“THINGS TO NOTICE”

Last month while attending the 221st annual communication of the Grand Lodge of NJ, I noticed several things associated with what I find positive about Freemasonry.  At that communication in Atlantic City, I found that many brothers consistently spoke of enthusiasm, both in the content of the various speeches given and in general conversations as well.  I don’t think it was an offering of platitudes in that regard, but instead was sincere observations relating to what seems to be occurring in Freemasonry these days.  I know I have felt a definite groundswell of new energy and I think the members of our lodge will definitely come to see this pan out in the next few years.  I am referring not only to such things as a redecoration of our lodge building, for example, but a resurgence of a younger membership as well.

            Now, what else was there “to notice” at the communication at Grand Lodge?  I observed the following…It was a very relaxed atmosphere there and I felt that in the case of our lodge, there was a great amount of camaraderie.  I also, while there, looked at our fraternity as a whole as being much more than, say, a simple ‘club’ get-together, but instead a gathering of a group which has a strong commitment to friendship and brotherhood.  For example, I spoke to a few Grand Masters from other jurisdictions and each one was very friendly and approachable.  And everyone I met, whether visiting in our lodge collation room or simply when we were out and about, again seemed more than willing to go out of their way to be considerate and pleasant. 

            So, in consideration of all these observations, I am now looking forward, with eagerness and excitement, to our collective future in Masonry in our lodge, in our district, and even in our home state.  And I would further say that the time I felt the proudest of our craft at that annual gathering was not when I had the honor of offering a speech at the communication, or when visiting other lodges, but instead at that special moment when we were together at our lodge dinner where we gave a simple toast “to Livingston Lodge #11”. 

 
Fraternally,

 W. Kip Rowan, Worshipful Master