Emessay Notes April 2011

Appeal For Relief – New Zealand – Japan

Many parts of the world are experiencing horrendous weather patterns. None have suffered more than the countries of New Zealand and Japan. This appeal is being put out on behalf of both of those countries.

When remitting funds to the MSA, in response to this appeal, please mark clearly on your check how you wish the funds designated. Be assured the funds will be distributed exactly as the donor requests. If no designation is made the funds will be divided equally between New Zealand and Japan.

Please forward to the MSA such funds as you feel appropriate to help our devastated Brethren and their families in these stricken jurisdictions. Please make checks payable to the MSA Disaster Relief Fund and send to 8120 Fenton Street, Ste. 203, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Thank you very much for your help!

Reminder

3rd International Conference on the History of Freemasonry (ICHF)

The George Washington Masonic Memorial will host the 3rd International Conference on the History of Freemasonry in Alexandria, VA, May 27-29, 2011. The first two conferences were held in Scotland and this will be the first time it has been held in the United States.

The intent of the conference as outlined in their Statement of Purpose is:

By holding a biennial conference open to the public, the main purpose of the ICHF is:

To promote Freemasonry as a subject for academic study
To present and debate relevant contributions in this area of research
To create a forum for interactions between researchers, experts and a wider audience
To encourage individuals to take an in interest and participate in an active exchange of knowledge in the area

For more information please go to the website www.ichfonline.org

Because Masonry Matters

A new DVD produced for MSA is now available. The DVD titled Because Masonry Matters runs for 5 minutes and tells the MSA story, its history, purposes, and relationship with the Grand Lodges and Freemasons of North America.

The DVD is available at no charge and may be ordered by phone, fax, or email. It is ideal for a short educational program.

A Treasury Of Masonic Thoughts (Edited By Carl Glick)

The Object of Masonry

Flattering as it may be to the human mind, and truly honorable as it is to receive from our fellow citizens testimonies of approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare, it is not less pleasing to know that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a Society whose liberal principles must be founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice.

To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished that the conduct of every member of the Fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the great object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.

George Washington

A MASON

A Mason’s hand is a hand that helps,
That lifts the fallen one,
That comes, in need, with a kindly deed
To him whose strength is gone.

A Mason’s heart is a heart that loves
The best that is good and true;
He stands the friend, his best to lend,
Under his banner blue.

A Mason’s eye is an eye that smiles
And his a cheering voice;
He spreads the light, dispels the night
And makes the world rejoice.

Over the earth in stranger lands,
Where distant peoples dwell,
The eye, the grip, the life, the lip,
Of love unchanging tell.

Carl W. Mason