Features California News Page 3 Alabama News Page 5 Virginia News Page 8 Mississippi News Page 10 Texas News Page 11 New Jersey News Page 19 Georgia News Page 21 South Carolina News Page 23 Inspirational Corner Page 25 Safety Tips and Tricks Page 28 Flyers/Forms Page 30
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Volume: 3 Issue: 1
York Rite Bulletin
From the Desk of the National York Rite Bulletin Editor Greetings Brothers and Sisters ! Thank you for your support and your contributions in the past towards the York Rite Bulletin. As you can see from the articles in this issue, we have fallen a bit behind on sending in articles in a timely fashion for publication. You are doing a GREAT work in the communities, according to Facebook and your websites; but none of the great things that you are doing are being reporting in the Official Publication of the National Compact, the York Rite Bulletin. Please get excited with me about displaying you states' service and accomplishments in our bulletin! Let's drink our Red Bull, Energy Drinks, and regain our momentum with the York Rite Bulletin! Please note that the distributions of the YRB will be disseminated quarterly. The distribution schedule is listed below.Also please adhere to the deadline for article submission and the criteria for submitting an article.Please be in compliance with the submission criteria/guidelines to ensure accuracy and publication of your article. Also please know that you can submit an article as soon as a day after your event has occurred. If the article is received in the inbox prior to the deadline, it will be included in the next issue. If it misses the deadline, you will see it in the next quarterly issue of the bulletin so please know that the work you put in will be displayed sooner or later. YRB Criteria/Guidelines Please send all submissions via email! PLEASE NOTE THE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS to send ALL Masonic correspondence for distribution and YRB article submissions (This new email is effective ASAP): nationalyorkriteeditor@gmail.com Sara Thomas and myself are monitoring the inbox and categorizing all incoming mail. If you have additional notes to add that are not in the correspondence that was sent, please feel free to email that addition to the new address, then cc Sara and myself at the following emails: vyeldell@yahoo.com, simplyladyt@gmail.com Please put the following in the subject line for YRB article submissions (see example below) MWNGL- For YRB Submission, State, Editor Name EXAMPLE: MWNGL- For YRB SUBMISSION, AL, Vonderia Yeldell If you wish to have flyer's, announcements, sick notices, etc. distributed immediately via email, please label your email as shown below FOR IMMEDIATE YRB Distribution, Date to distribute, State, Sender EXAMPLE: FOR IMMEDIATE YRB DISTRIBUTION, 1-31-18, AL, Vonderia Please be sure that all articles are at least one paragraph (3 complete sentences) and that the article is in the body of the email or in a Microsoft Word Document or Adobe PDF File. Please be sure that all attached pictures have a unique name. 2018 Bulletin Distribution Dates with Article Submission Deadlines Issue 1 March 26, 2018 Distribution - Article Submission Deadline March 1, 2018 Issue 2 July 18, 2018 Distribution - Article Submission Deadline May 31, 2018 - this will be a printed copy at Nationals Issue 3 NATIONAL SPECIAL ISSUE August 1, 2018 Distribution Article Submission July 27, 2018 Issue 4 September 30, 2018 Distribution - Article Submission Deadline August 31, 2018 Issue 5 December 21, 2018 Distribution - Article Submission Deadline November 26, 2018 Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in this matter Vonderia L. Yeldell Vonderia L. Yeldell National York Rite Bulletin Editor
Sister Doris Tipton - State Reporter
Our Annual Grand Communication began on August 8, 2015, and ended on August 11, 2015. Congratulations to the following Brothers who were elected to serve as Grand Department Heads: Hon. Jerome Williams, MW Grand Master, Mt. Nebo Grand Lodge, Companion Ernest Bryant, Sr., Grand High Priest, Zerrubabel Grand Royal Arch Chapter, S/K James Crosby, Grand Eminent Commander Eureka Grand Court, Knights of Templar; S/P Lee J. Randall, Grand Commander-In-Chief, Mt. Moriah Grand Consistory; Noble William White, Grand Potentate, Golden West Shrines. Our congratulations are also to the following Sisters who were elected to serve as Grand Department Heads: Sis. Patricia Wright, Grand Worthy Matron, Queen Esther Grand Chapter OES; Heroine Doris Tipton, Grand Most Ancient Matron, Mt. Nebo Grand Court Heroines of Jericho; Priestess Patricia