Worshipful Master's January 2023 Message
Brethren,
As I sit to write these words, the calendar tells
me it’s Friday 13th. A date the superstitious
believe to be a harbinger of bad luck. I see we
have another Friday 13th this year, in October.
Which interestingly, will be the anniversary (the
716th) of an infamous event in Masonic history,
and one which a popular theory credits as the
origin of the ‘bad luck’ superstition.
Founded in the 12th century, The Knights
Templar protected pilgrims traveling to the Holy
Land. Thanks to lavish donations from Europe’s
Royalty, they quickly became a rich and
powerful order. This did not go unnoticed by
King Philip IV of France who coveted their
wealth. Beginning on Friday 13th, more than
600 Templars were arrested, imprisoned,
tortured, and forced to confess to charges of
heresy, among other offences. Ultimately, many
died in prison or were later put to death. Their
lands and money were confiscated and in 1310,
Pope Clemence formally dissolved the Order. 4
years later, several high-ranking Templars,
including Grand Master Jacques de Molay, were
burned at the stake in Paris, bringing an end to
their remarkable era and launching a long-
lasting theory about the evil possibilities of
Friday 13th.
On a lighter note; the Brothers present at the
first Lodge of the year were treated with two
excellent proficiency deliveries. Brother Eric
Stuart for the Entered Apprentice and Brother
Jorge Crespo, for the Fellowcraft (in his 2nd
language no less.) It’s heartening to see such
dedication to the craft from our younger
Freemasons and I look forward to watching
them both advance through their degrees in the
coming weeks and months. Please join me in
congratulating them both on a job well done.
Fraternally,
Bro Andrew Smith, WM