ACALANES FELLOWSHIP – THE FRIENDLY LODGE

Acalanes Fellowship has long held the motto "The Friendly Lodge."

 Here is the origin of that motto.

The aims of Freemasonry are quite clear:  We seek to make good men better and the world a better place in which to live.

All Masons know that the three principal tenets of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.  These Masonic principles denote action.  The very essence of Masonic teachings is that man obeys the law and serves his fellow man not because he is afraid of the penalties for disobedience but because he has committed himself.  He has agreed solemnly in his obligations to maintain high standards of conduct.  To these standards a Mason voluntarily commits himself by the promises he made on the Volume of the Sacred Law.

The prayer given for all Masons at our initiation includes a request of the Great Architect of the Universe to “grant that this candidate for Freemasonry may dedicate and devote his life to Thy service and become a true and faithful Brother among us.”   

How can one become a true and faithful Brother among us?  How better can one act responsibly toward others, show concern and care for others and attain excellence in the relationship with others than by being interested, involved and committed in Lodge activities?  How better can one assume higher standards of conduct in life than by self-development through Masonic teachings taking place with a Lodge degree programs?

Acalanes Fellowship Lodge has the reputation of being a friendly Lodge, but has it always had that reputation?  Several quotations from past Masters in their Trestleboards may give us the answer.  In mid 1975 the Master wrote: “Acalanes Lodge stands indicted of being managed by a clique.  A charge to which we must plea ‘no contest’.”  The Master goes on to explain the operations of our Lodge, but concludes: “If one really wanted to be a member of this select group, he might even go so far as to volunteer to serve upon one of the committees of the Lodge.”

The Master of the following year wrote: “I am pleased to pass on to you something of interest about our Lodge.  On several occasions visiting Brethren have remarked on how much they enjoyed visiting Acalanes Lodge.  You know why?  Because we are friendly –

We took the time to shake their hand and make them feel welcome!  That’s part of what Masonry is about!”  

The Master in 1982 wrote about a recent Widows Christmas luncheon and children’s party held that it is rewarding to hear remarks such as:  “I was hesitant about coming, but I'm sure glad I did because you people are so warm here.”  Another remark heard was:  “My husband was so proud of his membership in this Lodge because everyone is so friendly; I just had to come and see.  He was right.”  The Master concludes: “These are the wages earned by a Mason.”

Well, what is Freemasonry?  It is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy in society; fairness in action.  Freemasonry also teaches love for one another as well as reverence for and love of God.  Freemasonry often uses symbols because only by them can we speak the language of the spirit.  For example the trowel is an instrument we are taught to use for the purpose of spreading the cement of Brotherly Love and affection. 

By the exercise of Brotherly Love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and the low, the rich and the poor, who, as created by one almighty parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other.  On this principle, Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and causes true friendship to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.

You might ask what can I, an average Mason, do?  I'm not interested in being an officer or a committee chairman.  President and Freemason Theodore Roosevelt had an answer:  “I am only an average man, but, by George, I work harder at it than the average man.”

The Master of Acalanes Fellowship Lodge in 1981, later the Grand Master of California,

placed a sign over the door:  “The warm hand of fellowship is always extended.”  A strict adherence to those words; can we ask less of a Mason?

Friendship, fraternity, fellowship – the very soul of Freemasonry.  True friendship within a Masonic Lodge leads to its becoming a friendly Lodge.  Thus the reputation of Acalanes Fellowship as being the “Friendly Lodge”.