March 2005

Where are you?  In recent emails, that is the question most asked.  I am  still here, but had to work the 24 inch gauge more than usual in the last two months.   Regrettably, I was not able to update the site as much as I would have liked, but that is ok.  During my two-month hiatus, I was able to come up with some new ideas for this website as I move forward.  Many probably think change will never come, but it takes time to work out fine details, build and then launch.  One of the major current issues is finding technology that is easy to maintain and converted from one form to another.  

My dream is have an information site that is updated on a daily, basis.  I have a clear plan in mind, but it may take a while to reach.  In the meantime, I have uploaded 17 new files for you to peruse at your leisure. 

Also, please check out our advertising section for information about a work associate:  http://www.donahspassions.com.  If you have ever read one of our brochures, she had a hand in the creation.  This is not Masonic in nature, but Freemasons come from all walks of life (this is one of the great things about Freemasonry).  See the advertising section for more details.

On that note, if you want to place your advert in this newsletter, let me know via the contact page.  This is a Free service first offered many years ago.  (We reserve the right to reject any submission for any reason.)  
 

 SPECIALS!

The upgrade to the Assistant Secretary database will launch this month.  The upgrade will cost a little higher than the current version, but you can lock in pricing since our special: purchase the Assistant Secretary MB (current version) and receive the next upgrade free! 

Assistant Secretary 3 (new version) will include (in addition to current features) ability to email letters, import/export,  create your own reports, added a rank field, and much more.   This new version is power-packed with features!

For more information on the upgrade, click here:

http://www.assistantsecretary.com/updates/updateAS3.htm
 

Labor

One readily admits, as Mackay says, "it is one of the most beautiful features of the Masonic institution that it teaches not only the necessity but the nobility of labor.  We learn to apportion the hours of our day to their proper objects, we learn that skill without exertion is of little avail, we learn that perseverance is necessary to establish perfection."  However, we also know that such philosophy is often abused by suave employers who have the reins in their hands, who drive to sweating and apply such a salve.  However, Mackay goes on to say that Masonry does not teach the equality of useful- ness of different forms of labor, but merely the inherent value of useful activity.  The individual places himself or is placed by circumstances on his economic, intellectual or spiritual level, but, on any level, he can learn the lesson of the trestle board, "the acknowledged symbol of divine law, in accordance with whose decree labor was originally instituted as the common lot of all; and therefore the important lesson....is that to labor well and truly, to labor honestly and persistently, is the object and chief end of all humanity....."

Bro. V.S. Stevens, of the Toronto Society of Masonic Research, P. 40.
 

MASONICSOFTWARE.COM - Site with all your Masonic Software, Music and Board Game needs! Now earn money with our new affiliate program! 

DONÁHS PASSIONS - http://www.donahspassions.com   This is a link for a work associate who helped me with design work at MasonicSoftware.com.  She is originally a designer, but started her own company making excellent body oils, balms, Shea body butter, etc.    The logo may throw some off, but the owner is not a Mason and the logo was made long before I knew of the company. 

I would really appreciate if you could take time to visit the site and pass the url to others who might be interested.  In addition, she wants to expand her business into additional stores and other websites… if you can help, please click here to send an email: sales@donahspassions.com (For the record:  I do not have a financial interest in the company.)
 

Blue Lodge Masonry

DEALING WITH OUR MASONIC DESTINA

FREEMASONRY AND JUDAISM

FROM THE GRAND EAST

THE PROGRAM IN PENNSYLVANIA

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND

SOLICITATION

Solicitation A Solution

HENRY CLAY

Lets Go Out And Sell Freemasonry

THE MILITARY AND FREEMASONRY

MOTHER LODGE

NOTES ON ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN V

PRAYER

WE ARE BUILDERS

New Officers

Congratulations to all the new officers this year. 

Not paid your dues in a while or getting behind?

If you have not paid your dues in a while or got off to a bad foot this year, it is still early.  Please contact your lodge to pay your dues/arrears for 2005.  We receive emails all the time from Brothers just like you who have fallen to the side.  The lodge will welcome you with open arms.    

Even if you find yourself busy due to family, work, etc. and not able to attend meetings, please keep your dues up to date.   

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Brother Mathews