Master's Message —
Greetings Brethren,
The gavel is the “emblem of authority” of the Worshipful Master in the Lodge. It is sometimes represented by the setting maul, the judge’s or auctioneer’s gavel or the common gavel.
In the East, the setting maul is an emblem of untimely death. Because of its obvious negative connotations, this form of gavel did not seem appropriate for a Worshipful Master. Neither did the judge’s or auctioneer’s gavel since Freemasonry neither judges, nor does it sell anything. The values instilled in the Craft sell themselves. Rather, it was the common gavel that seemed most proper as the implement to govern.
The common gavel; not only does this emblem instruct us to divest ourselves of the vices of life, it reminds us that through the use of this implement we can turn a rough stone into a more perfect stone suitable for the edifice we wish to construct.
Freemasonry is many things; it is history and tradition, it is ceremony and ritual and it is a charitable institution, but moreover, it is a fraternity, which offers a sense of brotherhood unparalleled in any other institution.
Let us together, use the common gavel to build a more perfect edifice founded in Brotherhood, sustained by tradition, looking forward to the future.
If you have not been to Lodge in some time, consider coming out, rekindle that sense of Brotherhood and join us in good and wholesome fellowship.
| Cordially & Fraternally, |
 |
| Worshipful Master, 2012 |
|
|
