Chartered January 17th, 1924 A.D., 6924 A.L.
Greetings from the East,
Greetings my brothers,
First and foremost I hope this correspondence finds you all healthy and well. In speaking with many of you that seems to be the case, and something positive to report.
May was a very busy month around Eola in the unconventional sense as there were no meetings however some very diligent brothers devoted their time and talents into some much needed building maintenance, which is sure to be an impressive sight for those who will be attending lodge especially those who have not been in recent years.
In other related news, an appearance was made by Br. Ellis Adams, this 60 year Mason and longtime member of Eola who now resides in Pennsylvania joined us in a web conferencing session and was able to speak with his brothers from Eola for the first time in many years.
This was accomplished via our new WebEx account at the virtual get together we had on the evening of May 18th. It was a pleasure to meet him personally, and great that he could attend. I strongly encourage the use of this new platform in the future and the officers as well as committee’s will be leveraging it extensively in the upcoming months as it is a massively more productive way of doing business.
The WebEx platform has the additional benefits of allowing our large population of out of state members as well as those who may not visit often to keep in touch for things such as discussions or masonic education, and hosts of other useful events.
Best of all it’s as easy as making a phone call and punching in a meeting code. Over the next few weeks, and as long as necessary I will be assigning some of our younger brothers to assist with configuration of the platform for any individual wishing to use this technology on their phones. It is sincerely hoped this will be broadly adopted and used by all Eola members.
Additionally it is strongly encouraged to all members of Eola to reach out to your brothers, there are many who have gone missing, do not attend or do not regularly update their information with the secretary, encourage those you speak with to do the aforementioned it’s not only good business practice it’s also what you signed up for at the alter years ago.
A special Thank You this month goes out to Brothers Eric Davila, Jose Franco, and Bobby White. These brothers stepped up to help a brother with a critical move of a family member to Florida. The further significance of this is that request did not come from a member of Eola, but rather from a member of another local lodge here in Orlando. With all that has happened in recent months it is great to be called upon to serve and equally as great to be in a position to assist, this in part defines our Masonic culture and these Brothers brought pride to our fraternity.
Looking to the month of June it’s great to announce our first meeting back to be held on the Second of the month. Hot topics for the month will be assessments of where we are and where we need to be, how we move forward, several petitioners in process to be interviewed by petitions and investigation committees. Our new EA’s should be giving their return soon as it has been reported they have dug in and have wasted no time during this shutdown studying their catechism.
From my perspective and interaction with Masons for the majority of my life, we are thought to be many things, leaders being among the vast list, now granted all leaders are not created equal, for some it comes easier than others, be that within the fraternity, our country or local communities. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to become that leader and better yourself in Masonry.
With half the year over we still have plenty to do so get involved! Walk the walk don’t just talk the talk. I dare say none of us want to “be that guy”, as It would truly be sad to be remembered as a MINO (Mason in Name Only)…
Looking forward to seeing you at the lodge.
Fraternally,
Br. Paul Rhoads
Worshipful Master
Eola lodge # 207 F. & A.M.
Greetings from the West,
Just a Little Something for all our Brothers near and far,
So, my brothers, let us, as Master Masons, let us always be facing the East, the direction from which comes light, hope, and promise, the bright and golden hours of the future.
In facing the East may we stand erect. The Supreme Architect of the Universe never intended that his workmen should grovel in the dust of negation and debasement or flounder in the gutter of moral disintegration and despair. This truth he impressed upon his prophet Ezekiel, a captive in Babylonia. God spoke to the prophet, prostrate in despair and hopelessness, alongside the Euphrates River, “Son of man, stand on their feet, and I will speak to thee. So, may we be on our feet and face the East, standing erect, expectant, and hopeful.
And then may we journey toward the East with regular upright steps, knowing full well that God expects of us rectitude of conduct and resolute purpose, for we are responsible and privileged persons, qualified to travel anywhere, to work and to receive wages.
When we journey toward the rising sun, we are able to keep alive that glorious spirit which time and change can never make old. We will be moving toward the fulfillment of hope, the realization of better things to come, and for us, the dawn will come sooner and the light will get brighter….
Go East, old man or young man. Time and age have absolutely nothing to do with it except to provide the opportunity of adding wisdom and grace, dignity, stature and meaning, to life. Go East, man, and live!
There is hope in our gentle Craft, as Brother Kinser noted so eloquently. Sometimes it comes unbidden, without effort, but often it takes looking for it.
Also, a Big Thank you to all the Brothers that donated their time for helping improve the look of our lodge. A lot of work has been done and I know all my Brothers will be WOWED with our new look.
Sincerely,
Bro. Rocky Ruvola
Senior Warden
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