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Dear Brethren
No, I have not forgotten you but have been somewhat pre-occupied with the Royal Arch, and the Annual Convocation of The Grand Chapter of British Royal Arch Masons in Germany.
The Royal Arch has been described as the most sacred part of Masonry and the root, heart and marrow of Masonry. The GRAMG is a Sovereign Order and the recent Annual Convocation attracted visitors from no less than 7 different Grand Chapters- Ireland, Scotland, England, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and Greece and with apologies from 5 others. We also recently consecrated a new Chapter in Budapest
Brethren suitably qualified should give consideration to making the Royal Arch their next step.
And so back to Lodge Niederrhein and what has happened since October.
Lodge Niederrhein remains cosmopolitan and continues to carry out the Emulation ritual in the English language. We attract brethren from the four corners of this wonderful planet and continue to strive for excellence. We as a Lodge, in tradition with all the lodges I have ever been a member, accept that when a candidate for initiation is available and suitably approved he should be initiated into our Mysteries at the earliest opportunity even if it means having an additional meeting to conduct other business such as a Passing, Raising or lecture from a Visiting Brother.
I will now repeat some aspects of what I wrote some months ago.
“Because of the problem of time and the distances from the Lodge where brethren live tended to make Lodges of Instruction practice meetings, but brethren it would be arrogant if any of us considered that is where we should stop. We should have a Lodge of Instruction where we could learn more about this incredible journey we have embarked upon. There is no hurry. We should travel at our own pace. Above all, have fun. Enjoy the journey. Most of the tine I do. Maybe one day the four local Lodges, Niederrhein. Bond of Friendship, Star of Saxony and New Absalom will form a Lodge of Instruction for a monthly meeting where we can improve our Emulation working.” Brethren in my new role as Junior Grand Warden I am working on this project.
In November, we carried out a Second degree with Brother Chris N. becoming a Fellowcraft. In December, Glyn took the chair and in an impressive ceremony raised Brother Chandra to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason. Well done all but especially Chandra, Glyn and Jörg-Thomas whose rendition of the Traditional History was superb.
We were both honoured and blessed by the visit of W Brother Mike B. whose rendition of the Eclesiates was outstanding and dear W Brother Jim C., both non resident brethren. We additionally had three new Joining brethren from England- Brother John R.( from Sussex) who was present and Worshipful Brothers Jim H. and Eddy W. from Manchester. They are most welcome and we are delighted to have these new non residents amongst us.
Brethren, please keep studying that little book and continue to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. The ritual in that book is the key.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, peaceful New Year. Please come back in the New Year, suitably refreshed, and ready to support Worshipful Brother Ronaldo in the Ritual for the remaining four meetings before the installation in June.
With Brother Chandra our latest Master Mason in mind, I would like to quote from the great Mahatma Gandhi
“Happiness is when what you think,
What you say,
And what you do
Are in harmony.”
God bless you all
S&F
David
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