Happy April, Brethren,
I would like to begin by congratulating our brother Zaro on March 10th was passed to the degree of fellowcraft, it was a long time coming and he has been very patient. We had a grand time and watched the respective officers put on a fine degree, notably our Senior Deacon Alex Saslow, and our Junior warden David Biggio PM, well done my brothers.
On March 24th we had an Open House where we opened the doors for men considering becoming part of our craft. Our Senior Warden decorated the lodge in preparation by setting up the lodge as we would a stated meeting, and the adjacent room of reflection in accordance to the Royal Arch installation. We also had flyers and information on hand, as well as knowledgeable brothers ready to converse with the potential members.
These events are important to the longevity of our Lodge, without good men to carry on in our footsteps, we are destined to fade into antiquity. When we have events such as this, it is important to attend to show these men that by our presence, we have internalized the lessons we have learned, and that the cement of brotherly love is solid.
Continuing on this theme, we also had a fellowship night on March 31st, where the Officers of Petaluma-Hamilton #180, and those Masons who are interested in becoming officers of the Lodge gathered together over Old Chicago pizza to have a few laughs, and talk about the direction of the year, and years to come. It is my belief that this night is a night of orienting ourselves toward great work, and through focus we will accomplish our due. The “Master’s Wages”. (One Hundred One Questions about Freemasonry)
According to ritual, corn, wine and oil are symbolic of the payment a Freemason earns today by “good work, true work, square work.” “A Master’s Wages” may be the same, may be different, for every brother. They are the friendships formed through Freemasonry; the consciousness of unselfish work; taking part in movements and actions for the betterment of the condition of neighbors; inherent in learning and in making it possible for other men to learn that men of widely different beliefs, convictions, circumstances, education, skills and character may live and work, play and love together in peace and happiness. A Master’s Wages are intangible, but more real because any brother may earn as much as he will.
To give us more opportunities to earn the Master’s Wages, more events will be had planned by our events committee, in April, Petaluma celebrates it’s 35th Annual Butter and Eggs day event, each year it’s a lovely day with the warm spring weather to enjoy, we plan on having a get together on the 3rd floor and having a social, we’ll be bringing some chicken wings to cook up, if you want to bring a dish, it would be welcome. We hope to see you there, I’m going to try and get some old familiar faces to attend. The date of the event it April 23rd at 11am. You might want to arrive a bit early to find parking as it’s going to be in demand that day.
As April is Public Schools Month we have a few items that we have been hard at work on, most notably is the good work that our scholarship committee has completed, we are pleased to announce that this year we have awarded 6 students at $1000.00 scholarship. The students must be currently enrolled in a High School in Petaluma, and must complete an essay on the four cardinal virtues: Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. We will include some of the awarded essays in this and future Trestleboards for your enjoyment.
Lastly, we are prepared to confer a couple of 3rd degrees, and as such we will need participation in the upcoming practices. If you would like to participate, we have a role for all Master Masons interested. Your regular attendance at our practice meetings is essential in providing a quality degree for the Brothers who are preparing to take that sublime step.
Sincerely and fraternally,
William “Woody” Purdy
Master
wpurdy@masons180.org
