saying that we’re a fraternity. A group of men who get together because we enjoy each other company and do things for the community.

I find it easiest to then move into the Shriners. They are the group that is the most visible. Everyone has at least heard of the Shriners. They have parades, circuses and people recognize the fezzes. I’ll mention them and say that every Shriner is a Mason.

Then I invite them to our next movie night or public event, and give them my Lodge business card. And cross my fingers that they come.

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori, PM
Worshipful Master

From the Junior Warden

How to explain Freemasonry to potential candidates

Brethren:

As Masons, we are to be constantly be on the lookout for new candidates. This is necessary to the survival of our lodge. What should a mason say to a potential candidate?

Freemasons are not permitted to recruit candidates. All applications for admission to the Order must be entirely voluntary and the initiative must come from the prospective Candidate himself. However, it is obvious that, although a man may be attracted by what he has heard about the Craft or by having relations or friends who belong to it, he would naturally wish to have some information about it before deciding to join. It is not always easy for a Mason to know how to reply to questions. And sometimes he is likely to be over-cautious, for fear of revealing any secrets.

Freemasonry is in no sense a secret society. This is not to deny that it has secrets, but there is nothing in any way secret about its meeting places, its membership, its aims and principles, or even to some extent, its methods. Freemasonry has been defined as “A Speculative Science founded upon an Operative Art”. That is, it is descended directly from the medieval associations of working masons, but has now, for more than two centuries, ceased to have any direct connection with the building trade. It would be crazy to claim that our present system is the same as, or even corresponds very closely to, the organization and methods of the medieval craftsmen. Their aims, however, were very similar to those ours, namely, to regulate the trade, to employ a standard of morals and behavior, and to impart certain trade knowledge to the younger members

The Bible, referred to by Freemasons as the Volume of the Sacred Law, is always open in the Lodges. Every candidate is required to take his obligation on that book or on the Volume which is held by his particular belief. This oath or promise taken upon it is sworn to the individual’s supreme being.

Everyone who enters Freemasonry is forbidden to be a part of any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society. He must pay due obedience to the law of any state in which he lives.

While in lodge he is not permitted to discuss religion or politics. These are volatile discussions and personal to the candidate.

If the candidate decides to join a Lodge and is accepted, his admission will be arranged in the course of a series of ceremonies which have come down to the Craft during the past 300 years. They are very solemn and impressive, and full of old inherited customs.

Each of the ceremonies has, as one of its central themes, an obligation that embraces secrecy, fidelity, service to the Craft and to all masons in the world at large. The traditional penalties of the obligations serve as a basis for the various “modes of recognition. Because the Craft has preserved those traditional penalties in practically the same words as were used 300 years ago, their repetition may cause them some surprise, but they have been retained. They will be asked to bear them in mind-only in order to emphasize the solemnity of the Obligation. The physical penalties, are not, and never were, enforced.

It cannot be emphasized enough that Freemasonry is in no sense an insurance or benefit society. There is no financial benefit or expectation of gaining of power. This is a fraternity, built and maintained to benefit society as a whole.

The annual dues to a lodge are like club subscriptions, and are used to, cover the expenses of the lodge, such as rent, lighting, taxes, stationery, etc.

Freemasonry is set in a religious and moral context, but itself is not in any way a religion. We gather for the purpose to socialize, to provide charity to the distressed and promote the general goodwill of everyone.

All candidates are recommended based on their moral character. Masonry is to make good men better. No make bad men good.

After a full interview with the candidate, if they are deemed as a man of good moral character and they still have the interest in Freemasonry, then the lodge will happily accept his petition to join.

Fraternally,
Christopher Britt
Junior Warden

From the Worshipful Master

What is a Mason?

Brethren:

We hear men are sometimes referred to as “good Masons.” Sometimes we hear “he’s a Mason, but he doesn’t know it yet.” What? How can that be? How can someone not know they’re a Mason?

What is a Mason? Well, what is the purpose of Masonry? To make good men better. Masonry doesn’t make bad or average men good. It makes good men better. So you have to be a good man to be a Mason.

