Trestleboard Jan 2021

Greetings from the East,

I hope this message finds you and your families well, after a happy and safe holiday season.

2020 was arguably one of the most amazing years of our lifetimes. Some would argue the tragedies, others the victories, personally I prefer the latter as” That which does not kill us makes us stronger” to borrow a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche.
Eola, Our Allied Bodies which meet there, Our Country and People of the world by in large saw some unprecedented times for sure. Through all of this however I believe we have and will come out stronger.

The Mantra of “Making Good Men Better Men” was surely put to the test in 2020 on many levels, speaking specifically in regards to Eola Lodge it is with pleasure I report as the Worshipful Master that I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by good men, officers, brothers, Past Masters and Allied members alike, all of whom I truly believe grew into better versions of themselves in some way through the various challenges posed this year. If not for the aforementioned 2020 surely could have very easily been a horrendous year and presented a much more dismal future for Eola.
To my Brothers, Officers and Past Masters thank you for your support and patience throughout the year. Your flexibility and resolve to make Eola shine certainly was on display this year even in some very adverse circumstances, thank you for the courage you’ve displayed to do what is right by our lodge, the craft, and our fraternity.

To my Brothers and Sisters of the many Allied Bodies which meet at Eola, Thank you as well for such a great relationship and working partnership which is advancing our Eola Masonic Family to new heights and collective endeavors to achieve our common goals and build one another. I believe we are truly stronger as a collective masonic family than as individual entities. It is my sincere hope this continues well into the future.
Our first Stated Communication of the month will be on Tuesday January 5th it will provide some unique opportunities and some actual “Fun Stuff” we Worshipful Masters are sometimes fortunate enough to be able to do. I encourage all who are able to attend to please do so.

Looking forward to 2021 with the installation of new officers on Saturday January 16th @ 5pm Eola will once again be challenged with new opportunities, new leadership to overcome them and further progress to be made. If you have not already done so and wish to attend this event please R.S.V.P to rjruvola@live.com  as there is a limitation on attendees due to the ability to adhere to Directive 13’s objectives.
As becoming a “Past” Master approaches a certain passage of scripture comes to mind. I will direct your attention to Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
This Season is nearly past with only a few things left to do other than to be thankful to have the opportunity to serve the craft as the Worshipful Master in 2020.. That as Ecclesiastes says later in chapter 3 is something good and can be rejoiced in.

Fraternally,

Br. Paul Rhoads
Worshipful Master
Eola # 207 F.&A.M.