Volunteering for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Volunteering for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
Volunteering for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Morning Star's New Banner

Morning Star's New Banner
Morning Star's New Banner

The Front View of the Worcester Masonic Center

The Front View of the Worcester Masonic Center
The Front View of the Worcester Masonic Center

Close-Up view of the Worcester Masonic Center

Close-Up view of the Worcester Masonic Center
Close-Up view of the Worcester Masonic Center

MSL's Annual Table Lodge

MSL's Annual Table Lodge
MSL's Annual Table Lodge

Friday, March 27, 2015

Master's Message - April 2015


This month I would like explore the foundational question, “Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason?” The answer is of course, “In my heart.” Although this question can sometimes be glossed over as just a simple inquiry amidst a series of rhetorical responses, this is no idle or unmeaning ceremony; it establishes the basis for all that is possible for each mason and by transference for the Craft as a whole. As a fraternity we are indeed the sum of our parts; the richness we enjoy in lodge is made fuller by what we glean from each other as well as from the Supreme Architect of the Universe.

The ritual, the symbolism, the allegory are all vehicles for an interested brother to explore the depth of this quest for enlightenment. What is the philosophical purpose of this exploration of self? Is it simply an intellectual journey, or is it intended to be more substantive? Are we not seeking a transformation of our conscience as well?  Truly the lessons of Freemasonry are intended to transform not only the mind but the heart. We teach brotherly love, relief and truth, we explore temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice as the tenets and virtues we believe distinguish us from others; these are values that begin and end in the hearts of men. Many tremendously intellectual men have no capacity for these attributes. You there stand a just and upright Mason because these principles have meaning to you in your heart; they are what you came here to do; improve yourself in Masonry.

During the month of April, we have the opportunity to pass on these truths to the next seekers of enlightenment. On Saturday April 11th from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM Morning Star Lodge in conjunction with Quinsigamond Lodge will host our biannual “Open House”. The majority of new masons are referred by friends and family to the Craft.   These open houses are a great opportunity for every current Mason to extend an invitation to a potential worthy candidate to come to the lodge and “ask” and explore the opportunities of Freemasonry. This invitation is truly a heartfelt gift of opportunity; please take the time to extend this gift.

We will conduct our Regular Communication on Tuesday April 7 and a nominating committee will be formed to validate next year’s slate of elected officers in accordance with the by-laws. We will have a brief rehearsal for the upcoming Fellow Craft degree following the business meeting, in anticipation of a 2nd degree on Tuesday April 21st for two candidates! Please remember that on Thursday April 16th at 7:00 PM we have our annual Exemplification. All elected and appointed officers are required to attend. If any of the officers cannot be present, they need to let me know ASAP so that I can inform the DDGM.

Finally, I would like to recognize and congratulate R.W. Bob Johnson on receiving the Joseph Warren medal this past month. There is no doubt that Bob exemplifies the very best attributes of those principles listed above, and is a shining example of how the Cardinal Virtues are implanted in the essence of a man, not simply the intellect. 

With warm regards,

John F. Sullivan, Master 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Open House - Saturday, April 11th



Please come join us at Morning Star Lodge and learn more about Freemasonry! We are located at 1 Ionic Ave in Worcester, Massachusetts - and will be hosting tours of our historic building!!

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Master's Message - March 2015

Shakespeare wrote in Richard the Third, “Now is the winter of our discontent. Made glorious summer by this son of York…” Well I for one am willing to label the first two months of 2015 and its horrendous weather as the true “winter of our discontent!” Enough already with the snow! About all we can do at this point is dream of a “glorious summer” when and if the snow should ever melt! Alas, we shall toil on….

And toil on we will! March is full of promise and hope for warmer days and fewer flakes. With it, we have some work to do in the Lodge! We will have our first Fraternal visit from the new District Deputy Grand Master of the 23rd Masonic District, Right Worshipful Gregory L. Stahl at our regular communication on Tuesday March 3rd. This looks to be a grand night as we will recognize our 50-year veteran’s medal recipients. Three of our brothers are now residing out-of-state, and have already received their medals and pins. I hope many of you will show up and be present for the ceremony!

I implore every local member of Morning Star Lodge to make an effort to come to the lodge at least once this Masonic year; not only to support the candidates, but also to support and acknowledge all the hard working members who keep the lodge going week after week, month after month, year after year! We preserve the traditions and the grandeur of our historic lodge for ALL of the brothers who have taken the obligation on our altar, and that includes ALL of you. Without you, there is no fraternity; only history. History is a lovely thing, but fraternity is far better.

We are planning on conducting another Entered Apprentice degree in March for two to possibly up to four candidates! We will then look to April for the 2nd degree, and May and/or June to raise the new brothers to the sublime degree! Warning to all the past Master’s, R.W. Bob Johnson keeps encouraging me to consider a Past Master’s degree night, and that may be our best opportunity!

Please also note, all lodges will host an Open House on Saturday April, 11th beginning at 09:00 AM. If you know a worthy man interested in learning more about the craft, and thus seeking his own personal journey of growth and friendship, the Open House is a great introduction to our beloved fraternity. The following week we will have our First Degree Exemplification, Thursday April 16th at 07:00 PM at the Worcester building, all Master Masons are welcome.

Best Regards,
John F. Sullivan, Master