Olive Branch Lodge No. 16 F. & A. M.

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Important Announcements

End of Summer BBQ! August 29, 2017

Please join us for our end of summer BBQ at the Lodge. This is a free event open to friends and family. If you like to bring a dish or dessert, food donations are always appreciated! Hope to see you there! See event details for more information!
2nd Annual Scotchtoberfest! August 29, 2017

2nd Annual Scotchtoberfest
Teen Suicide Prevention Program August 17, 2017
Join us on September, 19, 20017 when The Grand Lodge will be hosting a Teen Suicide Prevention program for parents. At this seminar you will be provided with materials to hep you identify the warning signs that might indicate that your child or grandchild may be at rick. You will learn how to recognize these risks, and leave educated to make decisions based on your observations. You will also be provided places to get immediate help if it is determined by you that your child (or any other child in your group) may be contemplating dong something to harm themselves.

Event details are also in the events calendar.
MAY I have a Dram and Draw (A Scotchtoberfest Warm-up) April 23, 2017
MAY I have a Dram and Draw (A Scotchtoberfest Warm-up)
“Guide the Grand Honors for Masonic Funeral Services” is available. March 21, 2017
Check out the Secretary’s Desk section for A “Guide the Grand Honors for Masonic Funeral Services” (must be logged in).
NJ Freemason magazine March 16, 2017
NJ Freemason magazine

The Spring Edition of the NJ Freemason magazine can be found here
The 2017 Junior Warden’s Trip is quickly approaching! March 8, 2017
Don’t forget to get your tickets!

Download the 2017 JW Trip Flyer
Olive Branch Lodge ByLaws have been updated! February 4, 2017
Check out the Secretary’s Desk in the Member Resources section for the latest Olive Branch Lodge ByLaws (must be logged in).
7th Annual Junior Wardens Trip to Philadelphia, PA January 20, 2017
7th Annual Junior Wardens Trip to Philadelphia, PA

Brothers, please join us for our 7th Annual Junior Warden’s Trip to Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, June 24th, 2017. Please see our event page for more details!
Chief Tim Carson – 2015’s 17th Masonic District’s First Responder of the Year Honoree January 20, 2017
Chief Tim Carson of the Jackson Fire Department

Congratulations Chief Tim Carson of the Jackson Fire Department. 2015’s 17th Masonic District’s First Responder of the Year Honoree! Check out the gallery for more pictures.
GUEST LECTURER: Bro. Vincent Macrino January 20, 2017
Join us on January 24th as Vincent enlightens us with a lecture on the Kirkwall Scroll. Vincent is a published author and serves in various Masonic Bodies. His passion for learning has earned him the title of Companion Adept of the Temple, YRSC.

For details of the event, check out the events calendar.
January 20, 2017
Congratulations 2017 Officers!

Master's Messages

September August 29, 2017
    Typically my messages are filled with esoteric information and a dive into my interpretation of Symbolic Masonry. I want to take this time to write about a bit of history.

    The time I will refer to is 1930-1939, when the world was feeling major unrest. This was an important time for the evolution of American Masonry. During this time numerous side Degrees were brought over from Europe. To add a bit of context, prior to WWII there was major uncertainty in European Freemasonry. There was a fear of the eventual suppression of the Craft due to the rise in power of Nazi Germany.

    In 1932 J. Raymond Shute, along with other delegates from America, traveled to the European continent and discovered various Degrees that were not yet being conferred in the US. Some of which may have existed but not in a formal sense or under a particular Grand Jurisdiction. What we now know today as the Allied Masonic Degrees and Knight Masonry, as far as their existence in the US, was born from Shute’s visit and correspondence with our European Brethren.

    I bring this to bring this piece of history to attention to show the strength of our Fraternal bonds. During a time of great despair a few individuals were able to provide a breeding ground for Degrees that would have potentially been lost. I must add that thankfully, this was not the case and the Freemasonry still flourishes in most European countries. The lesson I learned is that a few people with the strength and support of others can accomplish great things. May we carry Freemasonry into the future and build upon the traditions our forefathers have given to us.

          Worshipful Brother,

           Nic C.
June May 31, 2017
Hidden in our allegories there is a lesson about the spiritual death of man. We will be forever bound by the elements unless we learn to master them. Have we not been taught to sever those passions that bind us to this world? There is an allusion of the severing of those ties in our first degree. Stripped of our sinful vestments and outward displays of pride we are brought down to the level of the natural world. Continue reading →
May April 26, 2017
This space reserved for the Masters Message has become a canvas for me to share thoughts and ideas that manifest into my mind. Until becoming a Mason I did not have an outlet for my thoughts. They were able to lay dormant in my mind and I would build on them as I learned new information about each concept. Here is one of those manifestations. Continue reading →
April March 29, 2017
It should be known to all Freemasons that the year 2017 marks the 300th anniversary of the formation of the first Grand Lodge. Since the Grand Lodge of England was formed from subsequent bodies it is no secret that we have existed prior to 1717. Manuscripts and records indicate that Freemasons were around as early as the 14th century, if not earlier. Making the claim that we are the oldest fraternity in the world is a humbling truth. What is so humbling is that we withstood the test of time. The spiritual principles that are embedded within our society transcend time. After all, they are no secret to the world, but a majority of the world has taken them for granted. Continue reading →
March February 21, 2017
There was once a time when churches were built from stone. Cathedrals were built over decades and in some cases centuries. Edifices were erected all over the world by peoples of various religions. These structures had a specific purpose, and typically that purpose was to praise and worship God. In some cases, people of all faiths spent their entire lives working to create a monument that they would never see completed! It would be hard to deny that this was a testament to man’s commitment to God. Faith in God was the strength of a community and a nation. Do we share that common bond today that transcends all religions? Continue reading →
February January 25, 2017
It is no secret that I like to do research and write. I am a bit obsessed when it comes to esoteric knowledge. Since I was a teen, I have always been on a quest to learn as much as I could about the mysteries of this life and the next. There were times when I thought to myself, maybe I should just be a monk and seek spiritual fulfillment that way. There is nothing practical for me in that approach. You may be wondering; where is this going? Continue reading →
What value do I bring to the world? January 20, 2017
On a recent drive home from a Masonic function I asked myself, “What value do I bring to the world?” Not only as a Freemason but as a human being. In moments of reflection the luxury problems of my life seem minimal and pale in comparison to the world’s struggles. We are in trying times where peoples’ faith, not only in religion, but in their country and government, are being challenged. I see the people of my generation broadening their horizons and expanding their views; searching for something yet not knowing what they are searching for. Continue reading →