Editor: RWBro Steve Kennard
Volume 85: No 9
Letter from the Grand Master – May 19, 2020
Preliminary Overview of Grand Communication 2020-2021
Elections for 2020-2021
Around Alberta
To Be Connected
Lodge Banner Project for Palliser District
The Diamond in the Quarry
Is Freemasonry an Enemy of the Christian Church
test link to PDF
View Complete Newsletter
Browser/Phone Friendly Format
Grand Lodge Website
Grand Master's Itinerary
Calendar/Activities
Letter from Grand Master - May 19, 2020
The Grand Lodge of Alberta
ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
210, 2816 – 11 Street NE
Calgary, AM T2E 757
With the start of the Province's relaxation of the rules surrounding the State of Emergency, I'm sure most members are wondering if they can attend Lodge. I have considered this issue extensively and have sought ad- vice from numerous people, including members of AHS who are members of the craft. They all advise caution and patience.
Based on this advice, starting on June 1, 2020, lodges located in the Province where the State of Emergency has been relaxed will be able to hold meetings under strict conditions. Calgary and Brooks lodges cannot, at this time hold, meetings. All meetings must follow the Province of Alberta's Covid-19 gathering restrictions such as:
limits on attendance (15 maximum in a building);
mandated physical distancing of at least 2 Metres from each other;
access to hand washing / sanitizing stations;
use of Physical Protection Equipment (PPE); and
exclude people who have any
Please see the Government of Alberta Covid-19 website for a complete list.
The WM will be responsible to ensure the lodge is following the directives laid out by AHS. The WM will also need to know, in advance, who will be in attendance to ensure the attendance limit is not exceeded. At this time, lodges will not be open to visiting except by-invitation-only from the WM and keeping within the 15- person maximum. Remember, while lodges may hold meetings, of primary concern is member's safety. If you have symptoms or are uncomfortable with attending lodge, please stay home.
The Initiation ceremony and the third degree are not permitted at this time, due to social distancing require- ment from AHS. The Fellowcraft or second degree, can be performed as long as the candidate follows his guide, and the Grip and Token be demonstrated on yourself and not with the candidate.
Regarding the Installation ceremony, balloting has been laid out in my letter of Mar 28, 2020. The handingover of the Gavel from the Worshipful Master to the Installing Master or from the Installing Master to a Past Master, the grip and word of an installed master may be by-passed in this instance. The handing over of the Gavel from the Installing Master to a New Worshipful Master, while maintain social distancing, remains the largest stumbling block. On advice from AHS, and if both the Installing Master and Master-elect are comfortable with the situation, the Gavel can be passed using the following approach:
N95 masks must be worn by both parties (must be N95, not homemade),
Latex Gloves must be worn by both parties,
Keep the contact period as short as possible, and
Use hand sanitizer after
If either party is not comfortable with the situation, or the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are not available, Installation cannot go forward at this time.
Grand Lodge Annual Communications will take place at Freemason's Hall, 10318 – 100 Ave., Edmonton on June 12 – 13, 2020. Due to the State of Emergency restrictions placed on us by the Province, the attendance will be strictly regulated and be "by-invitation-only". Since we are unable to have a full debate on the Constitutional Amendments put forward by the Board of General Purposes, only those motions which are considered "housekeeping" motions will be dealt with. These motions are those motions that keep Grand Lodge functioning on a daily basis or are of a routine nature. Please see "Overview of Grand Lodge Communications 2020" for further information.
Since we are unable to collect physical ballots this year, we will be utilizing a digital election process that will enable a much larger portion of our members to cast a ballot for the various positions open on the Grand Line and Committees. The actual process will be looked after by an Edmonton firm, with the Grand Registrar be in charge of reporting the results to Grand Lodge. The instructions on how to vote will be fanned out from the Grand Secretary, to Lodge Secretaries and then to the member'. To ensure only one vote per member, the member's GL Number will be part of the verification information required to cast your ballot.
At this time, there will be no ladies program at Grand Lodge. For the people who will be at the Grand Lodge Communications on June 12 and continuing on with installation in the afternoon, there will be sandwiches and coffee between the two sessions.
Brethren, these are trying times we're all going through. I know you will have lots of questions and we at Grand Lodge will attempt to answer them. But you also have a responsibility to the Lodge but more specifically to the Laws of the Province. If a brother is not comfortable doing something, don't pressure them. Remember it is not only their life they're putting at risk, its also their wives, children, and grandchildren.
