- White balls elect… February 26, 2020
We go through this protocol to elect a new candidate for membership.
From the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, “The custom of using white and black balls seems to have been derived from the Romans, who in the earlier days of the Republic used white and black balls in the judicial trials; the balls were cast into an urn, the former acquitting and the latter condemning the accused.”
This idea of a white ball elects and a black cube rejects is a vote that the candidate doesn’t see but is given the results. If the result is all white balls, the candidate is then elected to membership. If there is but one cube, the candidate is rejected and may not have the privilege of becoming a Mason.
However, there is a second side to this voting process. I carry with me a white ball in my pocket wherever I go. This one white ball, so small in its physical appearance yet very mighty. It symbolizes the reason I am here today as a Mason. If not for the votes of my Brothers, I would not have been elected to membership. This little white ball reminds me every day that I am here because of my Brothers – for my Brothers. It shapes the way I speak, the way I act and what I do. Let this little white ball be a reminder to us all that it is because of this, we are all here today.
Fraternally,
Worshipful Bro. Peter
Continue reading → - Greetings from the East! February 21, 2020
Brothers,
What can we accomplish? I think that in today’s world we live in a constant multi-tasking
environment. We are constantly bombarded with notifications and distractions. On our phones, on our computers. They are all around us. Do we ever spend time concentrating on one task for a good amount of time?
For me, I find that there are sometimes too many distractions and when I do have some time to myself, I don’t spend it concentrating on one thing. I start/stop many things are once. Thereby accomplishing none of them. Do we all find ourselves in similar situations? We are taught early on to divide our time wisely. What can we accomplish if we set a dedicated time to do just one task?
Turn off the phone notifications, turn off the TV and other distractions and just do the work of one task. Whether that one task is solely based inside your mind with thought or meditation, or something physical.
Practice being single-pointed for a while. Be present. Be in the moment. My question to you, Brothers, is there anything you can’t accomplish with a well-focused and trained mind?
From Proverbs 4:25 – ” Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.”
Fraternally,
Worshipful Bro. Peter
Continue reading → - Greetings from the East! January 6, 2020
Brothers,
May this New Year bring you and your families much love, joy, peace, and prosperity. Happy New Year!
Thank you for electing me to serve as the Worshipful Master for the 2020 Masonic year. I will do my best to fill the shoes of the Worshipful Brothers who have come this way before. I am proud to be a member of Olive Branch Lodge #16. Of the many duties of a Mason, spreading light is one that is all important. Though to the uninitiated what we do may seem strange, to us, it is a connection to the Great Architect of the Universe that enables us to spread the light of knowledge. It is this light that will help the uninitiated find understanding.
As we move into the coming year, I will, with your help and input, find ways to challenge not only the understanding of the mind but of the heart. We are tasked with bringing positive change to our Brothers, to our family and friends as well as our Masonic family, but most importantly to ourselves. It is THIS light that will help us shine as a beacon to all whom we encounter and interact with. This light will burn all the brighter for our zeal. This responsibility is even more awesome, and I am humbled by being elected to serve this Lodge.
From Psalm 118:22 – “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.”
Together, we are the cornerstone of Olive Branch.
Worshipful Bro. Peter
Continue reading →
Most Worshipful Gregory J. Scott
RW Michael J. Carducci
R.W. Richard E. Frazier, Jr.