Masters Message March 2021

Greetings Brothers,

Even though there is still snow on the ground as I write this, Spring is nearly here. Despite Punxsutawney Phil deciding winter will be extended for 6 weeks I see some early growth on the trees. Only a year ago, I was staring down my 50thbirthday and wondering how I wanted to celebrate this milestone. My plans for the coming Masonic year had taken shape and things looked set. But as our fellow Brother, Robert Burns, noted in “To a Mouse”,

The best laid scheme so O’ Mice an’ Men Gang aft agley, *

As we now approach a full year dealing with Covid-19, Grand Lodge has advised that lodges may open starting on February 22nd. I have decided to hold off on meeting in person in March and I will confer with PMs and the officers to discuss the April District Deputy Grand Master’s Visitation. It looks likely that our Zoom “hibernation” will soon be ending, albeit with masks, social distancing and hand sanitizer.

I want to thank the R∴W∴Grand Historian, David Lavery, for his excellent presentation at our February communication! The presentation for March will be from our own Worshipful Chancell or of the Collegium Luminosum, Timothy L. Culhane, and the topic will be St. Patrick. Expect an email from the Secretary, as well as an Event page on our Facebook group shortly. I want to encourage any Brothers who have not joined our private Facebook group, to do so, as well as to register through Grand view (https://ri.gvsoftware.com/users/sign_in) and make sure all your contact information is up to date.

The Worshipful Master of Euclid Lodge #136, in concert with me and the Masters of Lafayette Lodge #27, Rahway, NJ and JoshuaLodge #890, Manhattan, NYC will participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Walk Out of Darkness fundraiser. One part of this involves a presentation by AFSP. There will be one on May 10thand one on May 17th. The details can be found within this communication.

https://afsp.org/talk-saves-lives#about-talk-saves-lives

I want everyone to welcome our newest Brothers, Douglas M.Leavens and W∴Frank S. DePetrillo whose ballots to affiliate were accepted at our February communication. We have also accepted the ballots of 4 candidates to receive the degrees. Thanks to the dedication of our Grand Lodge, Freemasonry continues to move forward.

As always, I stand ready to help, aid and assist the brethren in any way I can and with all the resources available to me.

Stay safe and stay well, Brothers!

Fraternally,

Scott E. Miller
Worshipful Master