I hope you all remain safe and healthy. I'm looking forward to seeing each and everyone of you in lodge over
the next few years.
Ken Cheel
Preliminary Overview of Grand Lodge Communication for 2020
GL Communications June 12, 9:00 am:
Open GL in ample form with minimum # of participants
Declare Balloting Open
Go to refreshment
Elections will be for:
JGW (1)
Grand Treasurer (Acclaimed)
Board of General Purposes (5)
MHEBC (2)
Board of Benevolence (Acclaimed)
Jurisprudence (Acclaimed)
People required:
JGW
DofC
G Parliamentarian
President BGP
Chairman Finance
Others by invitation to a maximum 15
Resume GL
At 10:00 am declare Elections Closed – Receive report from Grand Registrar
Announce/ declare members Elected
Receive Reports
Motions from Finance
Re-appoint Grand Secretary
Select Auditor
Approve-Audited Financial Statements
Move money to MHEBF
Motions From BGP
PDDGM Rank
Move the actions of the Board be ratified
All other motions "Postpone Definitely to an Especial Communication of the Grand Lodge of Alberta to be held at the call of the Grand Master when the Government of Alberta regulations allow."
Grand Masters Concluding remarks will be very brief with the full text sent to the Grand Secretary for the proceedings and to the AFM for
Break for Lunch
1:30 pm. – Ceremony of Installation – Under MW Bro. Kenn Culbertson
Proclamation by DofC, – Closing of Grand Lodge in ample form by GM
Automatic as per Part 1.1.G.2.B
RWBro Reg Karbonik
Redwood Lodge No. 193
Temple-Centennial Lodge No. 167
Deputy Grand Master & Grand Master Elect
By acclamation
RWBro Terry Murray
St. Mark's No. 118
Senior Grand Warden
RWBro Chris Uchman
Patricia Lodge No.91
Junior Grand Warden
One to be elected
All biographies in this issue have been edited only for style not for content
RWBro Murray Pay
St. Marks Lodge No. 118
RWBo Kyle Scott
Aurora Borealis Lodge No.201 Millennium Lodge No.2000
Grand Treasurer
MWBro John Hart
Perfection Lodge No.9
(acclaimed)
Board of General Purpose
(five to be elected for a 3 year term)
VWBro Robert Thachchuk No.183
RWBro Morris Nesdole No.71
RWBro Steve Kennard No.59&203
Bro Charles Harris No.198
WBro Ches Budgell No.2000
WBro Allan Tarleton No.95
RWBro David Wright No.142
Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund
(two to be elected for a 3 year term)
RWBro Gordon Harris No.71
RWBro Murray Pay No.118
RWBro Andy Pokolinski No.20
MWBro Kenn Culbertson No.166
Bro Frank Yakimchuk No.190
By WBRO William (Bill) Brook
The act of connecting: the state of being connected, such as:
Casual or logical relation or sequence ~ the connection between two ideas
Contextual relation or association ~ in this connection the word has a different meaning
Relationship in fact ~ wanted in connection with a robbery
The quality, state, or capability of being connective or connected especially:
The ability to connect to or communicate with another computer or computer system or person to person
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you"
Regardless of status or fame, people are people, thus meeting on the level as equals, even though we do have a hierarchal system in Freemasonry, we are all treated as equals. This allows us to be more receptive and open to being connected to our fellow man on several different levels. Here are some pillars that can assist all in developing a better connection with others:
Be genuine ~ the only connections that work are the ones that you truly care about. If you don't have a real connection with another, they will see through this, and you will lose any relation- ship with that person you are trying to
Provide assistance ~ Too many people never reach out to those that may require support due to apathy or very little return …" what's in it for me" type mentality. Break yourself from these thoughts and reach out and assist your fellow man. Even if they do not take you up on your offer, they will remember the
Pay attention ~ invest genuine time in learning what matters to your fellow man and figure out how you can help them when
Connect with friends ~ spend more time connecting with your current network of friends and colleagues and see where it will
Be persistent ~ don't be in a hurry, but don't be invisible either…send the email, leave the voice message; the person on the other end will connect with you, but you may have to take the first, third or tenth step before they can connect with you.
