Something special is planned for this month’s stated communication. Mary Mitchell, a published author and professional speaker, will make an informative presentation on social graces appropriate in public settings. In fact, the title of her talk will be the same as the title of this article. Read More
The word “libertine” was first coined in the 16th century by the Protestant reformer John Calvin, to deride those who opposed his insistence that the discipline of his church be uniformly enforced against all citizens of Geneva, Switzerland. In later centuries the term became more generally equated with debauchery. Now, Merriam-Webster defines a “libertine” as “a person (especially a man) who leads an immoral life and is mainly interested in sexual pleasure.” In the 18th century, the “libertine novel” emerged as a recurring literary genre, focused on stories with anti clerical, anti-establishment, and erotic themes. One of the most famous novels of this genre, Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons), was re-popularized in the 1980’s through an award-winning West End and Broadway play, and later a film which received multiple Academy Award nominations. This story centers on aristocratic adventures in seduction, revenge, and marriage-wrecking. Read More
I am caught unarmed and ill prepared – shamefully so, as this situation is one of my own design. It’s time I address the virtue of faith. To be fair, I ought to have done this in June, but kicked that can down the road in the hopes that my study and reflections over the summer months would give greater clarity and empower me to share something of merit. But alas I stand defeated, though I will happily explain my reticence about faith. It confuses me. Read More
Several new items appear at Friendship Lodge this month.
As Masons, we are taught to seek the Three Great Pillars in our endeavors: Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. Looking out the window here in the midst of an Oregon Spring, it is easy to spot the third pillar: Beauty. As the old television commercial says, “[we’re] soaking in it.” Few places in America display the natural beauty we Oregonians can too often take for granted. Read More
For much of May I have contemplated the virtue of hope, and have had a tumultuous time with it indeed. However, I think I’ve made some headway, at least in understanding why we make a virtue of hope. In the spirit of full candor: this past year I have often found myself without much hope. I won’t go into the details, but this past year has been marked by what seems to be the greatest challenge I have ever faced; and every failure, mistake, and missed opportunity has siphoned just a little more off my reserve each time. Read More
Last night, Mr. Kent Smith became known as Brother Entered Apprentice Kent Smith after going through Freemasonry’s Entered Apprentice Degree at Friendship Masonic Lodge No. 160. Brother Smith’s initiation marks a celebratory turning point in this year’s lodge leadership as the lodge looks forward to performing more degrees throughout the next few months of the year.
Many thanks to the brothers who witnessed the event!
Greetings from Bethel #4.
June is a busy and exciting month for us. Our installation of Officers is June 18th at 3:00 pm. Ali Keepers is being installed as Honored Queen and is very excited, as she has worked her way thru all the line officer stations to get to this position. We hope some of you will be able to attend. We only have 4 daughters in the Bethel and always love to see sideliners. Read More
Certainly it is hoped, that petitions for membership to our lodge will be approved. And voting favorably tends to be a straight-forward matter.
But what about voting to reject? That can be delicate. The most courteous approach might be to prevent the matter from being brought to a final vote. Read More
I recently watched an episode of George Gently, in which a young, junior detective told the best friend of the deceased, “I didn’t know Dolores, but I want justice for her”. Perhaps it was the skill of the actor or his writers, but that line has stuck with me in my meditations on the virtue of Justice this past few weeks. It seems to say it all. “Justice” rings out clear as a bell – but what does it mean to get justice? Read More
