Master's Messages for
Worship Brother A Wayne Klokis
Jan'01 - Dec'02

January '01

The gavel of Worshipful Master has once again been passed in Lakewood Lodge, and I as recipient, accept it with a glad heart and full of expectation of the work that will fill the next twelve months. I greatly appreciate the kind words of encouragement and acts of support that have helped me to take my place in the East. I will do my best to maintain the proud traditions of Lakewood Lodge, now over 100 years old. I will continue to make Lakewood a lodge to be proud of.

As I gaze out from the East on to the fertile Masonic plains of 2001, I imagine verdant fields where we can plant the seeds of friendship and brotherly love both within our fraternity and without. This is a year in which we have much work to do. This includes continuing to build the ranks of the membership, the ongoing assessment of our position for a new building, and working ever closer with our brothers in other Masonic lodges of the Twentieth District. Aside from work, there will be fun, too. There will be the Spring Charity Dance and the Summer Picnic, both bigger and better than ever.

Just as I have been welcomed into the East with the installation of the new line for 2001, I welcome you all as Members of Lakewood back to your Lodge on meeting nights. We will be reaching out as never before to Members of Lakewood Lodge to encourage your participation as active Members of the lodge. A new year has dawned, make the most of it. I encourage each and every one of you to come out in 2001, so we may welcome you and introduce ourselves as brothers.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

February '01

I recently read what the Dalai Lama, had to say on the Millennium, which began on 01/01/2001. As part of his Mantra he set forth instructions for life in the new Millennium. One of these instructions reads: “Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for all your actions.” A Mason could have written these words. Some of the duties we learn as Masons include being diligent, prudent, temperate and discreet. These all fall within the meanings of respect and responsibility. As we move throughout this new Masonic year, I would urge every brother to keep these words in mind.

The light that we spread as Masons is a light which each of us carries within our own hearts and minds. It is our responsibility to cast this light as far and as wide as possible. It is through our individual deeds and activities that this light burns brighter and casts a wider path for not only ourselves, but for each person we come in contact with. This is our responsibility as Masons.

The Dalai Lama also observes, “ Live a good and honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.”

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

March '01

With March, comes the beginning of spring. Coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb. It is a time when the land begins to through back its mantle of cold and snow and puts forth its earthen arms and reaches out to begin the cycle of life once again. As human beings and as Masons, we should look upon spring as a time of renewal. It is a time of change. Consider it a chance for a fresh start in both thought and action. Make this a month of opportunity, to reach out to your brothers in Lodge, as well as to your fellow man. For, every human being has a Claim upon your kind offices.

Although the spreading of Masonic light knows no particular time of the year, the coming of spring is a particularly good time to make a change. Open your arms to change, while always maintaining your Masonic values. Maybe it’s time to make a change in your life, and a difference in someone else’s life. If you have spare time, volunteer. If you have more than what you need, share it. As the Nike advertisement says, “Just do it.” Making a difference, is how Masons impact the world. It is how the world perceives Masons.

If you haven’t been out to lodge for some time, then make up your mind that this will be the month when you come back to Lodge. Take a look outside your door. As the weather begins to change, don’t be afraid to change with it. You’ll like the difference you make.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

April '01

When I think back to a time prior to my becoming a mason, I always think of those men who inspired me to pursue the illuminated path of masonry. The men I refer to were family relatives as well as family friends and acquaintances. But, what was it about those individuals that caused me to look further into masonry and follow that path that all other masons had traveled before? Basically, it was the enlightened nature of these men that captured my attention. All these men shared a common love of humanity, a love for the fraternity of man that they displayed with compassion, generosity, respect and humility. It was this enlightened demeanor that caused me to gravitate to them. They made me want to be like them. They made me want to be one of them.

Today, as I stand in the East and survey the Masonic horizon, I find it filled with the same attitude that I found alluring, so many years ago. In all our many stages of life we learn through example. It is by showing to the world the good that we can do as masons, that we encourage our fellow man to do good and hopefully encourage them to join our ranks. Today it is more important than ever, to show to the world the enlightened side of masonry. It is by setting a good example that men learn what masonry is all about and will want to emulate.

