From the South

JW Randy Beem

This article, taken from the MSA “Short Talk” series, caught my eye and got me to thinking. I hope it does the same for you….

CHALLENGE

by William "Ray" Fischer

In life, challenge is abundant, life is a challenge, and because of this, life has meaning. In Operative Masonry the challenge was to build a great structure from rough stone. The challenge progressed from one building to another throughout the life of the Mason. He had a purpose and worked diligently with his brothers to fulfill that purpose. In Speculative Masonry the challenge is to build a better person through instruction, deeds, and example. The purpose is no less noble than our operative brothers’ purpose, just more challenging.

Over the centuries Masonry has been persecuted by those who oppose it. Through these challenges Masonry has grown and become stronger. We have faced and defeated every threat, and become satisfied - maybe too satisfied. Now we face a new and more fearsome obstacle:

"APATHY"

As a teen, we did not care. "Who cares?" "It doesn't matter." Now as adults many of us have the same bad habits, but it does matter. The only challenge most Masons think they have, is memorization of the degree work. The only education is teaching that memorization. We have forgotten our young brothers who are starving for knowledge and information about Masonry. Even now it had to be ordered by the Grand Master so there would be an educational talk at every meeting. This brings up another challenge – that our educators need to be enlightened before they can instruct others.

All because of the lack of education and apathy:

No one cared

No one sought

No one taught

It's time for you to:

Care

Seek

And teach, if given a chance.

Help face this challenge and help challenge others to learn, to seek, to ask and most of all to care.

From The West

SW Paul Rainey

A huge thanks goes out to everyone who helped make the community awareness event successful. For those who did not have the opportunity to attend you missed out on the fellowship as well as seeing the smiles on the children’s faces…remember these are our future Masons!

We also want to thank the Warrick County Klowns for donating their time to help entertain the children. It was you who truly made the children’s day!

Brethren, watch the Compass Points for the next community awareness date. There will be many more to come! We look forward to seeing you there.