Brothers near and far
If all goes as planned there will 10 to 15 new Master Masons in the Oswego District within the next few weeks. If we expect them to become active and contribute, it is very important that they get off to a good start.
First, each of these new brothers should be presented with the Walk-About from the LSOME course as soon as possible after their Master Mason degree. The Walk-About is 8 pages of instruction which may be found at the back of the Blue Instructor's Guide. It may be read from the book.
Of course, in order for them to experience the Walk-About they must attend a lodge meeting and in order for them to attend a meeting they need to know one is taking place. It has been my observation that those of us who have been active masons for more than a few years take way too much for granted with respect to new brothers. These new brothers have taken part in just three meetings at varying intervals and perhaps at different lodges and need some hand-holding. When I was a new brother I really had no idea what was going on in Freemasonry. I didn't know what took place in meetings nor how important my attendance at meetings was. It truly was a grand mystery.
Our organization is based on close personal relationships built on human contact amongst its members, these new brothers surely deserve no less. We should be in direct contact with the new guys. No letters, No emails, direct voice contact either face to face or on the phone. These men have come to us in search of the Light we can give them. A few minutes on the phone is the least we can do.
Finally, the holiday Season is upon us. Thanksgiving, my personal favorite, is just past. The rest of the holidays could take a lead from Thanksgiving. We hang out with family and friends, have some good food, maybe take in some entertainment and enjoy being members of the human family. What could be better than that!
Hope to see you soon in Lodge.