Wooden, Grand Illustrious Priestess, Tabitha Grand Council of Crusaders; H/L Margaret Nicholson, Grand Royal Matron, Salaam Grand Court, Amaranth; Dtr. Barbara Crosby, Grand Ill Commandress, Medina Grand Ct. , Daughter of Isis. On Saturday, September 5, 2015, the members of Martha Chapter #6 OES, Sis. Davina Baker is the newly elected Worthy Matron and Bro. Will Wright, Worthy Patron fed the local community; at least 150 people were served. On October 10, 2015, Mt. Nebo Grand Court Heroines of Jericho, Heroine Doris Tipton, Grand Most Ancient Matron, Comp. Will Wright, Grand Worthy Joshua, fed the community; that day over 100 meals were served. On October 31, 2015, the members of Myra Chapter #18,hosted A Harvest Festival, time was 2:00 -5:00; they made a lot of children happy, they gave away costumes, had face painting, fed the children hot dogs and pop - corn; Sis. Adrianne Moore is the Worthy Matron; and Bro. Rueben Love is the Worthy Patron. Also on October 31, 2015, Pride of California Lodge #106 continued the Harvest Festival, the Brothers passed out candy from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. to all of the children, who came by the Lodge Hall; Bro. Ronald Williams is the Worshipful Master. On November 24, 2015, Her. Doris Tipton and the members of Mt. Nebo Grand Ct. HOJ did volunteer work at a Women’s shelter that was serving a full course Thanksgiving meal for community to at least 300 plus people for their during outreach festivities. On December 19, 2015, all members of the subordinate OES Chapters working under Queen Esther Grand Chapter OES, Sis. Patricia Wright Grand Worthy Matron, Bro. Lee J. Randall, Grand Worthy Patron, gathered at 9:00 a.m. to prepare food baskets for needy families. The Grand Chapter furnished the turkeys for all the food baskets. Sis. Adrian Moore, WM of Myra Chapter # 18 OES, was able to receive 300 toys for the children in the neighborhood. We did not stop because the year 2015 had ended, on January 2, 2016, Sis Davina Baker, Grand Associate Matron of Queen Esther Grand Chapter had made provisions for us to go to a Convalescent home and all of the patients received gifts. HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL!!!!
News from California
“All in a day’s work” - August 2016 - The Montgomery District (Lodges and Chapters in: Eclectic, Montgomery, Prattville and Selma) donated water, needed items for children and other requested household items to support the flood victims in Louisiana. The catastrophic flood devastating Louisiana is now the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Hurricane Sandy four years ago according to the Red Cross.
All in a Day's Work Submitted By: Sister Cynthia Brown State of Alabama
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California News Continued
UAB Toys for Tots Drive
On December 1, 2017 Khedive Temple #1 held a Christmas Party at the Fraternal Order of Police Winewood, AL location. A portion of the proceeds were donated to Agape Missionary Baptist Church.
Khedive Temple # 1 Charity Christmas Party Submitted by: Vonderia Yeldell - Alabama State Editor
Sisters and Brothers from Friendly Sisters #27 (Birmingham, AL) along with the Brothers of McCeaser Lodge #92 (Birmingham, AL) joined forces to donate toys to children in need at the Toys for Tots Drive.
The State of Virginia Lodges and Chapters gives Thanksgiving Baskets to Families in Nearby Areas Submitted By: Sister Sylvia Hawkins - Scott Pride of Virginia Lodge #122 and Hope Chapter#12 OES,Charlottesville VA handed out dozens of turkeys to neighbors. Fifty turkeys were purchased and what was left over, went to local churches. It was shown on the News there. King Hezekiah Youth Divisions Charlottesville, fed the homeless at the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving. MT ARRATT LODGE AND MORNING STAR CHAPTER#55 -ESMONT VA Star of Bethlehem #20 & Rising Sun #146 Roanoke VA W.F. Cromartie Lodge#1 of Richmond VA also gave out dinners. Pictured is W.M. Darryl Jefferson with a family. 6 Roanoake, VA
Virginia Female Grand Departments Supports Friends of the Library Submitted by Sylvia Hawkins-Scott
The Ladies Department Heads for Richmond, Queen Mary Chapter#1 OES, Sister Rosa Chasten W.M.; St Catherine's Council of Crusaders #6, Illustrious Priestess Shirley LaVallais; Electa Court #6 of Amaranth, Honored Lady Gloria Williams, R.M.; Saba Court #7 DOI, Dtr. Valerie Harris, Commandress presented a check for $500.00 to support “Friends of the Library”, a foundation that provides community service to all visitors. This donation was given on 12/19 to the Director at Libbie Mills Library in Richmond,Va.
