Business: This meeting will be our Step Up Night, with VWBro Dick Cameron in the East and Bro Shepherd in the West.  This evening also represents a new slate of officers for the upcoming Masonic year at Britannia.  We will also finalize plans for our Information Night/Open House on Thursday, April 3 (7 pm) so any helpful hints and/or suggestions will be very much appreciated.  Please plan to attend to show your support for both our new Officers and the Information Night.

Other business will include a report on a petition for Initiation of Mr. Larry McDougall, age 37, professional driver and a vote for conferral of Honourary Life Membership on WBro Al Shantz (notice of motion was made at the March regular meeting as per Bylaws Article IV, Section IV, subsections 1 through 4, pages 13 and 14).

Master’s Message: Until Future Generations Shall Find Out The Right…
Brethren:  on Saturday, March 8, I had the opportunity to attend Ye Olde Craft #196’s Installation of new officers at Acacia Lodge Hall in Edmonton.  This being a Canadian Rite Lodge, it was a treat to see how things were carried through.  Two of the highlights of the morning (yes, morning…they Tyle at 9 am!) was hearing about the symbolism of the different working tools used and a “general” charge as to how one can identify a Mason.  In the end, however, we must emphasize that both York and Canadian Rite Masons can agree on our Gentle Craft’s value in shaping a Man into an ideal self.

In discussion with one Brother after the Lodge, we came to the conclusion that the “secrets” of Masonry are interesting, but where we can find true value is in our interpretation and struggle with sometimes obscure and “symbol-laden” language.  It brings to my mind the value of Zen Buddhist koans (like “what is the sound of one hand clapping”) in awakening a sense of curiousity and arousing one from our day to day intellectual slumber, or teaching the masses by parables, or even telling someone their horoscope, which we sub-consciously try to fit into what is happening in our lives.  These all force us to personalize what is said and make it sensible to our SELVES, increasing the chance that we will LEARN the lessons delivered in this way.  I know that it is often by giving students seemingly contradictory information that they begin to truly pay attention to the value of the words I am using, the tone I am using, when conveying a message.

It becomes the voyage, the journey, NOT the destination or rote knowledge of “Masonic Secrets” that drives our true development; the desire to learn more and seek further enlightenment becomes more important.  It is by challenge and obstacles that we find our way and feel a sense of accomplishment, not by someone telling us what to think about some piece of trivia or giving us everything that we want.  As I finish off my time in the East, I must admit I have learned many things and shared many positive stories with Masters of other Lodges.  But most importantly, I have come to realize that my Masonic journey is just beginning…and that my “return” from the East will, hopefully, continue to help others find the same joy in being a Freemason.

Upcoming Events:
Information Night/Open House: April 3, 7pm
Masonic Spring Workshop: April 11 to 13, 2008
Kenilworth #29 100th anniversary: May 3, 2008
Britannia Lodge Past Masters’ Night/Regular Meeting:May 7, 2008: Tyle 8pm
Apollo #27 100th anniversary: May 31, 2008
Britannia Lodge Installation/Regular Meeting: June 4, 2008: Tyle 8pm

*TBA: Third Degree(s) for Candidates from Red Deer and Ponoka, if found proficient in FC Degree*