We have each and all, on some level, acknowledged that we are stronger together than we are when apart, otherwise, why join a Lodge, or this fraternity?  Conversely Brethren, we are weaker when we are apart than when we are together.  However, our actions have consequences.  When our Cable Tow prevents from us from being in Lodge those Brethren that are able to attend are those who form the degree team, assist in the labours of the Lodge, experience the fraternity of the Lodge, and contribute to the singing & merriment of the afternoon.  Additionally, those Brethren that are in Lodge are the ones that get to enjoy Lodge.  I am reminded of that phrase often cited to Apprentices “You get back more than you put in”…the key lies in putting time in…taking time, for yourselves, to stop, and enjoy the company of your Brethren.  For those of you who were unable to attend, we had a great meeting.  I hope that for the May meeting all Brethren can check both their Cable Tows & what they are attached to, and if at all possible, I hope to see you at the May Table Lodge meeting as it looks to be an enjoyable and festive affair.

I look forward to seeing you and your guests in attendance!

Fraternally,

Shannon Skov-Rackette, W.M.

April looks to be a busy month with the Masonic Workshop in Kananaskis, our Fellowcraft degree the week following, as well as plenty of opportunity for visiting throughout the month. As we “toil” throughout our daily lives, let pause to consider some basic tenets.

We toil in various spheres of life, from personal, to business, recreational, and to Masonic life, and may even blend the spheres, or have varying combinations, but do we achieve balance in doing so? Do we consider our allotted time, and parcel it out accordingly? Do we make a daily advancement in our allotted tasks?

As we labour, do we have a purpose in mind, or are our efforts aimless? Is there an end to our labours? And if we succeed will we be satisfied? Do we encourage industriousness, reward merit, and strive to set an example for others in all that we do? If we fal1 upon the way, will we be proud of our attempts?

When the paths we’ve travelled are examined, will we be able to say that we claim that our privileges have been earned through our labours and by our acts of merit? Perhaps Albert Einstein said it best when he stated that:

One should guard against preaching to young people success in the customary form as the main aim in life. The most important motive for work in school and in life is pleasure in work, pleasure in its result, and the knowledge of the value of the result to the community.

I look forward to seeing you at our April meeting, and hearing if your toils have been pleasurable!

Fraternally,

Shannon Skov-Rackette, W.M.

This month we celebrate the first day of spring, March 20, and in doing so, a warm embracement of ideologies representing rebirth & renewal. It is fitting that our new Entered Apprentices will be able to celebrate their first month with us under these auspices,During the early lessons of Freemasonry we are introduced to an implement, integral to our nature, but infrequently elaborated upon, namely the cable-tow.

The cable-tow is introduced to the new candidates and several qualities are to be inferred from it, namely, that it has a length, and a material nature as well the physical properties therein imbued, also that it is both symbolic and representative. Historically a cable-tow, or tow, was a thick rope used to move and secure large objects, such as
ships, and varied in length.

From its length individuals are able to measure out their allotted time, and dispense their moments accordingly, From its material nature and diameter we can take advantage of its inherent strengths and tactile yet flexible benefits it may provide. It is both symbolic and representative in that is a symbol of our commitment to the Craft, to each other, as well as to ourselves, while also representing our efforts at contribution and betterment to the fraternity.

The cable-tow of some may be short, but constantly stretched to the limits of its length, while others languish with cable-tows of excessive length, never fully utilizing its full length. To some the cable-tow is fit for binding the largest of ships in a storm, while the tows of others snap in the lightest of winds. But as we are not operative but rather speculative Masons, we may be reminded by the cable-tow of that Obligation we first took, the responsibilities with which it comes, the commitments we are to fulfill, and the benefits which we may now and hereafter receive.

With the upcoming celebration of renewal upon us, let us consider our own cable-tows, are we testing the limits of tows? When at last we are called to the Grand Lodge above, and we have a moment to reflect on our accomplishments, and what has been recorded, will we be satisfied that we gave more than we took?

