Stephen Charron

WORSHIPFUL MASTER

HARMONY LODGE #9 F&AM

2007 - 2008

Hello Brethren,

             We are blessed with a vibrant healthy Lodge that will continue to thrive and offer fellowship to all who recognize its value. I have heard it said that Masonry is outdated, that we offer little for the 21^st century. Quite the contrary, what we offer the men of today is even more rare and precious than it was in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love are scarce in our society and good men everywhere continue to seek it. It is still all about the fellowship!

 One of the best parts of what we do is the brotherly love that transcends generations. There are Masons that I could not hold higher regard for if they were my father. Inversely, there are Masons that remind me very much of my own son. Both  generations offer much that the other should value. The challenge is to develop a format for this asset to develop on a one on one level.

Furthermore, there is concern as to the future of our widow’s program, which has grown proportionately since the mergers. These ladies, who each supported their husband during his labors merit - at the very least - an occasional visit where they are assured that their husband’s love for the Craft continues to thrive. Indeed, the caring for the widows of our brothers was central to the founding of our beloved fraternity centuries ago. The challenge is sheer numbers needed to make it sustainable and not an unfair burden to a few.

When considered individually, these challenges seem daunting. The solution lies at the core of our Masonic teachings. The virtues of our obligations we each have taken once again pass the test of time and show us what needs to be done to meet both challenges as one.

Senior members of the Craft will be paired with our most junior members as teams. Each team will be required to visit one widow once a year as a minimum. The Senior Warden will supervise this program and teams will give a phone report to him after each visit. The Deacons will be responsible for special needs of this program as assigned by the Senior Warden.

 One visit a year. Surely most of us can spare that. The format will serve to build personal relationships between senior and junior members of the Lodge and meet an obligation central to the oath each and every one of us has taken. In one simple act of compassion, we not only help meet our obligation, we develop friendships that will only grow as the years pass and help ensure that Harmony Lodge will continue to be a focal point of fellowship that will draw good men for decades to come. We help ourselves; we help our brothers; we help our widows; and we help our Lodge. That’s a lot of bang for one visit once a year!

Now for the hard part. PLEASE call me at 919-8459 or email at stephen.charron@cox.net and sign up for this program! One visit once a year! If you can’t drive, we’ll match you with one who can! Your Lodge needs you, your brother needs you, you might even find you need it too. Stranger things have happened.

Fraternally & Sincerely,

Steve