A Mason is someone who is supportive of his community, someone who values his family, and someone who wants a bigger family.

A Mason doesn’t do things for the credit, a Mason does things because it’s the right thing to do, and he does it even when others aren’t looking.

A Mason is charitable. He goes out of his way to help his Brother when he can, and although they are supposed to go only as far as their cable-tow stretches, my suspicion is that some of us have pretty extended cable-tows.

We join other organizations for fun, but more because we know we are making a difference. We help the youth groups because we know we are making a difference in the young men’s and women’s lives that are in them. We join the other appendant bodies because not only do we enjoy each other’s companies, we help other causes, like the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (CMMRF) or Knights Templar Eye Foundation in York Rite, or of course Shriners Hospitals at the Shrine.

While most in the community don’t know that we’re out there, we Masons are helping our communities by volunteering at hospitals, by running blood drives, by doing things like CHIP to help protect our community’s children. We do these things mostly behind the scenes. We don’t do it because we get credit for it, we do it because it’s the right thing to do, and we have fun doing the right thing.

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori, PM
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

What Is A Mason?

Brethren:

From the perspective of an outside observer, it can seem to some that a Mason is nothing more than a man who belongs to a social club. We know, however, that being a Mason is much, much more.

To be fair, at base level, the social aspect of Freemasonry should not be overlooked; it’s important to remember we are indeed a fraternity, and one of the core aims of the craft is to bring together men who would not otherwise have met.

But a Mason is not just a member of a social club.

A Mason is a man who has knocked at the door of higher mysteries, who seeks knowledge in the many lessons and rich history that Freemasonry offers.

He does so to improve upon himself, to encourage virtuous habits and thinking, and divest himself of less positive dispositions; learning from past successes and mistakes alike.

He seeks to learn, that he might be a better servant and support to his brothers, family, and society at large.

A Mason is a good man, who seeks to be a better man through the study of wiser paths; encouraging the same of his brothers through careful thought, wise counsel, and calm conversation.

Fraternally,
Cameron Smith
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

What Is A Mason?

Brethren:

A fraternity is a group of men (just as a sorority is a group of women) who join together because:

• There are things they want to do in the world.
• There are things they want to do “inside their own minds.”
• They enjoy being together with men they like and respect.

Freemasonry is a fraternity. Its membership is restricted to men, but there is no hazing as is found in some college fraternities.

Masons are a serious group. It exists to take good men and help them to become better men. Thus, it is not a reform society. It does not exist to reform criminals, nor would such persons benefit from its teachings.

Masonry itself is an allegory of the building of Solomon’s Temple. It’s designed to teach a man moral principles. In Masonry, there are three degrees. The degrees are called Entered Apprentice, Fellow craft, and Master Mason. They are very similar to the concepts in a union or trade group of the apprentice, journeyman, and master, because Masonry adopted a lot of its structure from the old stonemason guilds of medieval times.
The degrees each have initiation rites.

Anybody who’s been a member of a college fraternity has gone through this sort of thing. In the initiation ceremony, there’s no violence; there’s no weird stuff. All of the officers who perform the initiation ceremony are doing it from memory. Each degree is designed to give a candidate an impression of what goes on in Freemasonry and a certain amount of moral teaching.

The basic purpose is to make “better men out of good men”. Better fathers, better husbands, better brothers and better sons. We try to place emphasis on the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook and broadening his mental horizons. We try to build a better world by building better men to work in our communities.

If you’re surrounding yourself with good people who have the greater community in mind, it builds on itself. If you’re surrounded by people who are always talking about how to improve things, it rubs off on you. As a result, everyone improves.

In essence, Freemasonry is an improvement on an already good man. Through his morals, his spirituality with God and involvement with the community, he can better himself and leave this world with a legacy that will always remember him of where he was and what he has become.

Fraternally,
Christopher Britt
Junior Warden

From the Worshipful Master

Brotherly Love:

Brethren:

The three most important tenets of Freemasonry are Brotherly love, Relief and Truth.

This month, we discuss the first tenet, Brotherly Love. Brotherly love is that fraternal bond that binds us together to work for the betterment of society, that bond which allows us to grow our lodge and help our community.

