FROM THE PILLAR OF WISDOM

Fraternal Greetings Brethren and Friends:

As we enter the second half of the year I want to thank everyone who has participated in the lodge activities.  A lodge is a group of Brothers and Fellows that gathers for fellowship and to acquire knowledge.  The important part of this is the gathering together.  In the coming months we have many exciting social events planned such as: Dinners, award banquets, campout, picnics and luncheons.

We will continue to support our community partners with spelling bees and Christmas distribution programs.  We will also have more education nights, degree conferrals and Stated Meetings.  Please come out and support YOUR lodge in its activities.  If you have anything special that you would like the lodge to do, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Remember, Tuesday is Lodge Night.

Fraternally,
Kyle B. Dau, PM, Master

TRAVELLING EA PROGRAM

Calling all Master Masons!  We need your help!  Section §804.860 of the California Masonic Code states:  An Entered Apprentice may sit in the Lodge in which he has received the degree or degrees when open in a degree taken by him, while he conducts himself with due order and propriety.  He may advance after satisfactorily passing a strict examination in a tiled Lodge.  He may visit another Lodge working in a degree taken by him, with the consent of the Master of his Lodge and the consent of the Master of the Lodge visited, if accompanied by a Master Mason who has sat with him in a tiled Lodge and vouches for him.

FROM THE PILLAR OF STRENGTH

FROM THE PILLAR OF BEAUTY

Brethren and Ladies; 

Some rather interesting statistics and conclusions were presented at the Junior Warden’s Retreat in April that I think are worth reviewing by all Masons.

      Generation   Age   %Growth  %Initiated  %Advanced

       Greatest       84+        -12                0                  0
       Silent           63-83      -5                 6                 60
       Boomer       46-62        2                20                57
       Gen X         30-45       28               46                64
       Millenial     18-29       96               28                68

Since Millennials are the leading area of growth for Masonry, what are they looking for and what will keep them interested in coming back to lodge and getting more involved?  The study done by American Meeting Association showed that the Millennials are here to learn.  They want fewer and more powerful sessions.  They want the ability to express their opinions without fear of rejection.  The same study showed that this is true for most of the generations included in the study.

It was stated in our sessions that much of our recent growth can be attributed to Dan Brown and his books, The Lost Symbol, The Da Vinci Code, etc.  His books, especially The Lost Symbol, has stirred the curiosity of the GenX’ers and the Millennials.  They are searching for more and deeper knowledge and believe that our venerable institution can enlighten them and give them direction.  The conclusion in our sessions was obvious, if we wish to continue and thrive as the greatest fraternity, we have to offer, to these “new” generations of Masons, the things they are searching for.  Our ritual lodge work is, in itself, inspirational and meaningful.  Much can be learned from the openings, the obligations and the lectures, but what is also important is the deeper meaning and mysteries behind even that ritual and those lectures.  Many Brothers never explore, question or even understand that those mysteries exist, and have found that Masonry is Stated Meetings and charity.  I believe that by educating the Brothers on these and even more of the ancient mysteries, they will thirst for more and will increase their involvement in the fraternity.  

NOTICE

For those Brethren working on their EA, FC or MM proficiencies, be aware that the Lodge library is open and manned on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  All are welcome,  but especially those working on their proficiency and in need of or wanting a little extra help.

LADIES CORNER

June started with S. W. Hackett Lodge honoring Sequoia Elementary School’s Employee of the Year.  Congratulations to Mr. Dwayne Crockett, Sequoia’s Outstanding Employee, who was accompanied by the school Principal Mr. Kissel.

Our annual outing to Shrine Camp is coming soon:  July 9, 10 and 11.  Remember to sign up to bring something for dinner on Saturday.  I will have the list at our July Stated Meeting dinner.  If you’re not going to be able to attend the Stated dinner, but still plan on going camping and want to sign up, give me a call 858-695-8407.  Once again our Inspector Dave Haslim, PM will be coking breakfast for us on Sunday.  Clint Black, PM will do the honor of the treasure hunt for the kids.  We will have the big lodge room for Saturday only this year.

Most important, when you see a member of our Armed Services, thank him/her for the freedoms we have because of their dedication to this great country!

SHRINE CAMPING TRIP

S. W. Hackett Lodge annual camping weekend at Shrine Camp in the Laguna Mountains will be July 9^th and 10^th.  Contact Clint Black, PM for details if desired.