We Build Life Lessons!
As we start this new Masonic year and ring in 2025, it feels important to remind ourselves that our Fraternity is more than just meetings, rituals, and degrees. We are, at our core, builders of life lessons. This is the essence of what we do as Freemasons in Wisconsin, and what Freemasonry represents across the globe.
When you consider the question, “What came you here to do?” the answer is clear: “To improve myself in Masonry.” But what does this truly mean? To improve yourself in Masonry is to pursue a lifelong quest for personal improvement through the wisdom, strength, and beauty of our teachings. Each degree we pass through, each symbol we encounter, and every lecture we hear teaches lessons we can use in our daily lives. More importantly, every new relationship you forge with your brothers creates another opportunity to expand your influence on society.
Wisdom is the cornerstone of our teachings. It’s not just accumulating knowledge but actually using it to improve yourself, your family, and society. In Masonry, wisdom stems from our history, our rituals, and the fellowship among Brethren. We learn to make better decisions, shaped by the principles of our Craft. Our Education team is reporting a renewed interest in Masonic educational offerings. Lots of lodges carve off time for Masonic discussions and shared personal stories. It feels like open & honest communication is the foundation of personal growth and member engagement.
Strength comes from discipline. Operative Masons chisel away at rough stone while we work on ourselves, chiseling away our imperfections. Anyone else hear the lessons in our degrees…vices and superfluities anyone? Strength in Masonry is the fortitude to uphold our values when life or decisions get tough. This strength supports our character and ensures we remain true to our principles.
Our education committee recently featured a great article based on beauty. We recently used the prompt in my lodge and our younger members offered some excellent insights. Beauty can be seen by looking at examples within our brotherhood. I’m sure we can all think of a brother that models a well-lived life. One that balances work with fellowship, personal growth with service to others. As Masons, we strive to make our lives and the lives of others more beautiful through acts of kindness, understanding, and mutual respect.
Our Lodges give us a chance to practice these lessons. We learn to control our passions, seek truth, and aid our fellow man. Practice makes perfect. Our lessons don’t end when we leave the Lodge; they extend into our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Every time we act with honor or extend a hand to a Brother in need, we are making society a little bit better. This January, we have a great opportunity to help support our communities in NE Wisconsin. Please consider joining us for our next leadership team volunteer event in Green Bay on January 25th. Details and registration info are available on WiMasons.org -> For Members -> Volunteer Registration.
As we move forward, I urge each of you to take these life lessons to heart. Let’s be known for the good we do in the world. Remember that in Freemasonry, we are not just building for today but making men better for generations to come.
This month’s picture grid features lots of brothers at numerous installation celebrations and some more Masonic anniversaries. Congratulations to all elected and appointed officers. We look forward to great things for your lodges this Masonic year!
We are Masons – we build!
