| Master's Message |
| Haddonfield - Cherry Hill Lodge #15, F&AM Haddonfield Masonic Temple 16 Kings Highway, East Haddonfield, New Jersey 08033 856-428-4193 njlodge15@yahoo.com Regular Communication: Third Tuesday of each Month |
| Happy New Year! When Jeanette and I were on our travels through Europe in October, I noticed recurring ideas and phrases in the cathedrals and museums. Guides spoke of the Good Old Days or the Golden Age of a city or ruler. I also noticed that even over the centuries the ancient builders used durable materials, precious gems and metals, especially gold and silver. Likewise, I have heard members of this and other lodges speak of the Golden Age of Masonry, by which they mean full lodges and well attended activities. For them the past has memories that shine like gold. Yet the past is often filtered through a Golden Glow. However, the present is more like silver that reflects things as they are. But as you know, the problem with silver is that it requires maintenance: polishing and good old elbow grease. Without care and effort, silver looses its shine. Eventually, silver turns dark and reflects nothing. I propose that today’s masonry is like silver. It requires care and effort. Bruce Zielinski recently wrote in his Trestle Board that each one of us is like the flame of a candle. Individually, he says we are just one candle burning in the dark, but collectively, we burn brighter than the sum of the parts. I suggest that a single candle in a dark room sheds little light, but remarkably, the same candle in a room lined with silvered mirrors shines many times brighter than itself. As a mason, use the analogy of the candle as yourself, and think of the Lodge as silver, able to take our light and multiply it many times over, but only if we work at it. Polishing silver is work, but what a pleasure it is to stand back and enjoy its luster and shine, a reflection of each of us. Under Howard’s leadership our membership is up and we have moved forward. I hope you will join me as we continue to work on our craft, as we continue to improve attendance and as we work on our lodge. At this time next year, we will have the satisfaction of being able to stand back and enjoy seeing our reflection in the glow of our lodge. Sincerely and Fraternally, David R. Leeds, Worshipful Master 2007 |
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| E-mail: drleeds@netzero.net |
| E-mail: njlodge15@yahoo.com |