To the Brethren of No. 15,

2008 has been a very exciting year and we should all feel very proud to be members of such a fine Lodge.  Whether it is the provocative Masonic programs we have at each meeting, or the crisp ritual all of us have come to
expect from the officers of Benjamin B. French, it has been a very good year to sit in the East.

As Worshipful Master, I have also been privileged to witness the commitment of our membership — often behind-the-scenes — and am very fortunate to have a great deal of support from so many this year, whether they be
Past Grand Masters, Entered Apprentice Masons, or everywhere in between … there are some very amazing brothers to be found in our Lodge.

Because I know so many of you enjoy the strong fellowship that is rather unique to our Lodge, and will miss it over the summer, it was always my plan to end June with a bang … and we did! No one really knows how many people attended the Festive Board on June 18th but one thing was for certain, it was definitely more than the 75 that were expected. The brethren, their ladies and guests were treated to a very special musical program, which honored several Masonic musicians of note; even the Grand Master was in attendance. And because St. John’s Day commemorates the longest day of the year, it seemed only appropriate that program turned out to also be the longest evening of the year as well (sincerest apologies). Was just amazed we actually had enough seats and food to feed everyone in attendance that evening. Due to the delay caused by having to bring in additional tables and chairs, and also because of the great deal of praise bestowed on several member of our Lodge by the Grand Master, we unfortunately had to cut short a couple of the presentations on the 18th. Worshipful Brother Roy Beyer, PM of Arminius No. 25 (the German speaking Lodge), was kind enough to translate the Mozart piece we play following the opening prayer of our Lodge meetings. Although he did not have time to share it with us that evening, I thought it was worth passing along since we hear it at every communication and so few of us actually know what is being sung:

"It is from the Magic Flute, of course and alludes to a candidate talking the first degree and becoming a brother. The scene is set by Sarastro (a lead figure) and a priest having a dialogue. Sarastro is the speaker. Both characters carry a pyramid that shines from within (the light). It is of course, an allegory.
 

Oh Isis and Osiris [Egyptian Gods], what pleasure!
The dark night chases away the glow of the sun.
Soon the worthy young man will feel new life.
Soon he will be ours.
His spirit is daring, his heart is pure.
His spirit is daring, his heart is pure.
Soon, soon, soon, he will be one of us.
Soon, soon, soon, he will be one of us.
One of us, one of us, one of us.
 

S&F,
WB Roy Beyer"

Also included in our newsletter this month is a presentation delivered by Bro. Andre Kesteloot earlier this year on the concept of Charity, which I feel is rather timely since our summer charity program — Project Life — is just around the corner (August 3 – 10). If you are interested in helping with the program this summer, please contact our Project Life Co-Chair, WB Roman Volsky, at rvolsky@nb-enterprises.com.

Otherwise it would be nice just to see you at the Lodge Picnic on Saturday, August 9th.

More details to follow. 

Best fraternal regards,

Worshipful Master, 2008