As true Brothers, we are able to have disagreements and at the same time come together to finish our work.

We come together to meet and decide mundane things like paying our bills, and we come together to have fun like going out after the meetings, or going to ball games.

We care about each other. We may not always agree, but we are there for each other to lend a hand or whisper good counsel when needed. Nothing our lodge has done or will do could be accomplished without brotherly love.

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori, PM
Worshipful Master

From the Junior Warden

Brotherly Love:

Brethren:

Freemasonry has, at its heart, the three core principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
For the time being, let’s focus on Brotherly Love.

It is defined that we place on another man the highest possible valuation as a friend, a companion, an associate, a neighbor, a fellow. Merely to be with him, merely to spend hours in his company and to have the privilege of working at his side

Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and will behave with compassion and understanding to his fellows.

Freemasonry instills in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: it seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

In short: Freemasonry Cares.

To be a caring Freemason is to show Brotherly Love for your brothers, your friends and your community.
Whether the subject of heart is mulled over by the philosopher or analyzed by the scientist, one thing is for certain — the heart is one of life’s most important mysteries.

Freemasonry reflects this idea, when it instructs that every mason is made ready first in his heart, and at the close of our Masonic quest, it is the purified heart which we consecrate to serving Humanity.

Fraternally,
Christopher Britt
Junior Warden

From the Worshipful Master

Why We Travel

One of the biggest benefits to being a Master Mason is the ability to travel.

Why? By travelling to other lodges, we get to collect lapel pins. OK, pins might be an added benefit to travelling, but that’s not the real reason we travel.

Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity that binds men together of all different races, creeds, languages and economic status. Because of freemasonry, we have Brothers that we would otherwise not know or have any reason to run into.

We can sit in a Lodge with Brothers who speak an entirely different language, and even if you do not speak, or understand, a word of the language they are speaking, yet you understand the ritual because you know every word they’re speaking.

By travelling, we meet friends and Brothers from outside our own home lodge. We can take ideas from them to strengthen our lodge. We learn what other lodge’s do that work for them. We also can share what our lodge is doing to help them.

By travelling, we spread Freemasonry by assisting other lodges with degrees. We fill in positions for them so they can bring in new members. We show those important tenets of Freemasonry of Brotherly Love by offering relief to lodges that need our help. Recently, Wayfarers has assisted Brother lodges with two or three of our members filling in roles for other lodges.

By travelling, we learn how we can improve. Although the ritual is virtually the same all over, we see differences in delivery. We learn how tweaking different things here and there can make an impact to our candidates and others watching.

By travelling out of state or even the country, we learn that although we may be totally different, we are treated as family, because we are family. I find, that no matter where I go, I am welcome with open arms, and treated as if I’ve always belonged.

And not least of all, by travelling, we collect pins. Some of the pins I’ve collected are really cool, and if for no other reason than getting these, we all should be travelling more. They are the most sought after pins in Masonry!

Fraternally,
Stephen Liguori
PM/Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

Why We Travel

While there’s no Grand Lodge at the national level, Blue Lodge Masonry generally follows the same format from state to state, governed of course by their individual Grand Lodges and constitutions.

However, even within one’s own state, there can be quite drastic variations in the customs and, to a certain extent, ritual, between lodges.

By visiting other lodges, the traveler is exposed to those differences, and perhaps different lessons or improvements suggested by them.

Travel can also be an excellent way to get exposed to better ritual; if one’s home lodge struggles with a certain degree, or even if not, one may see better ways to do something, or at the least methods they may not have thought of.

Additionally, one of the preeminent calls of Freemasonry is bringing together men from all walks of life, that may never have crossed paths otherwise. This applies to travel just as much as one’s home lodge.

By traveling, one is exposed to far more brothers, other perspectives, and ways of life than if they had only attended their home lodge.

Furthermore, this also applies to appendant bodies; travelling to, and participating in, other facets of the Masonic family only furthers one’s learning and progressive journey.

Fraternally,
Cameron Smith
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Why We Travel

Remember the words, “It will be necessary for you to travel”? And the condition of the road we would have to travel?

