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The Ontario Mason Published by: Grand Master; Editor Editorial Office: Internet site Editorial Advisor Layout Advertising Members Features TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS The factual accuracy of an article is the contributor’s responsibility. The opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario, nor of The Ontario Mason Committee. (1998) Final submission date - August 1, 2002, to the Ontario Mason, c/o editorial office. |
FROM M.W. Bro. Terence Shand |
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With the doldrums of Winter and the celebration of Easter behind us, we now turn to the onset of Spring and await the blessings that this particular season provides. It is the season of ‘Growing’. The seed has been planted, now we cultivate and with tender loving care, watch and wait for that seed to mature and bear fruit. The seed of Masonic friendship and fraternal fellowship, however, can be planted at anytime of year. That was evident when, in the middle of February, a significant delegation of Masons from Southern Ontario travelled to Timmins, to share in a weekend of fun and fellowship with the members, their families and friends of Temiskaming District. At the district reception, hosted by Golden Beaver Lodge and attended by some 196 persons, the message emphasized that we must not differentiate between East and West or North and South, that a Lodge and Grand Lodge should not be referenced with a ‘we’ and ‘they’ attitude. Rather, that we are one united Masonic family, throughout the entire jurisdiction, with a common purpose; to take good men and make them better within themselves. Then to have the member practice those teachings at home with family, in the workplace with peers and in the community at which he resides. The community, in turn, should be able to identify with any Masonic lodge and recognize it for the good deeds it provides to benefit the community. Brethren, the opportunity to plant that seed is now. Let us work together, dispel the misnomer of division, cultivate and with tender loving care, promote unity and a sense of purpose and well being that benefits us all. The journey from South to North was a genuinely happy event for those who made the effort to plant the seed of brotherly love. Let us learn from our successes, then, as we travel throughout our grand jurisdiction, cultivate a unified thriving Masonic body that attracts men to our ranks. A Masonic organization that is the premier fraternity of choice for those who seek fellowship amongst men of goodwill. Terence Shand. |
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