From The East

Early in April, I attended the Grand Lodge communication along with many brothers from throughout the state. Also attending were representatives of the Shriners, Scottish Rite, Tall Cedars, Knights Templar, Etc. One common thread running through these organizations, aside from all being Masonic, was charity. Each group has their own specific charitable cause. Charity is usually thought of as giving to or relieving a need. It is most often defined as a generous act or donation to a needy person, organization or cause. When we consider it as one of our first Masonic lessons and a principle of Freemasonry it takes on a slightly different meaning. Charity as applied to Freemasonry is different; it embraces affection and good will toward all men, especially the brethren.

We not only relieve a brother’s needs, but fellowship with him, advise, and lift him morally and spiritually, with no sense of humiliation. Charity should be the distinguishing characteristic of every Freemason. The practice of this virtue most nearly reveals man’s kinship to God. To such charity there is reciprocity of brotherly love and affection.

Fraternally,

Edwin Michaloski WM