Brothers & Friends: First I am going to diverge from my usual AGL article to relate a story. Each year our lodge sponsors a scholarship with the 'Dollars for Scholars' program here in Phoenix, paid for by our Friday Fish Dinners (shameless plug). Last June when I went into the school library to sign the certificate they were having trouble finding it. One person made the comment, “Here's the Lions, that's the same as the Masons, right?” I feel sure that the Lions is a fine organization but it certainly is not the same as the Freemasons. That remark reveals to me the public's ignorance of who we are and the principals we stand by. The point of all this is that on Saturday, October 15th , Square & Compass Day, we here in the Oswego district will open our lodges to show the public what Freemasonry is about and perhaps a few of those, seeing what we have to offer will decide to join our ranks. There is no scarcity of bright guys in this district and I feel sure each lodge can come up with some good ideas. By the time you read this there will probably be only 2 weeks before the event so get to it!
My next plug is for the Grand Lecturer's convention, October, 21st. The ritual we will be covering is the Hiramic Legend in Third Degree. This being a District wide event we should be able to come up with a full cast of characters, something many of us may have never seen. To the Masters; you should have received your cast assignments by now and can be selecting Brothers from your lodge to fill them. They need not be perfect in their ritual. Mistakes give the Grand Lecturer the opportunity teach and the brethren the opportunity to learn. I really encourage every Mason in the district to try to attend. You will not be sorry. The meal is free and the meeting is always a lot of fun. Reservations to Norm or myself.
My final plug is for the Brotherhood Fund. Last year, the Oswego District raised $5200. That is less than $9 per brother. Remembering the Freemasons obligation to contribute to the aid of the distressed I really think we can do better than that. Enough said.