Texas in Action Submitted by Sarah Thomas We have joined the Haven of Love’s Prison Ministry Team. Every 2nd Saturday of the Month, we travel to Gatesville, Texas to minister to, pray with and to provide words of encouragement to the Linda Woodman State Jail. Prison Ministry Woodman State Jail 1210 Coryell City Road Gatesville, Texas 76528 We also participate in monthly classes that deal specifically with codependency issues with the women incarcerated at Linda Woodman State Jail. Each class aims to improve interpersonal relationship skills, replacing unhealthy styles with positive, life affirming styles. It then helps the participant determine what she can do to untangle herself from codependent relationships.
Zariah Court #1, served at the Haven of Love's Thanksgiving , "The Gathering." This annual Thanksgiving event celebrates women who, as a result of the Prostitute Diversion Initiative, are now living in the newness of life. This event brings together women, their families, police officers, community service workers, judges, and many others involved in the PDI.
We have aligned ourselves with Haven of Love and the Dallas Police Department to assist with the PDI. PDI stands for Prostitution Diversion Initiative and is designed to give people arrested on suspicion of prostitution a chance at a better life through counseling, literacy and life skills programs. The PDI is held once a quarter and Zariah started in 2015 assisting with this initiative and look forward to continuing in 2016.
The state of Mississippi has been busy at work over the past year. Electa Chapter #2 & County Line Lodge #2 of Mound Bayou, MS participated in the Annual Martin Luther King Parade in Cleveland, MS on January 18, 2016 and the Grandmaster fellowships at Jerusalem M.B.Church in Mound Bayou, MS on January 17th 2016. Electa Chapter #2 & County Line Lodge #2 of Mound Bayou, MS held their Annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 26, 2016. Electa Chapter #2 & County Line Lodge of Mound Bayou, MS donated water to Symond, MS during their time of water crisis on April 4, 2016. Electa Chapter #2 & County Line Lodge of Mound Bayou, MS participated with Margaret Green & Cypress Park of Cleveland, MS in the Special Olympics 2016 Delta Region Track & Field in Greenville, MS on April 22nd 2016. Electa Chapter #2 of Mound Bayou, MS presented Christmas gifts to Mrs. Marquita Melvin's class @Margaret Green Jr. High School in Cleveland, MS. OES Electa Chapter #2 of Mound Bayou, MS presented Christmas gifts to Ms . Contessa Sellers class of Parks Elementary School in Cleveland, MS. OES Electa Chapter #2 & County Line #2 Lodge of Mound Bayou, MS participated in the Annual Martin Luther King Parade in Cleveland, MS on January 16, 2017.
Mississipi AT Work
On April 2nd, 2016, Zariah Court # 1 along with hundreds of other volunteers in Grand Prairie, Texas took part in the 2016 Walk for Lupus. We joined other walkers help us take steps to raise money for lupus education programs and research while raising awareness of lupus and rallying public support for those who suffer from it. Every step you take and every dollar you raise supports the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter and its efforts to solve the cruel mystery of lupus.
Lilly of the Valley #2 - Texas
Texas in Action, cont'd
Dorcas Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, attended a Sunday service on March 13th at the Abundant Life C.O.G.I.C-7310 S. Hampton Rd, Dallas Texas, which was Esther Day. To celebrate the Heroine Esther, a woman whose knowledge and beauty symbolizes light, purity and joy. She was able to save her people because of her principles of justice and moral fortitude. What a great woman she was.
