Here's an example of a short essay about my understanding:

Despite anything you have heard about Freemasonry each man hears the following on the very first night he begins:

By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and the low, the rich and the poor, who being created by on Almighty Parent and inhabiting the same planet are to aid, support and protect one another. On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion …

To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of affection. To Sooth the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries and to restore peace to their troubled minds is the grand aim we have in view

Truth is a divine attribute and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry … hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us; sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us.

Temperance should be the constant practice of every Mason.

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason.

Justice is that standard of right which enables us to render to every man his justs due without distinction.

I'm gonna try again to make this work.  I hope to do two things:  bring this to the attention of the Lodges in northern Michigan and cause them to want to post regularly their thoughts, comments, events, pictures (if it's possible) -- quite frankly anything they want to about their Lodge or the Order in general and, secondly, from time to time post essays about the Order, it's history and the things it stands for.

Got nothing on my mind.  I just want to say that I admire

your work and am slowly building up a collection.  I now

have "For Dummies", "is what they say" and Solomon's

builders.



Elden

Charlevoix Lodge #282 is having an EA degree on Monday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m.

What people don't understand about Freemasonry

If you've googled "freemasonry" on the internet you've probably seen some weird stuff -- there are still people who think we're devil-worshipers and worse.

This year I met a postal clerk who asked me if it was true that Masons could kill men who slept with their wife !!

Keep this line from the EA obligation in your mind when you meet people like that:  "there is nothing contained in this obligation that conflicts with the duty you owe to God, your country, neighbor, family or yourself."

The Bellaire Rainbow Assembly will hold a public installation of officers on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. at the Bellaire Masonic Lodge.  The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.