Brethren, renascentiae!

Fraternally,

Shannon Skov-Rackette, W.M.

With several of our Brethren in the hospitals of late, and W. Bro. Mitty’s recent passing to the Grand Lodge Above, we are reminded of the short time we have to achieve our individuals goals. In our exuberant rush to take on the challenges of the New Year, let us remember to pause a moment and consider our fortunes. Even while at times we might totter on uneven paths, let us look around; mindful of those less fortunate and be thankful for all we have, and thankful too that we have our Fraternal bond.

Bro. MacEachern has been toiling away at the Commercial Lodge website www.commercial81.org, and a Calendar of Events has now been posted, and will be updated throughout the year.

The next month provides us with many opportunities for fellowship; I look forward to seeing many of you on Feb 1 l, at our Annual Ladies Night, Entered Apprentice Degree and on Feb 29 when we host and take part in the Ron Smith Challenge Cup.

Fraternally,

Shannon Skov-Rackette, W.M.

Please RSVP to Jrwarden@commercial81.org

Happy New Year!

I’d like to thank everyone that made the Installation of the Officers in December such a great event! As I look forward to the year ahead and the experiences that it may bring, I can’t help but look around and consider what the Lodge and the Brethren mean to me. I have come to realize it is a place of friendships, tales, and at times, adventures. It is an opportunity to grow, to leam, to hear of times long past, or places far away, it is always an opportunity to experience good times. It is a reminder of commitments made, and goals yet to be achieved. It is an opportunity to be with those whose company I enjoy. As one recent visitor described it, it is o’home away from home.” I look forward to seeing how many guests we can get into our home this year!

To the Brother who has missed a meeting or two: Dear Brother, how are you doing? I hope things are well with you, and that you have kept yourself busy! How is the family doing? Has it been your job keeping you away? What have you been doing with yourself? We’d like to know what you’ve been up to! We’d like to hear your tales! We haven’t seen you around the Lodge as much as we’d like to, so much has changed, so many new brethren, so many old friends, and old friends making new friends, and stories being told! We’ll be getting together this month to see each other again; it sure would be nice to see you there! I know there’ll be some good food, some good company, and now you’ve been given enough time to mark it on the calendar!

Fraternally,

Shannon Skov-Rackette, W.M.

Thinking back over the year, one of my hardest tasks to carry out was splitting the work to be done between the older more accomplished Brethren and the new Brothers. I like to think that in this, I managed quite well.

This lodge that I will be handing on to my successor is very vibrant and successful. The only advice I can give is, keep it that way! But put your own stamp and style onto the chair.

Merry Xmas to All,

Yours Fraternally,

Franklyn Johnson, W.M.

What a step’up meeting! lf this is a sign of things to come then our Lodge can only grow and prosper. Icongratulate Bro Senior Warden and his team for their work.

As the seasons change and Fall comes upon us, I cannot but feel the end of many things – the summer’ the trees showing their magnificent colors of their dying leaves. Boats, campers and golf clubs put away and that all important harvest which we rely on safely taken in. One thing I do miss of the old country is the harvest festival, when the local church would be covered in corn dollies and all God’s gifts of the harvest. Amidst all this talk of endings, there is one constant to me that is unwavering – F’reemasonry. No matter the seasons, the work of Freemasonry goes on endlessly, changing so little over the years that one must scour the old rituals or minutes, or chat with a very senior Brother, to detect these changes.

This, to me, is one of the great beauties of Masonry as we know and practice it.

Yours Fraternally,

Franklyn Johnson, W.M.

That sad part of this is, that when I sit in the Master’s chair of my own lodge, I am too busy to be aware of any feelings of such magnitude.

I do feel it when sitting in the East as a visitor but alas, not in my own lodge. I know that it will return when I no longer have to run the lodge and I am looking forward to its return!

Yours Fraternally,

Franklyn Johnson, W.M.