Make real friends ~ think about how you made friends you have today, you only make friends you genuinely want in your life…you don't have to overthink this one. Similar interests, hobbies all tie into making the friends you want in your life.
Remain unforgettable ~ It is surprising how the simplest things never get done. Being memorable is not as hard as one thinks, as it is the smallest of gestures that can go the longest of
Connecting with others is proven by research to be good for our moods and even our physical health.
How often have you had a bad day, but after getting the "ambition" to get up and go to the Lodge meeting, you find yourself in a better mood, more the better for having gone then having stayed at home and wallowed in the displeasure your day has brought you so far?
Connecting with others provides a sense of openness and availability to another person, even as you feel they are open and available to you. We feel genuine goodwill to the other person we have made a connection.
Due to this connectivity, we, as men and Masons, come together due to similar interests in getting to know one another. It is in our DNA to have connections with others even if you are a functioning intro- vert; you still have an underlining need or desire to be connected in some fashion with your fellow man.
This does not necessarily manifest itself into a physical connection, as it is more esoteric, in an intellectual, cerebral relationship with one another. Being like-minded in thoughts and deeds striving to a common goal, in this case, to build the Lodge into a haven where one can be themselves around like- minded men of similar tastes and interests ~ to find the connect one so often desires.
With this connection, we can make "good men, better" by imparting in others the lessons and teachings handed down from generation to generation. Teaching the traditions revealed to us, to others, helps build them up to be better Masons and better men in today's society in general.
WBro William (Bill) Brook
Fort McMurray Lodge 195
Ed' thank you WBro Brook for your research and thoughts.
By Bro Robin Carson
Sometimes we get an unexpected glimpse into the past. While history books can paint a sort of back- ground to the story of who we are and where we come from, it is an anecdote told by our grandfather, a forgotten photograph in a dusty trunk — or a yellowed magazine tossed in the trash — that can provide a human feel to dry fact.
Recently, RW Bro Jerry W. Kopp, our Grand Secretary Emeritus, sent just such memento to the Alberta Freemason. It was an article published in the February 1954 issue of The Farm and Ranch Review about the enmity churches sometimes feel toward Freemasonry. The article came with this note from RW Bro Kopp:
This newspaper was discarded into the garbage in a Lodge. I found it interesting as to its coloration; and once in my hands, I noted the year — 1954. With the permission of the Lodge, they allowed me to take the garbage home. Once at home, I discovered this story and felt that it should be shared with our Brethren. Very interesting, nothing seems to have changed — and the lessons remain. JWK
Since the article is very long, here are some of its most important points printed just as the magazine presented them with the language and punctuation of sixty-six years ago. Three asterisks show where we have skipped some material. The entire article is available in the University of Alberta archives at
http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/newspapers/FRR/1954/02/01/44/
Is Freemasonry an Enemy of the Christian Church?
by Frank S. Morley, PhD (Edin.) BD (Originally published in Farm and Ranch Review: February 1954, Page 44.)
ARCHITECTURE is man's characteristic mark on the earth. It is universal and timeless. From the begin- ning man was a builder. He has not been content with utilitarian structure. The builders of Tower of Babel said, "Go to, let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach unto heaven". So always man has shown his religious strivings in his structures, the quest of his spirit for truth, goodness, and beauty whether it be in the Parthenon, the Pyramids or in the astounding masonry of Tiahuanaco of the amazing Incan civilizations.
Thus, it is not surprising if a great brotherhood should be formed about something that is instinctive in the most primitive man: his creative urge to build. Indeed, since Masonry is natural to man, it is also the most ancient of the organizations of man. This is denied by some, but any examination of evidence justifies its antiquity. The oldest classic of China, twenty centuries before Christ, urged, "Ye officers of Government, apply the compasses".
The Great Learning, five hundred years before Christ, exhorted men to abstain from doing unto others what they would not that men should do to them, "and this is called the principle of acting on the square". The sixth Book of the Philosophy of Mencius relates, "A Master Mason, in teaching apprentices, makes use of the compasses and the square. Ye who are engaged in the pursuit of wisdom must also make use of the compass and the square". Cleopatra's Needle, dating back to the fifteenth century before Christ was taken from Heliopolis, centre of the Sun God worship, to Alexandria and in 1878 it was given to the United States by a Khedive of Egypt and placed in Central Park, New York. The Masonic emblems are found in its foundations. Solomon's Temple, at its time the wonder of the world, was built by a guild called the Dionysian Artificers, pledged to secrecy, imported from Phoenicia.
