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Published 15 October 2020 |
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Our Journey Continues
Brethren, The community continues to strive to move forward and slowly return everything to our new normality, but our progress is regularly stalled as case numbers reappear. The path out of COVID-19 will take a long time and it is important that we manage our Freemasonry in a very cautious manner. Any case appearing in a Masonic venue will do our long-term prospects no good at all. Whenever we do get together, common sense must prevail. Whenever any of us are together, we must pursue minimal touching, and certainly there would be no singing or trumpet heralding for some time yet. When we are told that the vapours from a common cough will extend itself up and over a supermarket shelving, I do not think we should risk it. Please continue to use Zoom as much as possible, meet socially in small groups, and above all, enjoy each-other's company. Brethren, I am regularly asked when the next Quarterly Communication might be held, but with this COVID-19 situation continuing, I doubt that we will be able to meet this year in numbers sufficient to justify holding such an event. For those interested in masonic history, please note that a portrait of Most Worshipful Brother Jamie Melville has been added to the gallery of Past Grand Masters in your Museum of Freemasonry. When next in the city, you might drop by and take a look - it is quite impressive. As always, no matter what you are doing, please consider the safety of each-other, your families and your community. And again, the Freemason Fotos competition gives us an opportunity to seriously promote the Craft, and I encourage you to become involved. I trust that you and your family are well. Derek Robson AM |
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The Dawn of a Mason
RW Bro George Michael, Bro Craig Freeman, W Bro Ray Weblin (DGIW 11) and W Bro Todd Shadbolt Lodge Dawn 511 held a well-rehearsed COVID Safe Initiation on Wednesday 7 October. It was great to see W Bro Todd Shadbolt and his young team expertly navigate the COVID Safe restrictions to introduce the candidate Bro Craig Freeman into our wonderful fraternity. After the meeting the candidate spoke at length about his Masonic links. Craig's father was a mason and Craig is still in possession of his dad's lodge bag and Master Mason's apron which he hopes to (one day) wear with pride. After the Initiation the DGIW, VW Bro Ray Weblin, congratulated the Worshipful Master and his officers, he then presented a Square and Compasses lapel pin to the candidate. At the South, all COVID Safe rules were observed as the usual toasts were made while the brethren enjoyed a cold drink and a light supper. A little different, but it's great to be back! |
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Nowra Unity is back
In September, Lodge Nowra Unity 60 held its first meeting since the COVID recess. With all COVID Safe practices in place, a sit down meal was provided for those present. After the dinner, the acting WM Brad Scotcher, opened a Lodge of Sorrow in memory of Bro Geoffrey Herne. A presentation of the First Tracing Board was delivered by W Bro Lauri Ball for the benefit of the four Entered Apprentice Freemasons present. All brethren were delighted to be back meeting face to face after such a long break and look forward to our next happy meeting. |
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Raising of the Flags
Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club was the venue for the SLS Central Coast 'Raising of the Flags' ceremony. Another season has begun and Freemasons on the Central Coast are extremely proud to be able to support this vital and vibrant organisation for another year.
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St George and St Andrew 1st TB
Lodge St George and St Andrew 7 met for the first time after six months of lockdown from COVID-19 with a lecture on the 1st Tracing Board for three new EAFs. Full COVID-19 regulations were observed. The historic Bexley Masonic Centre was fully cleaned and checked before and after the meeting to ensure the safety and health of our members. The lodge now looks forward to their next meeting on 5 November 2020. |
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Upcoming events "1st Tracing Board" continuation Entered Apprentice Freemasons Q&A "Ancient/Antient Masonry" "1st Tracing Board" continuation Fellowcraft Freemasons Q&A |
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STAGE 1 - PREPARE THE BUILDING All Masonic Centres are required to register as a COVID Safe business and prepare the building in accordance with steps that will be provided to them by the Grand Secretary. NOTE: Once all buildings have been prepared we can then move on to Stage 2. |
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STAGE 2 - PREPARE YOUR LODGE Once all Masonic Centres have completed Stage 1 it will then be necessary for each lodge to prepare their meeting place (lodge room) in accordance with further steps provided to them by the Grand Secretary. NOTE: When lodges have completed Stage 2 and following further directions from the Government Health Authorities we can then move on to Stage 3. |
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STAGE 3 - RETURN TO LODGE Once lodges have completed Stage 2 requirements and after ensuring we comply with all regulations directed by the authorities, the Grand Secretary will advise those lodges that they may consider their return. NOTE: The Grand Secretary will provide further advice on any meeting restrictions that may apply as a result of further directions from the Government Health Authorities. |
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Are your contact details up to date?
To continue to receive the Freemason magazine, emails and invitations to online meetings it is important your contact details are up to date. Please update your details on the Grand Lodge website or with your lodge secretary and urge your fellow brethren to do the same. |
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How is your lodge staying connected?
Write a paragraph or two, add a good large photograph and send it to news@masons.org.au. Your story will be considered for this newsletter, the next Freemason magazine and might even feature in our official facebook page. Just make sure you have permission from all mentioned and depicted for their image to be publicly published.
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The Grand Master's Newsletter Please submit your articles and photographs to news@masons.org.au and make sure you have permission from all mentioned and depicted for their image to be publically published. Download print versionUnited Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT
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