"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" -- Psalm 133, verse 1

So begins the first degree in Masonry; so we begin a new era in Ann Arbor Masonry, together, in unity.

Golden Rule No. 159 joins Washtenaw No. 65, Fraternity No. 262, and Ann Arbor No. 544 in forming a veritable rock n' roll super group. Travelling Wilburys you say? How about the travelling men of Ann Arbor!

This consolidation ensures the continuation of Golden Rule's history and legacy in Ann Arbor, as well as ensuring the brothers have a local lodge to call their own and further their adventures in brotherly love, relief, and truth.

"It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;"

The second verse of Psalm 133 equates brotherhood with the precious ointment used to consecrate Moses's brother Aaron as a priest of the Lord. The precious ointment is described in Exodus 30:22-33 as being made from 4 fragrant ingredients and olive oil. The separate and valuable ingredients come together as a precious ointment, the whole being far greater than the sum of the parts. So these 4 lodges have come together within Ann Arbor to likewise be greater as a whole. For Masons this verse celebrates the goodness of brotherhood, when men come together to be better than they are individually.

"As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

The third verse of the Psalm equates brotherhood with the life-giving dew that is provided by Mount Hermon and the hills of Zion. Mount Hermon is a cluster of mountains with 3 distinct summits. These snow capped summits have such elevation that they capture much precipitation, and provide necessary water in an otherwise arid part of the world. For Masons this celebrates that brotherhood enables us to come together provide what the world that needs from us: brotherly love, relief and truth--one for each summit of Mount Hermon.

Come join me as we begin the next chapter in Ann Arbor this Wednesday May 3 at the Grange for our May Regular Communication! There are many topics to discuss, T-shirts will be ready for pick up, and we have a complimentary dinner to boot! (6:00pm)

Of special note this month: Join us on Wednesday May 24 for a Merger Celebration and A2 Masonic History Talk. On this night we'll recognize the consolidation of two great Ann Arbor Lodges, Golden Rule 159 and Fraternity 262. You and your significant other are invited to a complimentary dinner followed by a lively panel discussion about the history of Masonry in Ann Arbor. A once in a lifetime event - be there!

Sincerely And Fraternally,

Steven Moazami
Worshipful Master

UPCOMING EVENTS - From our Trestleboard
May 3 -   Regular Communication | Pittsfield Union Grange Hall
May 17 - Special Communication [EA] | Pittsfield Union Grange Hall
May 18 -   Book Club: Brothers of Liturature | WB Justin's House
May 24 -   Merger Celebration and A2 Masonic History Talk | Zal Gaz Grotto Club