In ancient Rome these Dionysian Artificers were known as the College of Architects, with religious rites of initiations and an organization in form like the modem Masonic Lodge. Their influence on Rome was so great that it has been called "A Masonic Built City'.
The Farm and Ranch Review does not credit Dr. Morley's Masonic credentials or provide any context for the article. However, Ivanhoe Lodge's "History of the Grand Lodge of Alberta" identifies him as "Bro. Rev. Dr. Frank S. Morley, Minister of Grace Presbyterian Church in Calgary . . ." but apart from his being identified as officiating at funerals of several highly-placed Masonic brothers, little else about him is available.
In his article, Brother Morley outlines the major criticisms of Freemasonry and attempts to disarm each one:
[Freemasonry] is not a political party. It does not advocate any social or economic order. Nevertheless, Masonry is severely criticized in all countries. I have received much literature from Britain containing criticisms. Groups of Churchmen in this country have been bitterly critical. Again, why?
It is accused of secrecy which is held to be socially divisive. But as Newton says, "There is a common notion that Masonry is a secret society, whereas its one great secret is that it has no secret. Its principles are published abroad in its writings; its purposes are known and the times and places of its meetings". Such organizations are constructive of a good society and certainly not destructive. Masons are good citizens. They have to be.
Some have held that the numerous vows required lead to insincerity. Truly many men are insincere in their vows. But then that is true in the Church. I have known men and women to have their children baptized in Church and they took solemn vows. Many of them have made no effort whatever to keep the vows. They were just plain liars. Others have taken vows on joining the Church. The ink was scarcely dry on their signatures before they had denied everything to which they were pledged. Insincerity is not confined to Masonic vows.
Masonry is criticized for using up the enthusiasm and spare time of the layman. But would he devote that energy to the Church if he did not give to the Lodge? Masonry is condemned as a social club. Is there anything wrong with being a social club, a good, clean club? Certainly, Masonry is much more than that and when it is merely a club it loses its dynamic.
As a clergyman, Dr. Morley directly addresses the religious criticisms of Freemasonry. For example (and the capital letters are his own), he says, " THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THE MASONIC ORDER CONTRADICTORY TO CHRISTIAN FAITH AND PRACTICE," as a response to those who suggest that Freemasonry "[creates] the idea that salvation can come without Christ." However, he also firmly admonishes Masonic Lodges themselves:
Now there are some practices of Masonry which distress me. Too often they flout the Sabbath. They hold breakfasts which discourage Church attendance to put it mildly. They hold practices which prohibit Church attendance. But these could be corrected.
The piece ends with a summary of Masonry's contributions. Dr. Morley focuses on four main points: Masonry stands for UNITY. In a world splintered by racial and national groups, divided by class enmities,
embittered by social and economic strife, Masonry draws all men into fraternity. Certainly, the Church with its emphasis on denominationalism, its rivalries and struggle for power, too often sets a bad example and at times increases rather than diminishes the antagonisms of mankind.
Masonry stands for THE SIMPLICITY OF TRUE RELIGION — the Fatherhood of God, the Brother- hood of Man, the moral laws, the golden rule and Eternal Life at the last. Too often again the Church has brought people into a maze of incomprehensible theology with its "hocus pocus" (originally from "hoc est corpus" — "This is my body") and its silly superstitions that are often an affront to man's intelligence and moral nature.
Masonry stands for CHARITY. The charitable work done by Masonry is tremendous. It is not publicized except in such magnificent enterprises as the Shrine hospitals. Not even Masons know how much kind- ness and help are given by their Lodges. The Shrine hospitals, indeed, much of their charitable deeds, are for all people without regard to religion or race. "Not, what is your creed? But what is your need?" is their motto.
Masonry stands for RELIGION CARRIED INTO LIFE. A Masons is commanded to practice rectitude in his life. The foundation of his building is faith in God and from that foundation is to be erected a life of restraint and integrity. Justice and honour in all dealings are demanded of him.
Unfortunately, Dr. Morley digresses into attacks on churches themselves using words such as 'silly superstitions' (above). He also is strongly critical of what he perceives as a general lack of brotherhood in churches and blames such weaknesses for a decline in church membership.