We must always continue to live and practice the generous principles of the fraternity. We must never take our own eyes off that light. It is by our living in that light that other men see us. And when we are seen, others will want to follow. Be that person, you would want others to be.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

May '01

Life is about choices. Every day we are required to make them. Make the right choice and your happiness is assured. Make the wrong choice and you are left to suffer the consequences. The fact that you are reading this message indicates that at sometime in your past you made the right choice. The choice to become a mason is a choice that some men get to make. However, many men don’t. The reason many don’t, is the lack of opportunity. The fact that some men are not exposed to masons or to the good works that masons do, means they are never presented with the opportunity by which they can make the choice to either become masons or not.

The manner, by which you live your life, is about choices. Live your life by the generous duties of masonry; be diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet. Share your good works with others. It’s the obligation of each mason to enlighten his fellow man about the role that masons play in society. Do this by exemplifying the true spirit of masonry, so that men may want to walk in your footsteps. Living a good Masonic life causes the Inner Light within each man to burn that much brighter. Shine your light on others, so that they too, may be given the opportunity to make the right choice.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

June '01

As we enter into June, with it’s warming breezes and radiant foliage, I find it hard to believe we are this far along in the Masonic year. In June we see our work come to a conclusion for the summer months and we find ourselves involved with the affairs of summer and all the wonderful things that, that entails. As we recess for the next two months, forget not the duties you have heard so “frequently inculcated and so forcibly recommended” in lodge. A Mason is always a Mason, regardless of where ever and with whomever he may find himself.

Shine your Masonic light throughout the summer, hoping that you may light a path back to lodge so that others may want to follow. Think of Masonry while you enjoy your summer. Whether you stay near home or travel far, come back to lodge in September, well rested and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that the remainder of the year, undoubtedly, bring us.

Have a safe, peaceful and blessed summer. See you at our picnic.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

Sep-Oct '01

With the lazy, hazy days of summer behind us, and the cool days of fall before us, it is now time to look forward to the rest of the Masonic year. There is much work that has yet to be done before this year closes. But we need to take a backward glance of where we have been, to better understand of where we are going. Has each of us truly conducted ourselves as Masons in dealing with our brothers, our neighbors, our families and ourselves? We need to look upon our philosophy, our thoughts and behavior to see that we have conducted ourselves in the best Masonic light possible. If for any reason, we think we have not done the best we could have, then we need to reassess and step forward with our best Masonic foot. Always holding steadfast to the ideals of our fraternity.

Let us strive to be those "better men," which Masons strive to make of other good men.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

Nov-Dec '01

The world as we knew it before the events of September 11, is now a memory. The American landscape has been irrevocably changed, literally and figuratively. The madness that is running throughout the world, in the form of terrorism and bio-terrorism, has caused all Americans to rethink their role as citizens of the world. Therefore, it is our duty as citizens and masons to support our government and to lend assistance wherever possible. In all the conflicts that this country has faced thoughout its short history masons have rallied to the cause. The light that masons shine should only burn brighter when the dark clouds of world conflict and domestic strife hang overhead. As Masons and Americans we must show to our fellow citizens that we are the first to stand up and be counted. Let us not forget that masons were among the founding fathers of this nation. Their signs and intentions are still very much a part of the dynamic and democratic fiber that makes up our constitution and laws. The Masonic brotherhood is not fair weathered and will not shrink from the duty that it owes to God and country. Stand up and be counted as an American Mason. Let everyone know who and what you stand for. Be proud.

God bless America.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

January '02

It hardly seems possible, but here we are in 2002. Once again I sit in the East, and humbly accept the privilege and opportunity that has been given to me. As I sit here, I reflect on what has come before and what is yet to be. The events of last year have caused us all to reflect on who we are what we are and where we are going in life. Charles Kettering wrote, "My interest is in the future…because I'm going to spend the rest of my life there." Although we must never forget the lessons of the past, we must always keep our eyes on the horizon ahead. As Masons we have wonderful traditions, rituals and lessons that have been handed down from one generation to the next. It is important to keep those traditions and rituals alive, for they are our connection with those who came before. But we must also be looking ahead, to make sure there will be those to whom we can pass our knowledge on to.

