From the East

Greetings from the East,

In March, we had a busy month. We had two First Degree Initiations, both degrees went great. Let us again welcome our two new brothers, Brother Jerry Hayes initiated March 16 and Brother Shahin Mogharab, initiated on March 23. Both brothers display a high level of enthusiasm towards masonry, which is fueling them to a solid start on their masonic journey. Thank you to all those who participated in these events, (attending is participating). And thank you to our Officers who have been working hard to provide an excellent ritual for our Lodge. We are looking forward to having another First Degree in April. 

Another exciting event in March was Worshipful Brother Cecil Jaquess PM receiving his Hiram Award. Thank you to all those who attended, and a big thank you to those that assisted with this event, we could not have made this a successful event without you.

Looking ahead, this month we, Natoma Lodge, along with our Rainbow girls, will be participating in the annual egg stuffing event for the Folsom Community Parks and Recreation, on Wednesday April 5. This helps prepare for the community event on Saturday, April 8, the Festival of Eggs. Stay tuned to your email for more information about the booth we will have at the Festival of Eggs.

And finally, please check out Jr. Warden Lukas's article below for details about our delicious Stated Meeting dinner menu and please remember to RSVP.

Please have a great April 2023, feel free to contact me, 916-990-1469.

Thank you, stay safe.

From the West

What is the tenet called Masonic Relief?

noun

1. a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress. "Much to her relief, she saw the door open."
2. assistance, especially in the form of food, clothing, or money, given to those in special need or difficulty. "raising money for famine relief" (Oxford Dictionary)

From its inception, Freemasons have been taught to help distressed brothers and other people as long as they can do so without injury to their families, those dependent on them, and to give their support to when possible to other charities. It is our participation in the life of the community, without recognition or publicity, is what first earned Freemasonry an image that we are men of good will.

“To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds is the great aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections."

As Masons, we should do our best to help others navigate the challenges in their path, if not remove them altogether. Sometimes, Relief takes the form of a kind word at the right time. Most Masonic Relief is of this nature and is rarely, if ever, talked about. Helping an older neighbor clean up their yard after bad weather, paying for a veteran’s meal anonymously or stopping to assist a family with a flat tire on the side of the road. As Masons, we do not seek notoriety for our Relief work, because we believe that offering Relief should not be a circumstance to be celebrated but the way that we are supposed to behave and conduct ourselves. We should emphasize relief as a working principle, to make a good man better and consequently happier.

To give comfort, encouragement, hope, kindness, patience, praise, sympathy, and understanding may be better than a monetary gift to alleviate distress. Perhaps no other kind of relief is more needed in our troubled world. The poor in spirit may endure greater pain than the financially poor. We might be tempted to say “It’s none of my business.” But a word of sympathy and a show of compassion, tactful but practical advice, understanding and encouragement might be of greater value.

Whether it is a monetary donation or an attentive ear and kind word, Relief requires an individual commitment to a way of thinking and feeling which will affect a man’s personal relationships with every other human being, because every man has some need which requires love and understanding.

From the South

Hello Brethren and Ladies,

No fooling, It’s April already. We had a very productive and entertaining March. Two new brothers were initiated. So again, join me in welcoming Brother Jerry Hayes and Brother Shahin Mogharab to the best lodge in the West. I have no doubt they are excited to get to know everyone and us, them.

On the 25^th we had an amazing ceremony celebrating our 2023 Hiram Award recipient, Worshipful Cecil Jacquess (photos right). Our Master of ceremonies, Worshipful Joe Nielson, gave an excellent presentation on Worshipful Jacquess and his accomplishments with the fraternity and the appellate bodies. Congratulations, Worshipful Jacquess, you have, and continue to serve the brotherhood with honor and distinction.

As we look at the month of April, we started the month off great with our Lodge breakfast on Saturday, April 1. Price is still $5, no April Fools here, unless you missed out on this awesome time to eat a spectacular meal. So please, remember to join us every first Saturday of the month from 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. at the lodge. Invite a friend or four (!) to dine with you.

Stated Meeting Dinner on Thursday, April 6 is going to be a traditional ham dinner, with scalloped potatoes, vegetable medley, corn on the cob and of course, some bread rolls. RSVP’s will be going out soon and of course you can always reach out to me with questions. No comments or concerns though. Those go in the lodge suggestion box.

We will be helping this year with Folsom City’s Festival of Eggs (formally Spring Eggstravaganza). The event will be on April 8^th from 8am-11am at Lembi Park. The lodge is planning on setting up a booth with some games and discussion topics for the people in the area. If you can come help set up that will be great. More details to come on that, so pay attention to your emails if you are interested. Or better yet, make sure you come to the Stated Meeting on Thursday, April 6 for up-to-date information.

I know that I will see many of you soon, and I will say this still. Have a safe and wonderful Easter.

Until next month, fraternally and By the Plumb,

Noel Lukas

Junior Warden

From the Northeast Corner

Greetings Brethren:

First, a big welcome to our first three Entered Apprentices of 2023, Brother Greg Lane, Brother Jerry Smith Hayes, and Brother Shahin Mogharab. We also have more EA’s on the way.

I have also been thinking a lot about what it means to be a Mason. For me it’s all about participation - the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become involved and to assist in the advancement of men like me who are seeking to belong to an organization that is committed to community and the continuation of traditions that are centuries old.

So, with this in mind, now is the time for all good Masons to come to the aid of their fellows. Just let me know of your interest and the rest will be easy.

Fraternally Yours,

Joe Freidson P.M.

Head Candidates Coach

From Natoma Rainbow Assembly #90

Hello Natoma #64!

Natoma Rainbow was Broadway bound to Grand Assembly April 1 - 4 in Visalia. Lots of preparation, performances, and accomplishments kept our ladies busy. A few pictures are included below, but you can check out all the event excitement on the California Rainbow for Girls Facebook page.