Dr. Morley speaks for a different world and a different Freemasonry. His was a world of growing lodges and of Masonic members who almost certainly attended church every Sunday. It was a world in which travel was still difficult, television was in its infancy and the Internet did not even exist as a concept. That said though, Dr. Morley's article remains a thoughtful rebuttal of criticisms of our Craft — criticisms that are not always accurate or even fair.
Ed' I must thank Bro Robin for taking this project on. I asked him to review the article and he has I believe cracked open words written in the mid-20th century and explains them in today's language.
Medicine Hat Lodge #2 Banner Presented September 9, 2019
RWBro Stuart Hardiker presenting the Medicine Hat Banner
to WBro Don Hamilton
Founded after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railroad to Medicine Hat in 1883, Medicine Hat Lodge No.2 petitioned the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. After Alberta became a province in 1905 they became one of the oldest and original lodges in Alberta. The banner features the Lodge Crest and a steam locomotive with the provincial flags of Manitoba and Alberta along with the date of 1883. At the top of the banner is a gas-lamp, which is still in use in the downtown of the "Gas City"
WBro Ron Baker is seen holding the Medicine Hat #2 Banner at his home in Buckinghamshire England
Mizpah Lodge #35 Banner Presented October 15, 2019
RWBro Stuart Hardiker and RWBRo Roger Cowan presenting the banner to WBro Herb Fox.
Mizpah is the Hebrew word for watch-tower, so it was fitting to feature a representation of the biblical story of Jacob and Laban building a watch tower of stone for the Mizpah Lodge Banner. The bottom of the banner highlights the provincial flower, the wild rose and forget-me-not bordering the Lodge's biblical verse.
Brooks Lodge #73 Banner Presented November 18, 2019
RWBro Stuart Hardiker and RWBro Roger Cowan presenting the banner to WBro Cordell Dyck.
The City of Brooks was also founded by the railroad in 1883 but grew in prominence in the early 1900s because of the formation of the Eastern Irrigation District. The Brooks Lodge banner showcases their lodge building in the center along with a locomotive passing through the local historic Brooks Aqueduct.
Bassano Lodge #55 Banner Presented February 13, 2020
RWBro Roger Cowan presented the banner to WBro Scott Rose and the Brethren of Bassano Lodge
Bassano Lodge's banner is highlighted by the Bassano Dam along with the town motto of, "The Best in the West by a Damsite". At the bottom of the banner features a rock altar along with old style lanterns as lesser lights which are prominent features at the Bassano Outdoor Lodge.
Oyen Crocus Lodge #82 Banner Presentation TBD
A very distinct difference can be seen with the Oyen Crocus Lodge Banner both in its presentation on the painting and in the background colouration. An agricultural theme is highlighted along with the Prairie Crocus flower in the center.
Palliser District Banner
Will be presented at District Meeting (October 3, 2020)
To culminate the project, WBro Baker also painted a district banner with the 5 Lodge Logos positioned at the 5 points of a Canadian Maple Leaf. A Master Mason's apron adorns the carpet. A key feature was the surprise placement by WBro Baker of a Canada Flag and Union Jack Masonic Pin as the hanger nail for banner (missing in the photo)
These lodge banners are proudly on display in the East at each of the Lodge rooms in Palliser District. The district brethren have been extremely impressed and thankful to WBro Baker for his dedication, commitment, time, patience and artistic ability in capturing the essence of each lodge through these remarkable and cherished banners.
Respectfully prepared by RWBro Roger Cowan
DDGM Palliser District 2019-2020
Palliser District Lodges Banners
Commissioned by:
RWBro Stuart Hardider
DDGM 2018-19
RWBro Roger Cowan
Painted by:
WBro Ron Baker PPAGDC (Bucks)
PM Hundred of Burnham Lodge No.5568,
Queensman Lodge No.2694 UGLE
An Artist's Mind: From empty canvas; through planning; to the finished work the Brooks Lodge Banner
By Bro Michael Laidlaw
In my travels in Freemasonry– my first step to now, I have met men from all walks of life. Those who came for various reasons, but we all share a common bond of humanity. We are all drawn to the work of Freemasonry for a reason. Some find out why and some know right out of the gate.