Let this year be one where we set a clear path for the future. For this reason, we must be on the look out for potential members of the fraternity with whom we would welcome sitting next to in lodge. We must shine the light of Masonry wherever and whenever we can. It is only by showing others what we are made of, that we can hope to have good men inquire of membership and grow Masonry well into the future. Always look to the future, because as men and Masons that is where you will spend the rest of your life.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

February '02

With February now upon us, we are now well underway into 2002. As we begin our journey through this year, I am reminded that there have been many changes in the past year with much work yet to be done. As we settle into our new home at Harmony Temple, we continue to investigate plans to build our own lodge building. We are fortunate to have a number of candidates waiting for the EA Degree and we will strive to make 2002 a year of growth and renewal for Lakewood Lodge.

However, just as we must grow Lakewood Lodge, as a fraternity, we must continuously look to grow individually as men and as Masons, for we are Lakewood Lodge. Now is the time to set your personal plan in motion. General George S. Patton said, “A good plan executed right now is far better than a perfect plan executed next week.” Take a look around and see your fellow man, whether he be a Mason or not, and determine what can be done to make a difference in his life. By making a positive impact on other lives we spread “Masonic Light” that enables us to see more clearly the path that we are obligated to walk. That same light lets others see us as Masons and sets us apart from others and hopefully, will make men want to emulate us and join our ranks as good men, striving to be better men.

What have you done lately that makes you think you’re a Mason?

What have you done lately that would make others think you’re a Mason?

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

March '02

George Eliot wrote, " It's never too late to become what you might have been." This can be said of all men, particularly Masons. We all know the truths that lay at the foundation of being a Mason. We are well aware of the pillars that hold up the Brotherhood. When we first came into the fraternity, we may have had high ideals of what a Mason should be, of what we might strive to become. However, after years of progressing through the chairs and then as senior members of the Craft, we may tend to lose some of the enthusiasm we once held. We grow comfortable in our places in life. We tend not to want to reach out of our cloistered surroundings to shine the "Masonic Light" on Brother or stranger. We must not lose sight of what we once expected of the Craft and our roles within it.

We must continue to push ourselves along. We must not become too comfortable with what we have or with what we have become. Although we may be able to recite ritual, it is action that moves us along the path. Although we talk the talk, how many of us walk the walk? Don't expect the next man to shoulder the load alone, for he may be expecting the same of you. In that case, there is no progress. Think back, what moved you as a person to become a Mason?

Now, become that person once again!

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

April '02

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every man believes he has a greater possibility." Was that ever more true of the men that find themselves drawn to Masonry? Isn't the fact that we seek out a Mason and solicit him for entrance in to this great fraternity, evidence of our desire to achieve a greater possibility? Our knocking on the door of the Lodge with our own hand, seeking to be brought to light is our desire to pursue a greater possibility. Our belief in ourselves as good men helps to spur us along in search of being the best we can be. Our involvement in the various good deeds and charitable missions of Masonry, makes us ever more open to those greater possibilities.

As we work our way through the various stations of the lodge gaining more light in Masonry we are always moving toward the center. Truth lay at the center of this fraternity. With the truth and the light we gain, we hope to make possibilities become realities for ourselves and those around us. The virtues that we hold important, are those same virtues that others find so appealing in Masons. I would encourage each brother to look within himself and ask, what greater possibility can I achieve as a man and a Mason?

