December Master's Letter: “As the Curtain Is Drawn Closed”

Calendar:

December

12/03/25 (Wed) Regular Communication, Lodge of Sorrows
12/06/25 (Sat) Installation (Ceremony start time: 2pm)

Brothers,

That’s it.

This is my last master's letter. It has been (almost) a full year, and it is time for a thankful reflection.

Above my desk, prominently displayed, two frames are hanging: one is “The Master’s Obligation” and the other is “Charges to the Worshipful Master.” Throughout this last year I often read and re-read them with reverence. Am I doing right by those who put their trust in me? Am I being steadfast with my obligation and my charge? Bro. Theodore Roosevelt said: "Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are”. I sure tried, and hopefully I mostly was.

We met on the level, acted by the plumb, and parted on the square. As this year comes to a close, we can assuredly look at ourselves, and recognize that we employed our working tools to make us less of a rough ashlar than we were twelve months ago. We did it through the pursuit of Wisdom with illuminating educationals, improving the Strength of our Lodge by bringing to light, passing, and raising an impressive number of Brothers (3rd place in the last decade!), and adorn our Lodge with the Beauty of rituals and ceremonies.

And it was all done thanks to YOU. This is a partial repetition of my November letter, but it is only because I cannot thank you enough for your support — physically and spiritually — during this year: the Past Masters for your wisdom and knowing that I can count on your help and support when needed; the officers, for going above and beyond, and your dedication and quality work that enhanced the beauty of our Lodge; and thank you Brothers for showing up in strength at our meetings.

I am looking forward to this coming year, to Steve’s year. I know that he will take the Lodge to new heights.

On a lighter note, borrowing a title coined by Bill Engvall, I would like to leave you with my “Here’s Your Sign” list — ten signs that you are a Mason:

You don’t walk counter-clockwise
You adore furniture made of acacia
During religious services when you hear “Amen”, you involuntarily mutter “So Mote it be”
When you pass a car with a Square & Compass sign you always look at the driver with a hopeful stare
When you knock at people’s doors you expect a knock in return
If y cn rd ts, y mt b a M!
You think goats are funny
When your daughter’s new boyfriend comes to visit you meet him with the tip of a sharp instrument
You try to check out the rings on stranger’s fingers

Finally, I want to wish each and every one of you and your families — a happy, healthy, safe, and peaceful holiday season.

I love you.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master