For the sake of humility for the Lodge and man, I will refrain from using names. When I was invited to this particular Lodge, I was instantly put to work. The Lodge culture was drastically different than what I was used to. Prospective members, Entered Apprentice, and Fellowcrafts are buzzing away and Master Masons were providing guidance. I had, on one occasion, asked a potential Candidate how long he had been coming to this Lodge and seeking membership. He said, "Five months now. I just earned my signatures and will be voted on next month." I was stunned for a moment.
Previously I came from a Lodge that would give them out on the first or second day. Granted, I had my affiliation application in hand with two endorsements from Brothers I had known for some time. But I knew in my heart; it would be wrong for me to hand it in right away after seeing these candidates for the degrees–working so hard to gain admission. I worked a committee for one year before I was told, "The Brothers are asking when are you going to affiliate?" It was then I knew I had "earned" my place with these craftsmen.
That year I had worked closely with a Brother who had invited me over to the Lodge to learn the roles of the committee. It would be an understatement if I said this Brother helps in the Lodge. He is a vital pulse to the Lodge. And in my opinion, "The Diamond in The Quarry." We are builders and this man builds everything, from events to the men around him. "Some flex and some lift." This Brother is a powerlifter. No matter how far-fetched my idea or the ideas of others are, he will encourage you to go for it. But I have learned it cannot be half-hearted. It has to be all in. If you want education, he will ask, "What have you set up? What speakers or topics do you have in place?" If you want events, he will chip away at your thoughts then give you some of his own. Helping you build on your ideas.
It's men like this that challenge you mentally, that the Craft needs. Also, these kinds of men make a Lodge successful. We all have lifters in the Lodge when you fall, they brush you off and instill a sense of pride that makes you keep going. They are the ones who will sit back and watch you succeed and ask for nothing in return. Believe me when I say I've seen this first-hand from this man.
Men like this, build temples. The men around them and ultimately, humanity is made better. Is this not the work of a Craftsman? Shouldn't we strive to build all around us? In this trying time, Masonry–her teachings and the guidance of these "diamonds" are needed, now more than ever. In the words of a great man, I will close with this: "Diamonds lay dormant, they hide from the profane (undeserving), you must dig for them."
~ML
Michael Laidlaw was raised to the Sublime degree in 2011 and is a plural Member of South Pasadena
290 and Southern California Research Lodge where he is Junior Warden and Pop Culture editor for The Fraternal Review Magazine. He is also serving as Senior Steward for Arcadia 278. Michael is an active council member for Jobs Daughters Bethel 210 Arcadia (where his daughter is serving as Honored Queen) and serves on the Grand Lodge of California Youth Orders Committee. He is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason from the Valley Of Pasadena Orient of California where he has completed all three Master Craftsman Courses. Michael is also a member of San Gabriel Valley Chapter No. 100 RAM, Alhambra Council No. 25 CM, and Foothill Commandery
No. 63 KT. He also holds Membership in Cinema Grotto and Order of Eastern Star.
Ed' This article was first posted by the Midnight Freemasons on March 30th, 2020 and is published here with the kind permission of the Midnight Freemasons. I hope to see more from Bro. Laidlaw in future editions
Here is a definition of a word found within Masonic ritual that is not common outside of our Lodge rooms.
Sere. Recall these words from the lecture: 'sinking into the sere and yellow leaf of old age'. The word 'sere' entered the English language from the pen of William Shakespeare; in the play "MacBeth", Act 5 Scene 3 "I have lived long enough: my way of life / Is fall'n into the sere, the yellow leaf: And that which should accompany old age…". In this sense 'sere' means the autumn of life. For the Mason who studies the liberal arts, hearing the word 'sere' in our Ritual comes as a pleasant reminder of the value of education to polish and adorn the mind. All Masons should make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge
Provided for your daily advancement in Masonic knowledge from the Sarnia District Masonic Library. WBro. Marshall Kern, Librarian & Historian. www.sarniadistrictmasons.ca
Notes from the Editor
Brethren,
Welcome to the June edition of the Alberta Freemason, who said Freemasons can't change? The Grand line has worked out a plan to keep the normal timeline for turning over the Grand Master's gavel, thereby ensuring that the Grand Lodge Communication will go ahead this year albeit in a different format. There will only be up to 15 attendees complying with the regulations in place by the province. I have therefore had to make some changes to the normal June edition to take this into account. You will find a page "Elections for 2020-2021" which lists those who have put their names forward for the various positions. At the time of publishing the actual details concerning how you, a master mason in good standing, will be able to vote, have not yet been solidified; I will therefore be sending out a special edition detailing this on June 11th. Suffice to say voting will begin at 10am on Friday June 12th, concluding at 10am on Saturday June 13th. Be sure that you have paid your 2020 dues as this is how you are considered to be in good standing.
