Brethren, assist me in congratulating Brother Frank R. Kodrich on successfully completing his proficiency testing. He will be installed as the next Worshipful Master of John E. Mair Lodge. His dedication to the craft will surely lead to continued success in our Lodge.
I like to ponder the value proposition of Freemasonry. What makes our Fraternity attractive enough to join in place of competing expenditures of time? The axiom that candidates will “get out what they put in” can seem vague.
I saw a video recently. The narrator poignantly asked: ‘Do you know your Grandfather’s father?’ Of course, we don’t. He went on to describe how, in 100 years, nearly all memory of us will be gone.
In every Lodge notice we list The Past Masters of John E. Mair Lodge No. 729 dating to 1924, as well as those of Zaradatha Lodge (which merged with us in 1994), theirs dating back to 1869. Those earliest Masters and their memory are mostly lost, but not entirely. Their names and their records live on distributed as a monthly reminder of their commitment to Freemasonry. Even across the dispersion of the generations that follow, we continue to remember them. In a tangible way, Freemasonry provides a very unique value by preserving your memory and a record of Brotherhood. An eternal recognition of your contribution to the Fraternity.
Every October we recognize our Past Masters with a pre-meeting feast and a thoughtful ceremony. I cordially insist that every living and able Past Master of John E. Mair Lodge No. 729 join us for this very special evening.