Traveling is simply moving. You can travel the world over and never move a foot, such as reading a book. But actually traveling to another Masonic place (a lodge in your jurisdiction or a foreign one) can and does expand Masonry.

In Masonry we are told to seek the light. Light in Masonry is knowledge and from that knowledge comes information and understanding. Understanding how another lodge conducts their business expands the possibilities on changes and improvements in your home lodge. Sometimes this change is just something fresh and new.

To be part of this fraternity, we all have this same thing in common. It’s the brotherhood. It feels more inviting to walk in and relax knowing I am among brothers. I see traveling, as us building and progressing ourselves with knowledge, morals, and virtues, and spreading brotherly love wherever we go and whenever possible.

You never stop learning and will always be travelling and striving to better yourself and help others. To me this is traveling.

Fraternally,
Christopher Britt
Junior Warden

From the Worshipful Master

Symbols of the Craft / Position:

Brothers:

First off, I would like to thank everyone for the trust they have given me in electing me as Worshipful Master for a second year. It is truly an honor, and I am confident that Wayfarers will continue moving in a positive direction.

The emblems of the three pedestal officers are the Square, Level, and the Plumb.

Today, we look into what these emblems mean to us.

As Worshipful Master, the emblem of my office is the Square. We are taught that operative masons use the square to square their work. As speculative masons, we use it to remind us to square our actions.

When people are square dealing, they are being fair. As Masons, we are taught that this is the only way to deal. The square also reminds to be truthful and straight in all of our actions.

As the square is an angle of 90 degrees, and is equilateral, I see this and am reminded that we should treat all people equally, for masons do not discriminate in race or creed.

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori, PM
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

Symbols of the Craft / Position

Brethren:

The Level

The Level symbolizes equality and balance. The reality is that we’re all fellow humans, put on this earth by our great Creator. Regardless of wealth, skin color, religion (or lack thereof), age, gender, and so forth, by the level we are taught to regard all people as equal, deserving of respect and fair treatment.

No man or woman is ‘better’ than another, as a core concept. We may make more money than someone else, have better grades, accomplished and recognized for more, but in the end, we’re all human. This is not to say that we should not support and exalt the achievements of our fellows; on the contrary, the respect paid to good works and higher deeds is not harmful and can serve to inspire others to the same.

The lesson of the level, that of equality, should simply caution humility to the achiever. Similarly, it should caution us to not elevate others beyond due station or allow themselves to do the same; stripped bare, kings and paupers both are equal on the level.

Regarding Justice, similarly this is not to be taken that less honorable or even criminal actions should be ignored, but when one of our brothers or sisters err, the level should remind us to treat the offender with due restraint and fair justice, appropriate to the transgression.

In operative masonry and general construction, a level is used to ensure the materials of a building are set on same plane. Without, pieces of the structure may be laid out of alignment with ones that came before; as construction ensues, these variations will be amplified across the building the longer it continues, and result in a jumbled appearance at best, and base instability at worst. To the speculative, this should teach us that balance in our various projects and exploits is important, to give all our worthwhile endeavors due attention and not let one or more suffer because there were too many on the plate.

We should seek for balance between all the various activities and commitments in our lives, and be willing to metaphorically build a smaller structure if balance demands it, rather than attempt a large one which will suffer.

As the symbol of the Senior Warden, I feel the West is charged with promoting that balance among the brothers, ensuring that all are treated on the level in and out of the lodge, and to assist as able as we try to maintain it in our lives.

Fraternally,
Cameron Smith
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Symbols of the Craft / Position

Brethren:

First and foremost, I am honored to be elected has Junior Warden of Wayfarer’s #50. I will do my best to fulfill the duties that I have been entrusted with.

What do the symbols of our office mean to us? Freemasonry is a system of morality illustrated by symbols from the building trade (Such as the plumb line, the level, and the square).

The Plumb (act with integrity)

In operative masonry, the plumb was used to raise perpendiculars. To ensure that there is no leaning to either side. In speculative masonry, it is a testament to our character. To stand upright and at all times, to act with integrity, honesty, and justice, even when no one is looking.

