Brethren all
In this, our February – of the Latin, Februa, meaning ‘to cleanse’, we celebrate the birth of Brother George Washington – the Father of our United States. By our Craft, thus set to work into this year, should be paid that due homage for the many services rendered and sacrifices made in the formation and preservation of our Country. Brother G.W. exemplified a certain loyalty to the idea of that supreme-good, which came to inform our democratic framework. He knew very well that the winning of independence was, in fact, the easiest part; that maintaining it would be the challenge. He knew that a dull citizenry leads to the fall of States.
In his farewell address, Bro G.W. wrote: “Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.”
In the same document, Bro George went on to write about the ominous echoes from examples, both ancient and modern, demonstrating how a dull citizenry leads to divisive party loyalties – and – that mass loyalty to party, over mass loyalty to country, is the beginning of the end for every failed-state.
In this month of ‘cleansing’, as we pay that due homage, let us be reminded to ever-promote the ‘general diffusion of knowledge’, and encourage others – by our word and by our deed – to do the same. History has shown us that loyalty to an idea is inevitably more powerful than subversion. Let us be inspired by the vision of Bro G.W. – and reaffirm our own loyalty to the idea of our United States. In the scales of justice hangs the universal balance, which so perfectly demonstrates the beauty of the same.
This past month, in our efforts to ‘Earn the Title, Every Day’, we passed two Brothers to the Degree of Fellowcraft. I suspect that we will have two MM degrees coming up very shortly. Please start working on your respective parts! We also have two petitions for first reading at Stated. So, there will be much more upcoming degree work to do. Catechism coaching is ongoing.
I hope to see you all at Stated Communication on Monday, 20th of February. Fellowship and dinner will commence at 1800hrs with our meeting to follow, commencing at 1900hrs. Please join us, if within the length.
Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
Brother Brandon C. Bateman
WM – 2023
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