I became a Mason to learn how to tie a bow tie.
Now, it wasn’t exactly that simple, but to dial it down to a sound-bite, that’s what you would get.
The motivation for me was to find an organization that was dedicated to helping its members be better and have a good time doing it. And the tuxedo is an exclamation-mark of clothing; even if you’re going to the drug store in a tux, everyone will assume your next destination is somewhere exciting. But I’ve never been a fan of wearing clip-on ties. So, if I was going to wear a tux, I needed to learn how to tie a bow tie.
And once I became a Mason, I knew the tux would never be a question, because in our lodge the tuxedo is required. It is why we have always endeavored to include fraternity and fellowship in everything that we do, even in our meetings. We’re making it into something special.
But we can’t have either fraternity or fellowship if we do not have attendance.
At our August Stated, we shared in honoring Worshipful Brother Karl Gruel on fifty years as a Mason. His story of becoming a Mason, and the family that is St. John’s Lodge, was both moving and a reminder that the Lodge is what we make of it.
As we move into our September Stated, I must urge you to make every accommodation to attend. We not only want you to join us in Lodge, but we need you there to execute our business and improve our fellowship. Thus, I ask you again, please check the length of your cable tow and circumscribe your actions accordingly. I will be delivering an educational lecture on the etiquette of Freemasonry, so if you’re new (or old and rusty) I look forward to providing instruction and entertainment.
Looking forward to seeing more of you in person!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Jason Lee
Worshipful Master
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