Master's Message - February 2017

Visitation, arguably a cornerstone of our Craft, was proudly
venerated at our last meeting. Brethren from Defenders, King Solomon and other Lodges added to that blend of “social mirth” referred to in our General Charge. We are grateful to Bro. Rundell Seaman for “sharing” in a most personal and candid way. Our Grand Master’s representative, R.W. Bro. Clarke, noted that our brother represented and provided a face to a cause near and dear to us all, our District and to Grand Lodge:  Prostate Cancer Research. Guests and visitors appreciated very much how “brotherly love” can be shared in such a personal way.

In Lodge, we welcomed our new members, hoping that their knowledge and experiences will blend with our goals and aspirations. Congratulations also to our newest Master Mason, Bro. Henry Patterson on his proficiency. The commitment of our candidates continue to inspire us to practice and deliver quality “work” and take pride when done well.  Masonic labour in the Lodge room is at the core of our philosophy; crucially important in the transformative aspect of Freemasonry.

You should know that we have been meeting with prospective members regularly; have invited them to social events and arrange for them to meet the brethren in a variety of settings. Thank you all for welcoming them in true Ionic fashion. Whether they petition our Lodge is a matter of choice, but we hope that by engaging them, they will think favourably of our Lodge and our Craft, when-ever and where-ever that may be.

For the balance of the term, we will continue to Raise, Pass and Initiate candidates. Bro. SW is planning “step-up night” in March, and I encourage everyone to support our new officers as they continue along their Masonic journey, especially in Leadership roles.  Ionic Lodge made a significant contribution to the success of the Ottawa Masonic Association (OMA) Winter Assembly in January – a sold out event that included family, friends and children. We will once again occupy several tables at the Annual Valentine’s Charity Ball (W. Bro. Goudie is our ticket Rep), and our Lodge and members have donated items to the Silent Auction that evening – if you wish to add funds or provide an item, just contact me or W. Bro. Mark Pogue please.

At our next CGP, we continue discussions about the “Standards” we wish to adopt as part of our mission and vision for our Lodge. The 7-points circulated were a starting point of discussion. In closing, the Masonic Restoration Foundation (MRF) offers the following: “We believe the focus on a quality fraternal, educational and social experience for each individual Mason determines the uniqueness and effectiveness of the lodge. And its potential power rests in this—such a place does not exist anywhere else in the world.”

S&F, Charles, WM