The Level (meet on equal terms)

In operative masonry, it was used to even the ends of a horizontal placement. In speculative masonry, “We meet upon the level” means that we approach our interactions with honesty, and transparency. We give others due courtesy, and without prejudice. Masons meet as equals, regardless of station in life. That is meeting on the level.

The Square (part fairly)

In operative masonry, the square is used to ensure 90 degree angles of a building block. To better erect the structure with a purposeful and aesthetic meaning. In speculative masonry, “We part upon the square”, which means that that we have treated each other with respect, and satisfied each other’s needs in the interaction. When we depart the discussions, we can say “Are we square?”

Thus, how do we act? “By the plumb.”

How do we meet? “On the level.”

And how do we part? “By the square”

Fraternally,
Christopher Britt
Junior Warden

From the Worshipful Master

2019 Year In Review

Brothers:

2019 Year In Review:

Wow! It’s been an amazing year! We’ve done so much this year, and are moving forward in so many ways!

In the beginning of the year, I said our biggest challenge would be new members. Since then, we’ve initiated three ( 3 ) Entered Apprentices and passed two ( 2 ) Fellow Crafts.

While doing so, we’ve won our first Master Architect award in 15 years, and we are moving towards our second.

We’ve gotten so much accomplished in our building as well. We’ve painted the building, and we have installed our new blue chairs. Everything looks great!

I think we’ve instituted a fun culture where people enjoy coming to lodge and participating once again.

None of this could have happened without the great support of everyone here. Thank you all, and I look forward to more great things next year.

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori
Worshipful Master

From the Junior Warden

2019 Year In Review

Brethren:

A Year in Review:

This year we made great strides within our lodge, and once again showed that when we pull together we can achieve great things.

Some of the notable achievements we made are:

We repaired and painted the exterior of the building!

We replaced the chairs in the lodge room!

Our Brother Secretary and Brother Treasure cleaned up our membership rolls and reporting!

Brother Edward C Balko provided timely and creative communications throughout the year, increasing our social media presence.

We can all be proud of these accomplishments, but it started this year with leadership from the Worshipful Master.

I thank you for your devotion to the lodge, craft, and Masonic family; you represented Wayfarer’s in a positive light making our small lodge ranked amongst the best in the valley.

We have a lot to look forward to next year with the completion of the merger with Hiram Daylight No. 73, and welcoming those members to our lodge.

We have a strong officer line and can’t wait to see what they do to keep the momentum going into the future.

I’m proud to be a brother with each and every one of you.

Fraternally,
Doug Steel, PM
Junior Warden

From the Worshipful Master

Masonic Advice to My Past Self

Brothers:

What Masonic advice would I give myself if I were to start over again? While hindsight is 20/20, I’m not sure I’d change too much.

I would re-emphasize how important each station is on your journey up the line. Each position, from the Stewards to the Deacons to the Wardens all the way up to Worshipful Master is important to learn.

Each step builds on the next. Make sure you go to all your practices, and make sure you find something in each position that helps you with your next. If you do skip stations along the way, learn the parts anyway. It helps you when you know all the parts so you can fill in anywhere needed.

I would tell myself to learn at least one lecture right away.

To move into the East, you need to present one of the three lectures. Take it slow, but learn it as soon as you can. The learning and memorization doesn’t get easier as you get older, but once you know it, you know it. It only takes a short time to review it when you need to present it again. After you learn one, learn a second. There’s nothing wrong with being able to be counted on for multiple lectures when needed.

Most importantly, make sure your family is on board. Freemasonry takes time. It’s a challenge sometimes. And while Freemasonry will never interfere with any duty owed to your family, having your family involved will help you immensely, especially if you need help somewhere.

I know that if I need a Stated Meeting dinner, one of kids’ Masonic youth groups would be available for Masonic service and dinners. I know that if I am in need of fundraising ideas, my family is great to bounce ideas off of.

I think it is important for any Mason to have his family willing and able to help when needed

Fraternally,
Stephen A. Liguori
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

Masonic Advice to My Past Self

Brothers:

My foremost piece of advice to myself would have to be one, simple word: Travel.