LOTV2 have been volunteering at the Gaston House for at least 6 years. The Gaston house provides shelter, safety, and counseling services to battered women and their children. On a monthly basis we arrive early to cook breakfast for the families, fellowship and continue the positive spirit of the leaders of the organization. We are so BLESSED and grateful to be of SERVICE!!!!
Lily of the Valley No. 2, OES Chapter, State of Texas has been working with Deacon Woodward, of Abundant Life Church of God and Christ for 8 years. The community service is performed at the Gaston House which is a home for battered women and abused children in Dallas, Texas. We generally arrive around 7 am to prepare breakfast for the women and children living at the home. Once the meal is prepared there is time to interact, fellowship and provide words of encouragement to the residents. On most visits, there is prayer normally by Deacon Woodward, which provides uplifting, inspirational and positive insight to all members present. We have a GREAT time making a difference with all that we come in contact with!
Pictured to Right: WM and AM of Lily of the Valley #2
Zariah Court # 1, Desert of Texas, is volunteering with an organization called Kairos Outside of North Texas. We attended a community service fundraiser for the organization on April 9th in downtown Dallas. One of the main purposes of Kairos Outside is to support the families of men and women who are, or have been incarcerated in the country's state and federal facilities. The spouses, parents, other relatives and friends of the incarcerated often "do time" right along with their relatives or friends. In addition, to demonstrate God's grace and love through Christian support for women who have relatives or friends who are or who have been incarcerated.
The Worthy Matron and Associate Matron of Lily of the Valley #2 walked and represented our OES chapter in the Martin Luther King Parade on January 18th, 2016. The festivities of this year were different that the previous years. For the past 30 years the City of Dallas held its MLK Day Parade on Saturday and a community leader organized a separate parade for Monday, which in time overshadowed the Saturday event. The parades have now been combined into one event. This year's grand marshal was non other that radio host, Tom Joyner. In addition, marching were elected officials, community groups, churches and different bands.
Zariah Court has adopted 2 deployed soldiers to communicate with via emails, cards and sending care packages during their time away. We adopted the soldiers thru Adopt a US Soldier. Adopt A US Soldier is a non-profit organization that seeks volunteers to help show the brave men and women fighting for our freedom that their sacrifices will not go unnoticed. It connects supportive civilians with deployed troops and offers a channel by which to communicate encouragement and express gratitude to those brave men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Zariah Court # 1, volunteered with Genesis Women's Shelter at their 12th Annual Crimes Against Women Conference in Dallas, Texas. The goal of the Conference on Crimes Against Women is to provide practical instruction, using current information, the newest ideas and most successful intervention strategies, to those professionals responsible for combating the many and varied forms of crimes against women. The conference is conducted for the sole purpose of providing training to only those people employed by governmental or non-profit agencies in the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, social work, victim's advocacy, therapy, probation/parole, campus safety and medicine who work directly with victims of crime. Zariah Court #1 assisted with setting up the conference rooms, registration of attendees, stuffing bags to be given to the attendees and as a timekeeper for the speakers.
Texas Volunteers at Crimes Against Women Conference Submitted by: Sarah Thomas - Texas
Morning Star Court #1/New Testament #3 assisted Purity Chapter No. 7 with their community service on this month. Purity Chapter No. 7 service at this location is to play bingo, help serve the residents snacks and issue out rewards to the winners.Purity Chapter No. 7 is active monthly with this facility for community service. The following list of names of the Sisters/Heroines that attended/participated: Her. Verlesha Bickems (Most Ancient Matron) Red Shirt Her. Sabrina Donnell (HOJ Director) red/white HOJ shirts Her. Ronda McMillian (member)red/white HOJ shirts Her. Denise Lewis (Worthy Matron of Purity Chapter No. 7)yellow polo shirt Her. Faridah Dean (Secretary of Purity Chapter No. 7)yellow polo shirt Sis. Taneya Jackson (Worthy Matron of New Testament No. 3) black t-shirt Sis. Marcia Jackson ( member of New Testament No. 3) black t-shirt
April 14, 2015 the Brothers and Sisters got together to hand out Easter Baskets for the Children in the neighborhood, we put together over 200 baskets, they played games, had hotdogs and hamburgers and drinks for the kids. The brothers and sisters brought their families and along with the neighbor we hosted closed to 300 kids. GM Herbert L. Williams was in charge of hotdogs. The Brothers of St Pauls Lodge #7 and Sisters of Fervency Chapter #3, worked hard to bring smiles to a lot of little faces.
