April 2016

Wardens and Brethren,
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                Greetings from the East! I enjoyed seeing all the brothers at our last stated communication, and it was great to meet our brothers from across the river and through the woods in Stonington. They were impressed by our ritual work (and it was an outstanding job!) and their EA thought it was interesting to see how the Rhode Island degree differs from the Connecticut one. I look forward to a reciprocal visit to Coastal #57.

                 We initiated Brother Tim Cavanaugh as an Entered Apprentice, and his time in the quarries has commenced under the tutelage of our Senior Deacon. We will bring him into the Middle Chamber in June.

                  Thank you to those who joined Laura and I at the Winter Warmer. It was a good time, with excellent food. Thanks to the generosity of Bro. Stephen T. McGuire, R.:W.: Deputy Grand Master and his Lady Maureen, who donated 6 baskets our able auctioneer for the evening, R.:W.: Bro. Carl E. Richards, was able to raise $600! Carl also donated some of the largest eggs I have seen come from a chicken. The money will go to the Jonnycake Centers of Westerly and Peace Dale.
            
                    Our Deputy District Grand Master, R.:W.: Douglas J. Grant, will be making two visitations to Charity (April 13 – the night after our meeting) and Hope (April 21 – the next Thursday). I don’t know what the programs will be, but they are usually interesting and worth going out for the evening. I hope you can come out and support our DDGM.

                    Our program for April will be a joint presentation by Mr. Paulo DaSilva and Mr. Steven Conlan on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mr. DaSilva and Mr. Conlan work at the Providence Regional Office and Veteran’s Administration Hospital. As we spend this year bettering our house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens I am aware that some of our friends and brothers have cracks in their foundations that we cannot see. It is important to understand what we, as Masons, can do to offer good counsel in their ears while respecting their dignity.

“I know I cannot enter all you feel nor bear with you the burden of your pain. I can but offer what my love does give – the strength of caring, the warmth of one who seeks to understand. This I do in quiet ways – that on your lonely path you may not walk alone.” - Howard Thurman; author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader

Fraternally,
Bro. Eric B. Ross
Worshipful Master, Franklin #20