Travel to other lodges is an extremely important tenant of being a Master Mason. Without traveling to other lodges, we aren’t exposed to the width and breadth of Freemasonry. Our craft was not meant to survive in a vacuum; insular lodges, whether they lack incoming or outgoing visits, have a much harder time, and generally don’t last.

Unfortunate in of itself, as when a lodge shuts its doors, that history is lost.

On an individual level, travelling introduces us to brothers who we might never have met otherwise, men from whom we can learn and see different perspectives. Slight differences in ritual, tradition, and of course, the unique histories of each are all reasons to visit other lodges near and far.

In the past, I had hardly travelled at all. Certainly not for lack of invitation, I was simply always ‘too busy’; there was always something, some other task or event grabbing my attention.

My advice? Make the time.

Fraternally,
Cameron Smith
Senior Warden

From the Junior Warden

Masonic Advice to My Past Self

Brothers:

Hein site is often 20-20, so what would I tell my current self if I could give my past self some advice?

First off, knowing some of the history of my family is important.

My father was the ultimate Mason, he belong to everything, York Rite, Scottish Rite (KCCH), Shrine and OES (PGP) and is still to this day the only person to be the Master of Wayfarers Lodge #50 three times, he was a Lion and an Elk.

He excelled at everything he did, he was a great ritualist, good public speaker and a problem solver, he took charge and was a natural leader.

My mother was equally involved in the Masonic family, and together they spent a lot of time serving the Masonic family. My Dad was also somewhat of a purist, which is probably where I get some of those same traits. He would never ask me to join the fraternity, he encouraged me to join DeMolay and I did attend a couple of events, but I wasn’t interested in it at that time. Along with my mother, the only bad thing I can say about my parents is that they spoiled me and my brothers.

When I became 21, I decided that I would ask my Dad about joining the Lodge, he had so much for me, I wanted to give something back that I thought would make him happy. Needless to say, I didn’t know that he set me up with a Past Master named Bill Roberts to be my coach, and Bill was a staunch ritualist and expected perfection from me in my catechism.

I had to study every night after work with Bill, and then my Dad would test me when I got home. Everything was mouth to ear at that time, and I found myself learning the work fairly easy, there was a real advantage to being young.

So what would I do differently? I would of taken the time to learn the lectures when I was young and could absorb it quickly. I would of taken steps to go through the officer line sooner, as my father past away when I was the Jr. Warden, he never got to see me as the Master of the Lodge.

These things I regret, and wish I could change, but I wouldn’t do much else differently. I have made mistakes, but for most part I think I have honored my family in Masonry, and try to exemplify the lessons taught, charity, tolerance and service to the craft.

We don’t have the luxury of looking back, so I just focus on looking forward.

Fraternally,
Doug Steel, PM
Junior Warden

Master Councilor of Valley of the Sun Chapter – DeMolay

Greetings!

I’m Christian Liguori, the newly installed Master Councilor of Valley of the Sun Chapter located at the Sun City Lodge, 18810 N. 107th Avenue Sun City AZ 85373-9742.

We have some neat events coming up, which I would like to share with you:

Saturday, September 21st – End of Summer Party! The part is from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All are invited to join us in our celebration!

Saturday, October 5th, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Valley of the Sun Pancake Breakfast fundraiser $7.00 per person! Featured for breakfast: pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages. Show your support for the VoTS as they raise money for their trip to Great Adventure! Location: Sun City Lodge #72 18810 N. 107th Avenue Sun City AZ 85373-9742

Saturday, October 5th – Archery Event for fun and accuracy! Starting at 1:00 PM, we will be begin our tournament.

Saturday, November 30th a Detective Pikachu Movie night on November 30th. Time to be determined.

We meet every first and third Sunday of every month with a 3:00 PM Social Time and our meeting starts sharply at 4:00 PM. If you can swing by, say hello and attend our meetings. We would be honored for you to attend. If your Lodge needs any help, just give us a holler as we are always there to support Freemasonry!

Fraternally,
Christian Liguori,
Master Councilor of Valley of the Sun