As the regulations relating to COVID-19 are relaxed over the next weeks and months, remember that there will be brethren who are reluctant to jump back into meetings due to their own, or a family member's, personal situation. Without doubt, the Zoom type meetings have been a great success throughout the craft and concordant bodies, allowing brethren to connect with their brothers both near and far. I challenge you to work out how to keep them alive (beyond the return to regular meetings) as there will still be brethren who are unable to attend in person. I must say that the Zoom meetings I have attended have been totally innovative and a credit to those who put them together. It confirms the adage "adversity is the mother of invention", long may it be so.
At this time I am expecting to have a mid June edition. At the beginning of the shutdown I decided, unilaterally, to implement a mid month edition to keep some masonic education/discussion available to brethren while social distancing kept them away from their lodge and I certainly hope that you have found it to be so.
I am very much looking forward to sitting in lodge with our brethren again, however, I am not yet ready to jeopardise the diligence and sacrifices of the last 10 weeks.
I would normally attend the Grand Lodge Communication and congratulate those who have been elected or appointed for the ensuing year. I would therefore say in advance; Congratulations Brethren, have a wonderful and fulfilling year.
Keep well and stay safe brethren,
Steve, Editor AFM
Advertising Rates for 2020 in the Alberta Freemason
All submissions for advertising should be sent to the editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication. All submissions should be made in Word format, pictures should be of at least 600dpi in JPEG, PNG or GIF format and be attached separately and emailed to editor@freemasons.ab.ca
Rates: per issue
Full page $120.00 + GST
Half page (vertical) $60.00 + GST
Half page (horizontal) $60.00 + GST
Banner $45.00 + GST
Quarter page $30.00 + GST
The editor reserves the right to accept, reject and re-write material submitted for publication.
Once the advert has been accepted for publication you will be sent an invoice from the Grand Lodge Office, confirmation of payment is required prior to publication.
If you have any questions contact:
Steve Kennard, Editor, Alberta Freemason 403-701-4071
Sere. Recall these words from the lecture: 'sinking into the sere and yellow leaf of old age'. The word 'sere' entered the English language from the pen of William Shakespeare; in the play "MacBeth", Act 5 Scene 3 "I have lived long enough: my way of life / Is fall'n into the sere, the yellow leaf: And that which should accompany old age…". In this sense 'sere' means the autumn of life. For the Mason who studies the liberal arts, hearing the word 'sere' in our Ritual comes as a pleasant reminder of the value of education to polish and adorn the mind. All Masons should make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
June Book Review
"Morgan"
By Stephen Dafoe
This is a very well researched book and eloquently written.
A story about when Mr. Morgan was going to write a tell-all about the Freemasons and disappeared.
a very strong example of how the actions of a few Brothers can paint the entire craft with one stroke.
This affair devastated Masonry in the USA and caused the forming the Anti Masonic party there.
The book can be purchased on Amazon.
R.W.Bro.George.W.Stamp District Deputy Grand Master. Yellowhead District G.R.A.
gwstamp@telus.net
Provided to Freemasons of Alberta and the Northwest Territories west of the 4th Meridian who are members of
The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. Ste 210 2816 11 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7S7 Tel 403-262-1140
www.freemasons.ab.ca
Grand Master MWBro Reg Karbonik
Deputy Grand Master RWBro Terry Murray
Senior Grand Warden RWBro TChris Uchman
Junior Grand Warden RWBro Kyle Scott
Grand Secretary RWBro Bill Kostenuk
Published each month except July and August by
The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M.
e-mail: editor@freemasons.ab.ca
The Alberta Freemason
Editorial Board:
Bro Robin Carson
WBro Eric Bumstead
Submissions and photos for publication from all Brethren are welcome.
Deadline for copy is the 15th day of the month prior to the month of issue.
The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject and re-write material submitted for publication. Republication rights are granted to other Masonic Jurisdictions, but acknowledgement is requested.