Trestle Board

Brothers;

“No matter what happens… no matter how far you seem to be away from where you want to be, never stop believing that you will somehow make it. Have an unrelenting belief that things will work out. That the long road has a purpose. That the things that you desire may not happen today. But they will happen. Continue to persist and persevere.”

-Brad Gast

Fraternally,
WB Christopher Sherman

Brothers,

“We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in” I find this quote very interesting. It’s attributed to Ernest

Hemingway and Leonard Cohen.

But how does it apply? We all have experiences in life that cause us pain and suffering and can emotionally fracture us. But if we are wise, we see the light shining through the cracks and recognize this as an opportunity to grow and learn.

We also know that masonry provides the tools necessary to overcome these life challenges. They are found in the lectures, the philosophies and in the brotherhood of good men. They are but a few of the manifold blessings and comforts which surround us.

And so, we should always remember, whenever we are going through tough times, let there be light.  

Fraternally,
WB Christopher Sherman

Brothers,

April is usually seen as the start of spring. The days are warmer, the flowers start to bloom and we see the return of the colors of the world from the drabness of winter. It is a time of renewal.

This month, we should take some time for a Masonic Renewal. A time to look into ourselves to rediscover what brought us to our Fraternity and what it means to us to be a Mason. We should examine the role Masonry plays in our lives.

To me, Masonry is a complex organization. It helps us to look at morality and ethics in our actions and lives. It directs us to follow the rules laid out by the Supreme Architect in the volume of sacred law and inspires us to live our lives within these rules.

Masonry is more than just a system of morality. It is study in humanity. It directs us to look beyond the horizon and to delve deep into who we are. Our hopes, fears and desires are what drive us and as Masons we strive to understand these forces and harness them for Good.

Masonry is also a society of friends. We meet together as equals, and more importantly as Brothers. We treat each other as friends and companions in life. We aid and support one another in the trials that are always around us. We avoid discussing politics and religion as these are topics that can divide us rather than unite us.

Masonry therefore is a uniting force in our lives. We need to continue to spread the cement of friendship and brotherly love now and in the future. Consider coming out to a meeting and re-establishing those fraternal ties to the Brotherhood. We will welcome you with open arms and open hearts.

Fraternally,
WB Christopher Sherman

My Brother,

“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” – C.S. Lewis

Fraternally,
WB Christopher Sherman

My Brother,

Being that February is known as a month of love…I found this quote that stuck in my head. 

“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.”  – Thomas Merton (January 31, 1915 – December 10, 1968)

We are overdue for cold and bad weather…so please stay safe!

Fraternally,
WB Christopher Sherman

My Brother,

First off…thank you from the bottom of my heart for electing me Worshipful Master of Harmony Lodge.  I have big shoes to fill…following in my father’s (RW Al Sherman) footsteps, and of all Past Masters before me.  I am humbled by your faith in me to sit in the East. Remember we are a family and we run this lodge together. I am always open to suggestions and look forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Fraternally,
WB Christopher Sherman

My Brother,

Rough and Perfect Ashler

In Freemasonry, there are two types of Ashlars, rough and perfect. Each depicts a different meaning. Operative Masons referred to rough Ashlar as an unprepared stone. In Speculative Freemasons, rough Ashlars represents a Mason’s life before joining the craft. It describes someone’s life before becoming enlightened.

Perfect ashlar portrayed a complete stone that has been thoroughly molded by working tools, mallet, chisel, Gavel, etc. A stone could only be used in construction after it’s perfectly shaped. Similarly perfect Ashlars are a symbol of brothers who have undergone extensive masonic teachings and are now focused on leading an upright life.

Masons are taught that no one is born a perfect stone.

Reminder: The Grand Lodge of NJ has transitioned to a member Database called Grandview. Each member is required to register their member account to be able to update their personal information. If you have not logged in already , please do so.

Reminder: The NJ Masonic Emergency Response Team (MERT) is seeking a 5 – person team from each Lodge. We still have one vacancy on our team . Please contact me if you are interested.

Masons are taught that no one is born a perfect stone. A Freemason continually smooths his external and internal rough edges to become a better man and a better Freemason.

Fraternally,

WB Brian C Grodzki

My Brother,

V.I.T.R.I.O.L.(U.M.)

Vitriol (or oil of vitriol) is another name for sulphuric acid. The adjective “vitriolic” derived from this substance,is to often heard describing very hostile and critical speech. In Freemasonry however, this word holds an interesting esoteric meaning and lesson most often presented to a candidate within a chamber of reflection.

it is an acronym for the Latin phrase: “Visita Interioro Terrae, Rectificandoque, invenenies Occultum Lapidem.” which means: “visit the interior of the earth, and purify it, you will find the hidden stone.” Sometimes the acronym appears with the addition of U.M. at the end, which means, “veram medicinam,” meaning “the true medicine.”

The meaning conveyed is that you must search within yourself, as the truth is hidden there, and this truth is the real solution to our problems.

Fraternally,

WB Biran C. Grodzki

My Brother,

Masonic Lodges Dedicated to the Holy Saints John

Lodges are dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist and it is interesting to note that early on Masons were known as “St. John Masons” or “ST John’s Men”.

The two Saints John are called the patrons of our fraternity through the ages because they exemplified the principles of Freemasonry in their daily lives by their deeds and actions. These two men did not engage in any of the pomp and glory of the world.

It is because Masonry regards the character and internal qualifications of a man – not the exterior appearance that these two men are fittingly called the patrons of this great fraternity. They possessed those internal qualifications that made them “TRUE MEN”. Masonry honors them above all others for they were living examples of the Golden Rule, the practice of virtue, Love for their GOD.

Reminder: The Grand Lodge of New Jersey has transitioned to a member Database called Grandview. Each member is required to register their member account to be able to update their personal information. If you have not logged in already, please do so.

Reminder: The NJ Masonic Emergency Team (MERT) is seeking a 5 person team from each Lodge. We still have one vacancy on our team. Please contact me if you are interested.

Fraternally,

WB Brian C. Grodzki

I want to thank the brethren of Harmony Lodge 18 for their continued faith and confidence in electing me to lead the Lodge again this year. During this last year we have completed some much needed work on the Lodge kitchen, heating system and electrical service. I want to wish our new line of Officers, an amazing year. January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings and transitions. He is usually depicted as having two faces, one looks to the future and the other to the past. This is a fitting name for the sentiments we all feel this time of year. Reflections on the good and bad of the previous year and hope for the future. A less romantic name for this month was created by Emperor Charlemagne – “Wintarmanoth” which meant “cold Month”.

Reminder: The Grand Lodge of NJ has transitioned to a member Database called Grandview. Each member is required to register their member account to be able to update their personal information. If you have not logged in already, please do so.

Reminder: The NJ Masonic Emergency Response Team (MERT) is seeking a 5 – person team from each Lodge. Please contact me if you are interested.

Fraternally,

WB Brian C. Grodzki