From the East

Mauro Lara - Worshipful Master 

Hello, Brethren, Family, and Friends.

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Well, as most news programs typically start by talking about the weather, I’ll continue in that same tradition. It is hard to believe that we are now in summer. By this time last year, our area in the Sacramento Valley experienced 14 days of over 95 degrees weather in June, of which 11 days were well over 100 degrees. Is it me, or do we seem to be having a milder start to the summer season? In either case, enjoy the good weather as we enter our annual patriotic celebrations commemorating the 247th anniversary of our country. More a little later.

Currently, I’ll highlight upcoming events and activities in the near term.

EVENTS THIS MONTH (JULY)

Above and beyond the 4th of July celebrations, there are some activities that our Lodge is looking forward to.

As I have mentioned in various articles, we are most honored to be celebrating a reception for our very own Worshipful Joseph Dongo (PM) in recognition of his service this Masonic year as Grand Standard Bearer. We aren’t often blessed with having a Brother from our Lodge serve as a Grand Officer. Few are more involved and well positioned for the Office than Worshipful Dongo, and very much deserving of recognition by our Lodge. Please join us in his honor at the dinner and program that will be held on July 20, with dinner at 6:00 pm and the program at 7:00 pm in the ballroom on the third floor. Grand Lodge officers are attending including the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Randy Brill. See you there.

On July 29, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, we will be hosting a Ladies' Luncheon at our Club Room on the third floor that will comprise Bingo and Wine Tasting. This is, once again, to honor our ladies and to thank them for their support of our Fraternity and our time commitments to the Lodge. I know our activities and events take us away from time at home and we want to recognize our ladies for that encouragement. The lunch will be simple, pizza, but this will be a most interesting combination with the wine tasting. Please join us, like the last Ladies' Luncheon. This promises to be a lot of fun. 

EVENTS NEXT MONTH (AUGUST)

On August 12, our Annual Family BBQ Picnic will be held at Ben Ali Shrine. It is scheduled to start at noon with great fellowship and fun games. Be sure to have this on your calendar, as it is a traditionally enjoyable event with a lot of entertaining activities.

The following Saturday, August 19, our Lodge will participate in supporting the River City Food Bank by offering time and service in the distribution of food to those less fortunate. I highly encourage you to participate. This is a very comfortable and significant way of providing service to make the life of others better. The scheduled time is 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a good opportunity to invite others outside our Lodge to observe some of the good work we do in our community. Can we count on you to join us in support of this?

FUTURE EVENTS

• Annual Past Masters Night on Sept 21

• Constitutional Observance Night on Sept 28

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FOUNDING FATHERS AND FREEMASONRY

The Influence of Freemasonry on Our Founding Fathers

When examining the history of the United States and the individuals who laid the foundation for this great nation, it becomes clear that Freemasonry played a significant role in shaping the ideals and principles that guided our founding fathers. Freemasonry, a fraternal organization that promotes moral and ethical values, had a profound influence on many of the key figures of the American Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the United States.

Several of our founding fathers, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock, were Freemasons. They were active members of their local lodges and held important positions within the organization. This affiliation with Freemasonry provided them with a unique network of like-minded individuals who shared a common belief in the importance of personal virtue, civic duty, and the pursuit of knowledge.

One of the fundamental tenets of Freemasonry is the belief in the inherent rights and dignity of the individual. This principle strongly resonated with our founding fathers and played a crucial role in shaping their vision for a new nation. The Masonic emphasis on equality, liberty, and justice greatly influenced the development of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. The idea that all men are created equal and possess certain unalienable rights was a core concept derived from the Masonic teachings.

Moreover, the symbolism and rituals of Freemasonry had a profound impact on the iconography and architecture of the early United States. The eye of Providence, the unfinished pyramid, and other Masonic symbols can be found in various national emblems and government buildings, such as the Great Seal of the United States and the layout of Washington, D.C. These symbols serve as a testament to the enduring influence of Freemasonry on our nation's identity.

It is important to note that while Freemasonry influenced the thinking of our founding fathers, it is not accurate to claim that the United States was founded as a purely Masonic enterprise. The principles and ideals put forth by Freemasonry were combined with other Enlightenment philosophies, classical republicanism, and a deep respect for ancient Greco-Roman ideals of democracy and civic virtue.

The influence of Freemasonry on our founding fathers cannot be understated. The fraternity's emphasis on personal morality, individual rights, and the pursuit of knowledge helped shape the ideals that laid the groundwork for the United States of America. While not the sole driving force behind the American Revolution and the establishment of our nation, Freemasonry provided an intellectual and philosophical framework that helped guide our founding fathers in their quest for independence and the creation of a democratic society.

The principles espoused by Freemasonry continue to resonate in our society today, reminding us of the importance of virtue, equality, and freedom. The legacy of the Masonic influence on our founding fathers serves as a testament to the enduring impact of fraternal organizations in shaping the course of history.

IN CLOSING

To bring a smile to you:

Question: Did you hear the one about the Liberty Bell?

Answer: Yeah, it cracked me up!

Question: Where is the Capital in Washington D.C.?

Answer: at the beginning!

Smile

Happy Independence Day!

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