New Jersey News Submitted and Written by Herbert & Mary Williams Greetings from the Great State of New Jersey, it has been a while since we put anything in the York Rite Bulletin and a lot has been happening in New Jersey. We have had some times of gladness and times of sadness. As we struggle to keep New Jersey alive and well, we have shown a lot of positive growth. At the end of December 2014, the Order of Eastern Stars initiated four new Sisters and reinstated one Sister. We feel blessed to have five new sisters to help establish the Eastern Stars in New Jersey again. New Jersey would like to thank GWM Mary Brown of New York and PGWM Grace Boone of Pennsylvania for all of their help
Submitted by: Verlesha Bickems
From L – R : Sister Evelia Martin, Sister Kimberly Ousley, Sister Mary Phillips, Sister Sandra Lett, Sister Natacha Long and GAM Mary L. Williams.
From left to right: GM Herbert L. Williams, Sister Sandra Lett, Brother Johnny Carroll, GAM Mary L. Williams, Sister Everlia Martin, Brother Dell Long, Sister Natacha Long, Brother Donald Dunlap, WM Alvin Williams, Brother Alvin Johnson.
New Jersey news cont'd
The State of New Jersey in November again was thinking about the welfare of the community. The brothers of St Pauls Lodge #7 along with the Sisters of Fervency #3 pulled together to feed the needy. They put together baskets with everything needed for a Thanksgiving dinner: items included a Turkey, rice, string beans, corn bread, stuffing mix, cake mix, corn, cranberry and kool-aid. The brothers and sisters delivered the baskets to senior citizen, widows and other needy families in the area. New Jersey does not have the large membership any more, but we find a way to bring joy to those less fortunate.
Grand Master Hon. Brother Lester Clark 32* SAGL of the State of Georgia
Article published in the Jackson Progress-Argus Newspaper during an interview with Grand Master Lester Clark. Our challenge is to build up youth By Lester Clark Mar 15, 2016 Association. Friendship. Relationship. Closeness. Companionship. These are all words that define fellowship. But what is the true value of fellowship? First Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us that we should “encourage one another and build one another up.” Fellowship is beneficial to our lives and our community. By associating with one another in a social environment, we are positively lifting one another by our actions and character. Fellowship promotes well-being and happiness. Our local and national communities are in a state of emergency. It is time for more than just talking about what is wrong with the youth and young adults within our community. It is time for us to bond together and act as a unit to correct the deficiencies we are witnessing. Fellowship brings about a value of strength, power and stability, all of which are absent in many of the important aspects of life as we know it today. Challenging, yes. But what is a challenge without an effort? Our challenge is not only to reach our young people, but also to display actions that encourage togetherness. The actions of those in our society that we constantly complain about require and demand more than criticizing. The way we will reach others is by leading by example. Put aside our differences of opinion, our differences of how we want things to be. Compromise with one another, and support the positive efforts of other individuals who are trying to bring about a constructive change. Fellows, hoping is not just about coming together and having fun. It also involves putting action behind our words by rolling up our sleeves and putting in physical work within our communities. Clean a park. Do some lawn work for some of our senior citizens. Host a family day with activities that parents and children or grandchildren can come to participate in and take their minds off the struggles of everyday life. Our purpose in fellowship, and the benefit from working in peace and unity, is that we grow a process that is much needed. It passes down a way of life to those too young to yet understand how impactful their future actions will be to our society. It gives us a feeling of joy because we will be putting a silver lining to somebody’s day. In closing I will leave you with one thought from the book of Hebrews Chapter 10 verse 24. It reads: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” This, ladies and gentlemen, should be the upstart of our time. Be the example, lead by the way we act in situations and always remember: “Faith without works is dead.” Lester Clark is the grand master of the Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge of the state of Georgia Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons Prince Hall Origin. Clean a park. Do some lawn work for some of our senior citizens. Host a family day with activities that parents and children or grandchildren can come to participate in and take their minds off the struggles of everyday life. Our purpose in fellowship, and the benefit from working in peace and unity, is that we grow a process that is much needed. It passes down a way of life to those too young to yet understand how impactful their future actions will be to our society. It gives us a feeling of joy because we will be putting a silver lining to somebody’s day. In closing I will leave you with one thought from the book of Hebrews Chapter 10 verse 24. It reads: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” This, ladies and gentlemen, should be the upstart of our time. Be the example, lead by the way we act in situations and always remember: “Faith without works is dead.” Lester Clark is the grand master of the Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge of the state of Georgia Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons Prince Hall Origin. D
In September St Pauls Lodge #7 had their annual Family and Friends Day. This is an annual day filled with family, friends, food and fun. The Lodge invites the entire neighborhood along with their family and friends to enjoy the festivities. Along with tons of food, there were two live gospel bands and for the younger crowd there was a DJ and solo singer. Every year the crowd gets bigger and the music gets better. This is our 10th year of enjoying family, friends and having fun. Giving back to the neighborhood is what we love to do.
