Lafayette Lodge No.47

Brethren,
Spring is a time of renewal of hope and so it is for me my brothers! I confess that this New England
weather is making me sort of crazy, with days in the 70s and the next a snowstorm. We’re so fortunate for Brother Switzer who plows our lodge and keeps the lot open for us. Most of us can’t really appreciate it but he comes at all hours of the night to make sure we can get to practice and to meetings….(hint hint!). And, I’d like to shout out to all of my brothers who helped put on such a
wonderful Fellow Craft degree. You all made me very proud to be part of this team. And our new Fellow Craft also remarked at what a meaningful impact it had on them.

Looking forward, in April the theme of our Seven Arts and Sciences programs is Logic. Our Director of Masonic Education, Rite Worshipful Brother Paul Kokolsky will be presenting the Officers’ Forum. This is
mandatory for all Lafayette Line Officers to attend, and even more important, our District Deputy Rite Worshipful Bob Palazzo will have his official visitation to our lodge. As it is an Officers’ Forum, officers from the other lodges in the district will be in attendance and it will be a great opportunity to connect and enjoy fellowship with our brothers in the district.

As our friend and brother Worshipful Trevor Humphrey said in his weekly message, with spring in the
air we are starting to hear a lot of talk about Golf and Cycling. If you would like to join us this year for a historic ride over the 3 bridges, consider joining the Rhode Island Cycling Team in the MS150. We currently have eight members on the team which seems to be about what we have each year, however we would like to see that number grow. Last year our team was one of the Top Contributors
in fundraising for MS, an impressive task when you consider that our team is one third the size of others. So to join or to donate please click HERE.

The Northern District Junior Wardens have announced
this year’s charity event will be a Murder Mystery, with all proceeds going to Adoption Rhode Island
(site http://www.adoptionri.org). Adoption Rhode Island is a private Non-Profit organization dedicated to finding families for children in Rhode Island state care and supporting those children and families throughout the waiting and adoption process.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 6th, 2017, at the Smithfield Elks (326 Farnum Pike), 12-5 pm.
There will be great food, including roast pork, pulled pork, bbq chicken, and more. All Brothers, family, and friends are welcomed, as this is event is open to the public. Please join us to support this great cause and share with your friends, tickets are available from Brother Barnes for $35 for a single $60 for a couple and $20 for children under 12 or on line HERE.

My brothers, life is precious. I had a stark reminder of that this week. My son was in an accident at his school, fractured his skull, and suffered a severe concussion. He was in the hospital for 3 days. It made me stop and reflect on what might have been. As I contemplate this most recent event, I am even more in awe of the beneficence of our Almighty Architect. We move through life so fast that sometimes we forget what’s important. So don’t. Take that extra moment to remind each other how much we mean to each other. Say thank you to people around you when they do something nice or unexpected. Do something nice for someone when they least expect it but most need it. Smile a lot. Those words we use in our
ritual and our lectures really have meaning in every aspect of our lives. As I say in every message, let that Masonic Light shine from each of you as a beacon to guide and brighten the lives of those around us.

Steve

My brothers,

I am in awe of how fast the year is progressing! I feel like I’m in a sort of time warp that is accelerating towards the day when I hand the reigns over to the Junior Warden, and hopefully I will be able to provide some small measure of the wisdom and guidance that my friends and mentors, the Past Masters, have shared with me.

One of the things I’ve learned in my Masonic journey is that anything worth doing, is worth doing well – to the best of your ability. This month we added some extra time to our Fellow Craft Degree so that we could really polish it up. I know that the candidates will appreciate the extra time, as well as the extra effort that the degree team is putting in to do a great job. The kind of degree that Lafayette will be proud to put on. The kind of degree we’re known for. I know this team will make me proud on March 16th.

Once again, brother Matt and his merry band of breakfastiers outdid themselves with another first on the menu, Eggs Benedict. Our breakfasts are becoming more and more popular and I really enjoy every one of them. Bring family and friends, all are welcome.

In March the theme of our Seven Arts and Sciences programs is Arithmetic. Bryan Champagne will be presenting the importance that computer security plays in our lives. For those who have not heard Brother Bryan speak, you are in for a real treat! He’s a charismatic and informative speaker and we can all relate to the importance of his message. And if that’s not enough, we have Corned Beef and Cabbage for everyone!

Be sure to mark your calendars and don’t forget – our April meeting is the District Deputy Visitation
and we’re hosting the Officer’s Forum. All Officers AIS. Chicken Parmesan. ‘nuff said.

They say that March comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb. Somehow this March seems to be the opposite to me, maybe because this is the warmest February that I can remember. It seems that there’s a lot going on, but very quietly. So, let’s make some noise! Help me shake off those winter doldrums
and come to the Lodge! Reach out to each other and share in some refreshments and warm atmosphere
often and with a light heart! Let that Masonic Light shine from each of you as a beacon to others that our light will not be dimmed!

Fraternally,
Steve