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Notes from the East
	March 2024 Brethren, We are rapidly moving into March, a month for which weather is always a wild card, where we hope it goes out like a lamb! Please continue to monitor the Lodge calendar as requests for its use continue to come in. You will receive this Trestleboard just prior to the start of March, which means we are having our Master Mason degree on February 29th. The March Stated will be on the Master Masons degree with a special closing charge. The end of the month is likely to see a double Entered Apprentice degree. Suffice to say your Lodge Officers have hit the ground running with no early signs of slowing down! Inspiration is often like faith, love, and hope. We all generally have a good understanding of the definition, but to each of us they mean something a little different, and all are important parts of our life. As a Mason of Horace Chase Lodge, I have had the privilege of being inspired by many a Brother during my journey. Some are still with us, and some are quarrying elsewhere, whether it be on Earth or the Celestial Lodge above. Life can throw us many curves, one day becomes another, and before you know it, you have missed a month, many months, or longer of Lodge and Masonic activities. You still very much want to be a Mason but are not sure how to re-engage yourself. Or there are many more pressing items that need to be addressed. I understand both. I happened across the following short story which I hope brings inspiration to you to re-engage your journey. The Silent Summons A member of a certain Lodge, who previously attended meetings regularly, had stopped going. After a few months went by, the Worshipful Master decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening, and the Worshipful Master found his brother at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the Worshipful Master visit, the brother welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace, and waited. The Worshipful Master made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After a few minutes, the Worshipful Master took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember, and placed it to one side of the hearth, all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. His host watched all of this in quiet contemplation. As the one, lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and its fire was no more. Soon, it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The Worshipful Master glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow once more, with all the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the Worshipful Master reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for the fiery summons, my Brother. I will be back in our Lodge next meeting." - Anonymous Your attendance at Lodge meetings, whether you are a Past Master, an Officer working your way up, or a member attending a Masonic function, is important for every aspect of what a Lodge should be and how it should function. Masonry is a Fraternity of men who meet and have fellowship with each other. Fellowship is especially important to our own existence as human beings. We were not meant to be alone. I know when first joining Lodge you do not understand everything that is going on, what to expect, or what is expected of you. This can be intimidating and sometimes overwhelming. Some will wade in right away, and others may slowly fade away. After many years, you may not feel as important or that your opinion is no longer needed. Every one of us has a talent and brings value to the Lodge! Masonry is a brotherhood and combined collection of these talents. Horace Chase Lodge and Masonry needs your talents and contributions; do not be that single ember fading away! Until we meet again, please stay safe, and let us know how we can help you. Fraternally, Scott Nichols Worshipful Master	Trestleboard 2024 March February January 2023 Dec Nov Oct Sept June May April March February January 2022 December November October September June May April March February January 2021 December November October September June May April March February January

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