June 2017

Wardens and Brethren-
 
                This month marks an incredible milestone for Freemasonry. For it was 300 years ago, on St. John the Baptist day, June 24th, 1717 that four existing London Lodges came together and met at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern and there they constituted and formed the first Grand Lodge. To think of how far Freemasonry has grown since then is amazing. There have been challenges and hardships for the craft over the centuries, but it’s been the dedication of the countless brethren who believe in the teachings of Masonry that have kept our light burning. Some people would argue that Masonry is heading in a downward trend because there aren’t as many members that there once was, but I believe that the craft is as strong now as then because it’s the quality of Masons that the craft has today, not the quantity. 
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            Speaking of quality Masons, this month Franklin Lodge will be conferring the entered apprentice degree on one worthy candidate. Even though he is young, at just 18  years old, you get the sense of excitement he has when talking to him. Our candidate Christian is eager to learn and become a mason as his grandfather before him and to visit the lodge in which he belonged and to try to get information on his Masonic career. Personally, I know that’s it’s exciting to find a relative’s information in the archives of a lodge, I did the same thing a couple years ago when I visited my great-grandfathers lodge and was able to read the minutes when he was Raised and to see his signature in their bylaws. 

               Finally, as we get ready to go dark for the summer, I do want to remind everyone that the Southern District Welcome Event for RW Rick Baccus and RW Rick Lynch is on Sunday August 6th at 4pm at a CT Tigers game in Norwich CT. All are invited and the ticket costs are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Anyone can see me for tickets, or they can be purchased at franklin20.org/store.
 
Fraternally and Respectfully,
Bro. Ralph E. Brunson
Master
Franklin Lodge #20