As November ushers in the Christmas month, our cherished Crocker Lodge 212 is gearing up for a season of vibrant events, fellowships, and social gatherings. Brethren and their families will once again convene at the Lodge, united in the spirit of togetherness, to celebrate the Yuletide season.

Amidst the excitement of planning activities to enhance the festive season, I, as the Junior Warden, am diligently preparing for the recognition of the Hiram Awardee for the year 2023. I knew the Worshipful Master found himself in a dilemma, tasked with identifying the awardee from a pool of dedicated brethren, officers, and individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of service. It’s important to note that these individuals rendered their service without any expectation of compensation. We acknowledge historical misconceptions surrounding such matters, but we are committed to moving past them and focusing on our shared Masonic journey.

During a recent address by our Grand Orator, Worshipful David G. Rathgeber, I was captivated by his oratorical prowess and the thematic essence of his message. For those who were unable to attend, I am pleased to share the core of his oration with you: “Fulfillment of our Obligation.” Worshipful Rathgeber’s message served as a poignant reminder of our moral duty as Masons. He emphasized that from the Perambulation to the Obligation, the Lecture, and the Charges, we are obligated to embody the principles we profess.

He urged us to continue our Masonic education, underscoring the importance of not only listening to the lectures but also practicing their teachings. The same applies to the Charges. We are called to be Masons not merely in name but in action, with the aim of allowing every moral and social virtue to bind us together.

It is imperative that we do not stray from our Masonic path by neglecting the cardinal virtues we vowed to uphold. Masonry is not just a title or a membership; it is a way of life. It is about fostering unity rather than forming divisive cliques or falling prey to false solidarity. False solidarity can be detrimental, eroding the very fabric of not just our fraternal brotherhood but even our families. It is elitist, gangsterism, and condescending. True Masons are better than that!

The Blue Lodge has already united us under common tenets, virtues, and obligations. While we all meet on the same level, the plumb line ensures our uprightness, and the square integrates us into the circle. We should not venture beyond these boundaries, as darkness lies outside the circle.

In this Christmas season, let us reflect on these Masonic principles, renew our commitment to one another, our obligations, and our covenant, and embrace the unity and values that define our Fraternity.

Epistles from South.