Masonic Work "Outside the Lodge"

This past Saturday (August 22nd) some of our Perry Lodge brethren gathered at the lodge for breakfast then afterward to hang the recently redone Square and Compasses on the side of Salem Masonic Temple.

WB Jerry Lyda was instrumental in the process of getting the Square and Compasses painted and the old lights replaced with new LED lights and wiring. Thank you, WB Lyda, for your help. It is very much appreciated.

The Square and Compasses were hung with the help of WB Ed Lydic (current Worshipful Master of Perry #185), WB Rick Sekely, Brent Spangler, Tony Waskiewicz, Garrett Yoder and Michael Caldwell. Thank you, brothers for your help Saturday.

 This weekend was a tag-on to all the work that has been getting done at the Lodge/Temple over the past five or so months.

Our Perry Lodge brethren have been working hard on the upkeep of the Temple - painting the restrooms, hallways, etc. upstairs and cleaning up the basement to make use of areas and rooms that haven't been used for far too long.

I know it hasn't been easy, brothers, but we are making some good headway. I am proud of the guys in my Lodge and the dedication they show in maintaining the beautiful Temple in which we are blessed to meet and in strengthening the Brotherly Love and friendships that we have formed.

Keep up the good work, brothers!

#PerryPride

Surviving the Disease

COVID-19

This word has become one of the most heard, seen and, to some, the most fearful word of the past few months. Even though most don't completely understand what it is, or how it works, the idea of not knowing if we'll get it or how it will affect us is enough to increase fear and anxiety. Unfortunately, the time will come when we look back and the Coronavirus Pandemic will be another story in our history books and the fear we felt, the panic that sent so many to stock up as if the world was coming to its end, will seem like dream. Complacency will set back in and before long, our daily routines will continue.

Thankfully, there have been no brothers in our immediate circle that have been affected by this disease. Yet, I am sure most of us have seen stories of our Masonic brothers around the world who have fallen ill, or died, from this virus. To them and their families let us offer our thoughts and prayers. As a member of our Brotherhood, we should know that we are never truly alone when we have a family that spreads across the world.

In due time, COVID-19, will be 'just another virus'. We'll have a vaccine for it and no one will be worried about 'getting the Corona' anymore.

In the same way, there is a disease that has taken over our lodges and it has become a 'norm'. We have gotten use to low the attendance. We've gotten use to the lack of enthusiasm. We've gotten use to the lost desire to be apart of our community.

How can we expect new members when aren't joining in community events or hosting public get-togethers? How can we expect participation or excitement if we don't find something to replace that 'lack of enthusiasm? And how can we expect those who have fallen off the sidelines to return when Masonry is not being seen lived out in the actions of the Lodge or the individual lives of its members?

We will come back from this Pandemic. We will rejoin our brethren. And when we do, let's enter the lodge with a new desire and excitement to see Masonry change our lives and to expand into and impact our community better than ever.

"Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived." 

~ Brother William Preston