Olive Branch Lodge No. 16 F. & A. M. – Since October 20, 1849

Master's Messages

Greetings from the East, April, 2019 March 28, 2019
Brothers,

April… Wow! Has it gone fast for you? It has for me; perhaps a bit too quickly. I have thoroughly enjoyed being with you all so far and, well, I want to slow it down. There’s so much more we need to do together!

At the closing of each regular communication, during my final charge I say, “be ye all of one mind”. What does that mean? Does it mean we should have the same views on politics? The world? Foreign policy, economics?

No…

In fact, it means just the opposite.

It means as Brothers and Masons, we know well diversity and accepting of each other’s views, position or vocation in life, and opinion. It means as Brothers, we have agreed to accept one another as an equal, despite their shortcomings or difference in viewpoint that you have. Being of one mind is to accept one another; to love one another; to help one another. After all, are we not trying to make the world a better place, even if it’s only in our little corner?
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Another month is behind us in our Masonic Journey this year. February 25, 2019
Brethren,

Another month is behind us in our Masonic journey this year. We’ve managed so far to bring four Brothers to the craft in our first Entered Apprentice degree of the year.

During the closing after the degree, I had asked the Senior Warden how should Masons meet. His response was, “on the level”. I then asked the Junior Warden how should they act. His response was, “by the plum”, and my response was, “and part upon the square.”
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Greetings from the East! January 30, 2019
Brethren,

Well, we made it through our first month and what a month it was! We’re just beginning our journey this year and I am looking forward to what we can all accomplish together.

In learning my ritual this month, I kept running into the phrase ‘worthy men’ and it has stuck in my mind. Here’s the official definition: “..Having or showing the qualities that merit recognition in a specific way…virtuous, good, moral, ethical, principled, honorable”

Then I found another definition of a worthy man which is one that is open minded, willing to learn, listen and emulate what he feels is right. My Brothers, as Masons, the only recognition we should seek is from the Grand Architect of the Universe. As Masons, we are open minded, accepting, virtuous, compassionate, ethical, honorable and constantly long to seek knowledge about the world and the universe about us. More importantly, we should look to seek knowledge of ourselves and our place in the world and among our brothers, and, who we are to ourselves.

Gentlemen, this month, seek the truth within you and around you. Be worthy men. Be worthy to yourself, to your Brothers and others.

“Bidh athair neonach comhla” (Heavenly Father, be with us”)

Ken Long – Worshipful Master
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Greetings from the East! January 2, 2019
Brethren,

It is my honor to serve you from the East this year! I am very fortunate to have such dedicated and strong men and Masons to accompany me on this journey through 2019.

Many look on the New Year as a chance to improve ourselves, our situations or a new opportunity for change. Although the weather may not be as uplifting as we would like, it can be a time of anticipation of what’s to come and for what is possible in our lives.
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