South Carolina News
Ronald Richmond, Worthy Patron, and Sheila Wallace, Worthy Matron, accepted a proclamation declaring April 1, 2017, Ada Chapter #10 Day from Mayor and Council at the April Council Meeting. #wcolasc #easternstar
Ada Chapter #10 on the Move Submitted by: Shelia Wallace
Simmons Court Donates Stuffed Backpacks Submitted by: Deborah Primus-Brown
Her. Justine Butler, Most Ancient Matron Comp. Earnest Young, Joshua
BY HERBERT L. WILLIAMS, NGC Greeting to all. As the National Grand Chaplain I asked the Honorable Lee Singleton National Grand Master if I could start an article in the York Rite Bulletin that may give some inspiration to our brothers and sisters. The NGM was elated. I hope the following articles will bring some inspiration to my brothers and sisters. Many of times I have had the opportunity to talk with my Brothers and Sisters concerning the spiritual mission of our organization. How we put our faith in the Great Architect of the Universe for guidance in our daily lives. The bible tells us that we should pray one for another as they pray for you. As you go through your daily life, do you remember to lift up your Brothers and Sisters in prayers? We as Sisters and Brothers of the York Rite family have a mission. Part of that mission is to promote love and affection for one another. We said that we would lift up one another in pray and aid each other in sickness and distress. Some of you may recognize where that comes from? I truly believe in the power of prayer. I also believe that the little things mean so much. Even when our brother and sisters are not ill a card a call can mean so much. In this world of instant communications it is so easy to reach out and touch one another. I called a brother because he did not make a meeting. It was not reported that he was sick or in distress. After talking with him I found out that things had changed in his life and he did not know how to handle it. He just wanted to give up. I could not solve his problems but we prayed together. He felt better and was rejuvenated to find a solution to his problems. He called me later that week to say he didn’t give up and he found his way. He thanked me for the help. I said that I did not do anything; it was the power of prayer. He prayed and did not let go of the hand of the Master. Prayer gave him the strength to go on and it can do the same for you.
Simmons Court No. 518 Heroine of Jericho of North Augusta, South Carolina donates stuffed book bags full of school supplies!Clearwater Elementary School is located in Beech Island, SC in the Aiken District.Mr. Trey Laube, the principal, gladly accepted the school supplies from the court.He shared that they have students whose family are unable to provide needed supplies, and donations such as this is a big help. Clearwater Elementary School’s motto is “Where small paws make big impressions! Thank you,Simmons Court No. 518 Heroine of Jericho for being another “paw” for Clearwater Elementary School!
