HST communications 189

FROM THE EAST

My Brothers,

I would first like to personally thank all the members and visiting dignitaries who were in attendance at our last meeting, be they R.'.W, V.'.W, W, and Brothers all. Kudos to Bro. Stephen Lovasz and Bro. Michael O'Shaughnessy for the questions and answers and to Bro. Leonard Gottlieb for the Third Degree lecture to our newly raised Bro. Matthew Scholz.

When I used to consult in Pennsylvania, I met a W.'.M who had been Master of his Lodge no less than 5 times. After congratulating him on his feat and his memorization abilities, I reported some frustration at not being able to learn my lines as quickly and accurately from the Monitor. He queried, "You have a book?" It seems that in his Lodge they do it the "old fashioned way" of "mouth to ear." To quote from C.W. Leadbeater in his book on Ancient Mystic Rites: "...the ancient ritual which had been handed down orally from Lodge to Lodge and from Master to Master from the days of the Roman Collegia. No word of it might ever be written and it had to be learned by heart by the Masters and Officers of the Lodges."

Oral transmission of information has been in effect in many countries to communicate the legend and lore of previous history, philosophy and mythology. In Ireland it was done by the "seanakee," in England the wandering minstrel, in the martial arts it was called "Okuden," in America the American Indian "Okuden." Every race and every people transmit that which they think important to those that follow them. In Lodges throughout the world Brothers are taught from "mouth to ear."

In the walkabout at the last meeting, I gave helpful hints about when the memorization process of learning the various degrees should take place and it is repeated below for those officers who would take it upon themselves to prepare for an eventual sojourn in the East. To make it easier I related the officers and their stations and places to their expected mental training.

Marshal - Knowing the opening and closing of the Lodge and all the perambulation for all three degrees. He should be as skilled in navigating the Lodge as the Sr. Deacon.
Steward (1st year) - Learn the First Degree
Steward (2nd year) - Learn the Second Degree
Jr. M o C - Rehearse the First and Second Degrees regularly
Sr. M o C - Learn the Charge after Initiation and continue to rehearse the First and Second Degrees regularly.
Jr. Deacon - Learn the Third Degree and rehearse the First and Second degrees regularly.
Sr. Deacon - Learn the Second Degree Tracing Board and continue to rehearse the First, Second, and Third degrees regularly.
Jr. Warden - Learn the Installation Ceremony and continue to rehearse the Three Degrees.
Senior Warden - Learn the Investiture of Officers and continue to rehearse the Installation Ceremony and the Three Degrees.
Master - Learn the Inner Working. Perform the ceremonies. Install your successor, and have a happy, successful and memorable year as Master of the Lodge.

Remember, that the Ritual is not the only important thing that is necessary to become a Master - but it is important if you want the Spirit of Masonry to become a rule and guide in your life, not only in the present but in the future, and for the future of those that follow us.

One of the gentlemen I know memorizes poetry and takes pleasure in attending an annual limerick event - all done from memory. Not only has he been the champion many years in a row, but at age 80 his mental abilities are still sharp. Perhaps, the mind is like a muscle and it must be exercised to achieve its full potential.

May the Blessings of the Grand Architect of the Universe reign down upon us and those that we love, and may we be blessed as much as we are able to receive it.

Cordially and fraternally,
W.'.M.'.Jonathan Patrick
drjonapatrick@comcast.net

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	Worshipful Master Jonathan S. Patrick calls all Brethren to Respect and Answer the
Trestle Board Awaiting Investigation: Michael C. Iuzzolino Awaiting the Degree of Entered Apprentice: Messrs. Frank J. Balducci, Jonathan Berenson, William L. Davenport, Ronald R. Perrone, Jr. Awaiting the Degree of Fellowcraft: Brothers Harry Almodovar, Roman Babadzhanov, David Bogart, Russel P. Castro, Joseph J. Mancini, Shane R. O'Connor, Aaron Tannenbaum, Albert L. Vitarelli Awaiting the Degree of Master Mason: Brothers Joseph A. Ascolesi, Ian T. Brumgnach , Justin C. Favaloro, David M. Gordon, Bruno L. Soto	THE 189^th STATED COMMUNICATION Harry S Truman Lodge No. 1066 Grand Lodge of New York of Free and Accepted Masons American Room, 19^th floor, Masonic Temple 71 West 23^rd Street, Mailbox 5D, New York, NY 10010 Thursday, March 5 @ 7 PM For the transaction of such business that may regularly and constitutionally be brought before it. *Lodge of Remembrance*
	Master W.'.Jonathan S. Patrick 11 Lindsey Lake Road N. Brandford, CT 06471 (Cell) 203-889-7939 E-mail:drjonapatrick@comcast.net	Secretary Bro. Theodore H. Jacobsen 118 East 91st Street New York, NY 10128 (Home) 212-289-3121 E-mail:thjnycusa@aol.com