Brethren:
As we grow older, we gather health problems, some more serious than others. Our immediate families know of these health problems and give us aid and comfort as best as they can. We too, are part of a fraternal family to our ailing brethren and as your Chaplain and the current Chairman of the Caring Committee, I have undertaken to send out comfort letters to our Brethren or their immediate family on behalf of our entire Lodge as the situation calls for. I will also respond accordingly for happy occasions.. My effort on behalf of our Lodge does not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the recipients or their families and I have been so advised either verbally or in writing.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I must relinquish the duties of sending Amicablegrams as needed or requested. Bro. Bob Rascovar who succeeded me as Amicablegram Chairman has notified me that he is unable to continue in that position within our Lodge because he is preparing himself to move up the “chairs”. Bro. Ryan Berman has consented to take over the chair. I trust that all who wish to take advantage of fulfilling our obligation towards charity will support his efforts in his effort. You may contact him directly via phone or E-mail.. All requests made through our Website will be processed through our Webmaster.
Amicablegrams@yahoo.com or (410) 746-3132
When we are advised of the need, we will respond accordingly. I am calling for our Brethren to be our emissaries. I, nor Bro. Bob are not a committee of one and we need the entire Lodge membership to be our eyes and ears for brethren in need of comfort or shared joy. This is our obligation and yours too.
Fraternally,
Bro. Fred Tepper
Chaplain
It is our fervent wish that all of our brethren live to be 120 coupled with good health and happiness. Be that as it may, we are all destined to be raised to that “Celestial Lodge” above someday to join the many hundreds of thousands of brethren who have preceded us. As we all draw closer to that inevitable day, preparations should be made as to your desires and that of your families.
As your individual Clergy are there to comfort the family, you too can, if you make your wishes known to your family beforehand in your finalization preparations that you request Freemason participation in a “Mason Memorial Service”. As Chaplain of our Lodge and speaking on behalf of the Worshipful Master, the Officers and Brethren, there would be no inconvenience or cost to your family and it would be a very special privilege and honor for us to honor you as you have honored us with your membership. Furthermore it gives those in attendance a glimpse of what Freemasonry is all about. The Service takes place 15 minutes prior to the regular scheduled Clergy led service. With all due respect to the family, we would not do this Service unless notified by the family beforehand that this was the wish of our Brother and/or his family.
Should you feel the need to contact me, please do so at Chaplain@amicable-stjohns.org or (410) 653-2054
Brethren:
It was suggested at our last Lodge meeting on February 5th, that we initiate an event annually that honors those Masons who have served actively in current or prior campaigns. It seems to be a commendable goal that we can all have input. Under the chairmanship of Bro. John Stathopoulos, we are encouraging all Masonic veterans – past and present of our Lodge to contact Bro. John and advise him of when you served and in what branch of our armed forces. Should you know of someone who does not use a PC and does not get this E-mail, please get that information for us and forward it to Bro. John. Should anyone have a suggestion to further this effort and have the time to help, it would be appreciated.
All information and thoughts should be directed to Bro. John at js@netrip.com
or (410) 592-2929. Fax 410.592.6599
Thank you.
Fraternally,
Bro. Fred Tepper--Chaplain