You may be pleasantly surprised to find that it doesn't take much work at all.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

May '02

How often is it that we take things for granted in life? We all too, often take for granted our status in the community, our relationship with our family and perhaps mostly importantly our health. We assume that because things are good, they will remain good, with little or no input on our behalf. This is a dangerous assumption. It reminds me of that old saw, you never miss the old well till it runs dry. Perhaps that can also be said for the relationship we hold with our lodge and Masonry in general. As Masons we tend to our daily routines and attend lodge meetings twice a month, all the time assuming the work with in lodge will get done, and events will take care of themselves. Involvement and activity by all Masons is the only way that good things happen. We take for granted that the good works that Masons do, will automatically be done. But done by whom? As Masons we have an obligation not only to the fraternity and our brothers, but to the community that surrounds us. As you make your way through your day, look beyond your own borders and reach out to your neighbor. Or better yet, reach out to a stranger. Don't take for granted the fact that good deeds just happen. As Masons, our ability to make things happen is multiplied many fold by the fact that we are part of greatest fraternity know to man. Get involved. The change will do you good. "Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices."

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

June '02

June is here and summer is right around the corner. Some of us are already making plans to take summer vacations with our families and friends. Others are looking forward to grilling in our back yards, or heading to the beach to get away from the heat. Regardless of where you find yourself this summer, it is hoped you will take your Masonic light with you. I often refer to shining your Masonic light on others as if it were a flashlight or beacon. But that is exactly what it is. It is a lamp of faith, hope, charity and brotherly love that each of us has the obligation to shine upon our fellow man, Mason and non-Mason alike.

Wherever the road takes you this summer, don't be afraid to let people know you are a Mason, pure and simple. Wear that T-shirt, hat or belt buckle displaying the Masonic emblem and let people get a good look at you. However, nothing let's people know you are a Mason more than the actions and good deeds you perform for others. Extend a hand to your fellow man. Perform some random act of kindness. Let that light shine far and wide. It pays to advertise. Come back in September, relaxed refreshed and ready to carry on.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and blessed summer.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

September '02

I sincerely hope your summer was an enjoyable and safe one. It is hard to believe September is here already. As we move on to the remainder of the Masonic year, I can’t help but wonder, where has the year gone? However, there is much work ahead of us. Therefore, I would ask you to take a deep breath of the late summer winds, stick your chest out, put one foot in front of the other and continue on that life long walk toward the light of Masonry. Masonry is a life long pursuit of learning your craft and learning who you are within it. Remember that you are always within it and never outside of it. Whether you are meeting in lodge, attending a Masonic function or at work or at pleasure Masonry should always be a part of who you are and what you do. It should serve as the moral compass for the manner in which you act and speak. As you meet people throughout your life you should leave them with the impression, that once having met you, they would enjoy meeting you again. Masons should serve as the model by which all men can be measured.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

October '02

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."-Winston Churchill.

As Masons we do not select a man based upon his wealth, talent, intelligence, or grace. He doesn't have to be a great orator or statesman or a man of great standing within his neighborhood or community at large. But rather all he needs to be is worthy and well qualified. All he requires is the desire. Once he has passed the threshold of freemasonry as a member chosen for it secrets and mysteries, he becomes qualified to all the rights and benefits of masonry. His qualifications know no bounds as he rises through the degrees and stations within the lodge. He becomes further qualified by his desire to advance and gain more Masonic knowledge and light. In doing so, he advances within Masonry and within the wider realm of mankind. The light that begins as a burning ember in the hearts of Masons grows with time and wisdom. It is the passing of this light to others that marks a Mason, man among men. Reach out and shine your light. Give all that you can.

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02

November '02

When asked to volunteer for a particular service or function, I often hear men reply, “I can’t do that” or “I’m not capable of doing that.” They mean that they feel they don’t possess the skill or ability or talent to do the job. This is the excuse we provide ourselves because we don’t have the confidence to give a credible performance in the job. They don’t want to give less then they feel is required. They consider themselves “not qualified.” Don’t let self doubt keep you from giving your best in your Masonic life or your personnel life. If you wait until you are qualified in most things in life, you will be sitting on the sidelines for a long time. Get up and volunteer. Put yourself out there to do the best you can. Don’t wait until you feel qualified. That day may never come.

“God doesn’t choose the qualified, he qualifies the chosen.”

January '01 February '01 March '01 April '01 May '01 June '01 Sep-Oct '01 Nov-Dec '01
January '02 February '02 March '02 April '02 May '02 June '02 September '02 October '02 November '02