There has been no shortage of ideas and inspiration at Silas this year. Brothers are engaged and hungry for more. Several brothers have been inspired to write papers, speeches and lead discussions. We’ve followed down some fascinating rabbit holes and brothers, I couldn’t be prouder to be Worshipful Master this year.
Rhinelander was a blast. Max Skenandore whet our hunger with a retelling of the history of Rhinelander and Crandon Lodges. We discussed why brothers should consider joining the York Rite Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and then the Grand High Priest from Chapter invited me to present my paper and lead a discussion with his officers. So, think about that – a small ripple that was a paper and a spirited discussion at Silas, could be the inspiration for a tidal wave of ideas and changes.
Brothers, this is what Silas does. It offers us the opportunities to explore ideas and concepts that reconnect with our Masonic past, and build a plan for our future. It gives Brothers an opportunity to develop themselves, whether it is their speaking and presentation skills, or even a reason to explore; dig down into our history and do some research.
I’m reminded of my first Silas meeting. W. Brother Frank McKenna presented a historical paper and a discussion about brothers in wartime. The discussion that ensued was inspirational. It made me appreciate Silas, and I filled out my petition right then and there.
Our Senior Warden, W. Brother Chris Luedke, spoke on the new happenings with the education committee, W. Brother Napoleon Sneed-Janczak spoke on the 7 C’s of Communication, and W. Brother Corey Nowak is going to write a paper on membership for our September meeting.
As you’re likely aware; this year’s theme is “Digital Masonry”, and it’s amazing how many things have changed even since the year started. A discussion today could be like advocating for floppy disks but just 6 months later we’ve moved onto USB drives and after that everyone is just using the cloud so there’s no more practical use for handheld storage. Yes, it’s that fast - with subjects ranging from video editing to algorithms to frequency of posts. It can be head spinning but it can also inspire us to wonder and act on whatever the next big changes are.
I’d encourage you to put some of your ideas to paper and submit them for publication. What has inspired you? Was it an event? Traveling to another lodge? A chance meeting with a Brother Mason from another place? Perhaps your experience or idea will inspire someone else – to fill them with that sense of masonic wonder. When we do that, well…Imagine the possibilities. Papers don’t have to be about digital masonry, but it’s certainly easiest if you can email them to our Secretary, Napoleon.
In September we’ll be doing a western Wisconsin encore of “In Defense of the Ruffians” at Lacrosse Lodge #190. This two-man play is thought provoking and like nothing you’ve seen before.
If I haven’t said it before, you are important. You are valued. We’ve all had times in our lives when we haven’t been appreciated. Silas is a place where you can explore ideas in a safe environment where we foster ideas and inspire others. We do it by writing down those ideas and then discussing them. If you haven’t written down your thoughts, this is a great time to do it.
We’ve been compared to the Island of misfit toys because we sometimes think differently or take on tasks in a way that others might not understand. While we might be more of a “Charlie in the Box” (instead of Jack in the Box), you’re going to get some pleasant surprises. When that happens, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t do it earlier. You’ll find that doing cool stuff can be addicting, and you’ll be left wondering how you can best inspire others.
Fraternally yours,
Jim McGuigan
Worshipful Master 2024
Comments