By: Herbert L. Williams, NGC
Inspirational Corner
This is an article I found some time ago. The author is unknown but his lesson is right on point. Many of us do things because we are expected to do them or we make excuses why we cannot do them. The Salesman and The Farmer A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane. A farmer in the adjacent field comes over and they discover that they are “Brothers”. The salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town: “Don’t worry says the farmer you can use my car. I will call a friend and get your car repaired while you go to the appointment”. Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting a part which won’t arrive until the next morning. “It’s not a problem,” says the farmer,” “use my telephone and re-schedule you first appointment tomorrow, stay with us tonight and I’ll see that your car is done first thing!” The farmers’ wife prepares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of fine single malt during an excellent evening, the salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes there is his is car, repaired and ready to go. After a full English breakfast the salesman thanks them both for the hospitality. As he and the farmer walk to his car he turns and asks “my brother, thank you so much but I have to ask, did you help me because I am a Mason?” No was the reply,” I helped you because I am a Mason” What is your motivation for helping or not helping? Are you a Mason or Eastern Star? he
I WON'T COMPLAIN
BY: HERBERT L. WILLIAMS, NGC
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
A song writer wrote that there was a person who thought that life had not been kind to them. They did not have a big house or wealth. They were not in the best of health. They could not find anything in their life that was good. Then they took a moment to look around and think things over, they found that the Lord had been good to them and they took time to thank the Lord. When things are not going your way, what do you do? Do you blame it on the world? Do you blame it on the people around you, or do you just blame yourself? Do you take the time to think it over and thank the Lord for all he has brought you though? Recently my family lost 3 uncles and an aunt. I broke my foot moving a motorcycle. The engine on my car blew up. My father of ninety two years old fell and we thought we would loss him. Someone with little faith might say that I must have fallen out of grace with the Lord. My response would be that the Lord never leaves us. His Grace and Mercy Endureth Forever. My family members were all God loving, prayer full people. When they left us here to grieve the house they no longer occupied, I know that they were welcomed into the kingdom of the Lord as good and faithful servants. The engine on my car served me well for over 200,000 miles. I was blessed to be able to get the car that I always wanted. My father is getting stronger every day and now has learned that he is not seventy anymore and should be served hand and foot for all he’s done for his family. As for my foot, I think the Lord was listening to my wife to get me off the bike. Though all that happened in my life, I never lost sight of the One that controls my life. I took time to thank him for all that He’s done AND NEVER COMPLAINED! When life gets you down and there appears to be no hope, remember that the Lord is always there. When you appear to be in the valley of the shadow of death remember THERE IS LIFE IN THE LORD.
Submitted by Brother John Todd State of Alabama
Folks, watch what your kids are doing on your computers. There are predators that are looking at any opportunity to take advantage of your children. Keep them safe and watch what they do on the Internet. • Be careful when walking to your car. Be mindful of your surroundings. There have been incidents where people have become victimized on the way to their cars because they don't pay attention to their surroundings. If you see someone strange watching you, take a few minutes to guard yourself, or you can call your local law enforcement agency to walk you to you vehicle. • Firearms safety is a very big responsibility. Make sure you watch where you put your guns; you don't want curious hands to have access. If you own a gun, please make sure you have control of it and no one that isn't authorized can get to it. Once a bullet is shot from a gun, there is no replay, no pause. Brother Todd Past Master McCeaser #92, FAAYM Birmingham, AL
As you know, we are fast approaching spring. This is a time of festivities, to include family reunions, parties, and for a lot of people vacations and/or trips. I want to tell everyone please be careful and remember the following tidbits of info: Don't leave your personal belongings in your car where anyone can see them. Thieves love it when they have an opportunity such as this. If you must leave your purse or other items in your car, lock them where they are out of sight. If you see a crime that's occurring, please say something to your local law enforcement agency. Don't get caught up in that mindset "it ain't my problem," because that is not true. If something is happening in your community, tell the first responders so the problem can be handled. Remember, that could be you and you wouldn't want someone else to say "it ain't my problem." If you are about to stopped by the Police at night, find a place that is well lit to stop. There is nothing wrong with being in a well lit area where they can see you, and you can see them. When they approach your car, please be cordial to them. Law enforcement officers in general are not trying to hurt you; they are trying to address a problem they saw. Don't antagonize them and create a mountain out of a molehill. Stay tuned for more tidbits of info! Officer JW Todd Crime Scene Investigator Tarrant (Al) Police Department Brother JW Todd is the Past Master of McCeaser Lodge #92 Birmingham, Al. �\�+aJ�Z��
