A.F. & A.M. (G.R.C.) No. 561

Tag: Sam Roberts

Master’s Message, May 2017

My Brethren,

The snow has gone the trees are blooming and the days are longer. Spring is finally here and with it, the end of my time in the east as Master of this lodge. What a year we have had. From our Empty Chair ceremony to the honouring of a worthy and deserving Past Master. This year we all laughed, we all worked and we all learned. As I reflect on this year, I am constantly reminded of the opportunities I had to apply the lessons in our rituals and ceremonies to gain a stronger understanding of the principles of Freemasonry. This my brethren is what makes use the pillars of society.

Along the way, I watched as many of you rise to new challenges, became leaders, stepped out of your comfort zones but most of all, supported each other. With this and the support you have given me, you all made this year a great and memorable one for me; as my first time in the Master’s chair. For this, I thank you.

Our Emergent meeting saw the election of W Bro Jeff Campbell and his team to lead Acacia into the ensuing Masonic year. He has an excellent team assembled and I look forward to the coming year under his leadership. I now you will all support him as you have supported me. Congratulations on your election and the best of luck to you and your team!

Finally, my brethren, a very good brother who has passed to the Grand Lodge above told me that when the Tyler knocks the lodge is a place of peace and harmony. We are more than just a handshake. We are and strive to be the embodiment of brotherly love, relief and truth.

Thank you all for your support and have a wonderful, summer with your families.

Fraternally,
W.Bro. Sam Roberts
Worshipful Master

Master’s Message, April 2017

My Brethren,

Last month was another great meeting. Brother Derek Brook was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason by the Shrine Degree Team. Brother Derek ably proved his proficiency in the former degree. It’s clear there was a great deal of work and dedication by Brother Brook and his sponsors. A job well done. Congratulations!

Next month we will have both a Regular and Emergent meeting. Our regular meeting will be our customary election of the officers of the ensuing Masonic year. As spring is the beginning of a new season so is elections the beginning of establishing the leadership of our lodge for the next Masonic year.

Our emergent meeting will give the newly elected and appointed officers an opportunity to flex their muscles in their new positions. I hope to see a goodly number of you out to support them.

As I mentioned, the Shrine degree team conducted an excellent degree for our Brother Derek Brook. Not only was this an opportunity to see this team conduct excellent work but also a time to learn about the philanthropy the Shrine is known for. It brings to mind the virtue of charity. In our daily lives we are regularly approached by people, co-workers, organizations, etc. requesting financial support. I think charity is not only the change you put in the Tim Horton Children’s foundation box but also the genuine kindness you show to all human beings. I personally know the depth a smile can give when you give a coffee to a homeless person, help someone with a flat tire or even simply assisting someone with heavy bags. Those random acts of genuine kindness will contribute to our growth not only as Masons but as pillars of society.

In closing, we’ve all heard, charity begins at home, pay it forward, do unto others as you would have done unto you, etc. Consider this, charity; “the Mason who is in possession of this virtue may be deemed to have arrived at the summit of Masonry.” Thank you for your support!

Fraternally,

W Bro. Sam Roberts
Worshipful Master

Master’s Message, March 2017

My Brethren,

Our last regular meeting was fantastic!! I know that W. Bro. Bruce Quinney was not just surprised but completely shocked! The word went out and brethren came out of the woodworks to be part of this wonderful evening. As you know Bruce is that silent brother who lends support where and whenever possible. He is truly a kind, individual who makes me want to be a better person. I want to thank you all for your participation, especially R.W. Bro. “Shepherd on the Hill” Burchill for ringing the dinner bell and getting the Hillbillies out. Also, W. Bro. “Magoo” Chris Statham for piling the Klowns into a tiny car to be there. The excellent words of remembrance by V.W. Bro’s Gordon and Jackson and W. Bro’s Lillico and Morrison had a very positive impact. Finally, Thanks to W Bro Rob Uhrig for helping to end the night on a positive note.

Brethren, March will be here in a matter of hours! On March 8th, we’ll be taking the travelling gavel to St John’s Lodge, Carlton Place. When Doric Lodge brought the gavel to Acacia, they had a strong contingent. I hope that we at Acacia can muster up a group of at least the perfect number to bring the gavel to St John’s. St John’s will be tiling at 1930 Hrs.

Our next regular meeting will see our worthy brother, Bro Derek Brook, raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. No need to panic as the Shrine Degree team will be conducting the ceremony. As we are coming to the end of the year, I look back and see you have done excellent work at every meeting! You have shown dedication to the lodge and supported me. In March, we’ll let the Shrine do the work and you my brethren, rest. This will also be an opportunity to learn about the Shrine and the great work they do. Enjoy the evening! If you’re part of the Shrine degree team, thank you for your great work!!

Lastly, this month I saw the heart of our lodge come forward. Three of our brethren lost a loved one. I saw offers of condolences of all forms as well as brethren at the celebration of life. It’s clear we’re there for each other, when we need that hand, when we want that hand and when we don’t want that hand but know it’s always there to help. Lastly, this month I saw the heart of our lodge come forward. Three of our brethren lost a loved one. I saw offers of condolences of all forms as well as brethren at the celebration of life. It’s clear we’re there for each other, when we need that hand, when we want that hand and when we don’t want that hand but know it’s always there to help.

Fraternally,

W Bro. Sam Roberts
Worshipful Master

Master’s Message, November 2016

Brethren,

I hope that you and your families are well and preparing for the winter season. Last month, the regular and emergent meetings were excellent. Our Director of Ceremonies, led us through a first-rate Rusty Mason Night. It was a successful evening of interactive review and discussion. Many Thanks to W. Bro. Rob Uhrig for such an exceptional evening.

Our emergent meeting saw Bro. Derek Brook being passed to the second degree. Bro. Brook’s work was of an superb standard and reflected well on the efforts of his sponsors. The work of the degree team was also of the highest standard. Well done by all.

This month will be a busy one. The work of our regular meeting will be an Empty Chair Ceremony. We will pay our respects to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice during the wars and those brethren who have passed to the Grand Lodge Above. As this will be in conjunction with Remembrance Day, past and present service members may wear medals and decorations in accordance with the Constitution. There will be a practice in the lodge room for those involved in Saturday November 12th.

The work of our emergent meeting will be to initiate Mr. Joel Porter into Ancient Freemasonry. There will be a degree team practice on the 19th of November in the lodge room. This is another great opportunity to support the lodge by getting involved in the degree team. Please let me know if there are any pieces of work you’d like to try.

Lastly brethren, remember when you are in lodge you are among brothers. We are all here to support each other and experience the principles of Freemasonry – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. I appreciate your dedication to Acacia.

W.Bro. Sam Roberts
Worshipful Master

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