Message From the East

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