Page 17 - Ashlar October - December 2024

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XIX Issue III
each other in a more personal and fraternal environment, a spirit conducive to better
manner. Spending time together assures teamwork, thus strengthening the Lodge.
facilitation in ease of approaching a brother For Masonic life is incomplete without the
for queries, concerns and assistance. fraternal bond developing among the
Fraternally, it benefits you in knowing the gathering of brethren, where all present, have
range of talents and skills among Masons. All already taken the same vows. Be assured, the
brethren should engage in meaningful more you attend the fellowship dinner, the
interactions, ensuring they care for the more you will be engaged in your Masonic
sentiments of the diverse members, avoiding duties. You will know each brother more
topics that are not to be discussed in a personally, enriching your experience at
Masonic gathering. When you withdraw from meetings. The Worshipful Master should
such a gathering, you withdraw from your emphasize the same—just as a gardener who
obligation as a Master Mason—at least waters his garden daily, feels a special duty
symbolically through your absence, if not truly and obligation toward the well-being of the
in your intent. plants, so will the brethren of a Lodge grow
In modern times, we live with certain aspects, together in cohesion with the nature and laws
preferences and restrictions with regards to of a fraternity.
fine dining. Some brethren may not wish to eat Fellowship is an environment for personal
food prepared outside their homes for health growth and fraternal bonding.
reasons. Some others may be more Most of all, through fellowship, you may get
enthusiastic about the festive banquet, the opportunity to offer Brotherly Love, Relief
forgoing their participation or even presence and Truth, the grand principlesevery
in the temple. Also, one must always honour Freemason ought to put into practice and
the rules of the premises that host the foster in his heart forever.
Masonic meetings. Masons must also render So, leave not, lest you forsake your oath or
due courtesy to the wishes of a fellow brother innocently violate your obligations and
or the steward, junior warden or ultimately the become a stranger to a brother in need. A craft
directions of the Worshipful Master. is to be practiced and its learnings inculcated
Meetingyour fellow Freemasons does not end in daily life. Be a brother to know a brother.
whenthe Lodge is closed. Neither does a
festive banquet refer only to the act of dining SMIB.
and toasting.
The enactment of the allegory alluded to in the
rituals, requires you to partake in the rewards
of your labour. They require that your fraternal
spirit is kindled and nurtured in a suitable
Masonic Trivia

Q:How would you describe Freemasonry?
A: Freemasonry is fundamentally a self-improvement, volunteer association that teaches moral,
intellectual, and spiritual lessons through three ceremonies. Freemasonry's three degree are
modeled after a craftsman's progress: Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
Q:What are the signs of a mason?
A: As well-represented as the All Seeing Eye is, the Square and Compasses are really the most
well known or recognized Freemason symbol. The meaning behind it is quite literal, with the
square representing morality in that Freemasons need to 'square [their] actions by the square of
virtue with all mankind'.

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