Genesis Lodge # 88 F&AM
Pompton Lakes Masonic Hall
Master's Message
From the East
Brethren,
The lambskin Master Mason apron derives from the working apron of the ancient stone masons. It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason: more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that can be conferred upon you at this or any future period by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason. The apron is proudly compared with the noblest decorations of ancient Rome and of both ancient and modern Europe.
The Order of the Golden Fleece was of high repute as an Order of Knighthood. It was established in Flanders, France in 1429 by the Duke of Burgundy, a member of the then royal family, who selected the fleece for its badge because wool was the staple production of the country. Since that time, it has been considered as one of the most illustrious Orders of Europe.
The Roman Eagle was to Romans the ensign of imperial power. Made of silver or bronze, the Roman Eagle was placed atop the pole of the military flags.
The Order of the Garter, was and is still considered the highest decoration that can be bestowed upon a subject by a sovereign of Great Britain. It is an order of chivalry or knighthood originating in medieval England. It is the pinnacle of honor in the United Kingdom to have the Order of the Garter bestowed upon you.
The Master Mason apron teaches the aspiring Mason that none are admitted to that honor, but such as were cleansed of all impurities of both body and mind. Purity of life and rectitude of conduct is essential and necessary to gain admittance into that Celestial Lodge on High where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides.
Rudy R. Mendoza WM Genesis Lodge #88
Master's Note
Brethren All,
I want to say that I am humbled and honored to serve this Lodge as your Worshipful Master for the 2022-2023 Masonic Year. Unfortunately, as some of you may know things are not going as planned for me but I am confident that soon I will put all of this behind me. I look forward to serving and working with each of you to continue to improve our lodge and our membership.
My focus for the year will be to fine tune our Ritual work, to implement programs that include our families, to reach out to other civic organizations, to invite the community to get to know us better, and finally to bring back to the fellowship of our Lodge the many Brothers who have not attended a Communication in a long time.
Here's how I believe that we can get this done or at least make a good attempt to do so:
The only way we can fine tune our ritual is to practice, practice, practice! I will be asking all of you specially, to make the effort to come to our regular schedule District Lodge of Instruction (First Monday of each month) to learn or practice Ritual, degree work, memory or floor work, or whatever you may feel to be in need of some polishing. It is my plan to schedule at least three family events, so that our families can enjoy Free Masonry as much as we do. I will ask for suggestions as to dates and activities and so on at our next communication.
I will request our Community Service Committee to liaise and organize joint events with such organizations as the Lions, Rotary, American Legion, VFW, and the like. My hope is that by enlarging our exposure to these good people in the community, some may seek the light and fellowship that Masonry provides.
It is my hope to see the lodge full of brothers who have not attended a meeting in a long time. I will begin the process by mailing a letter to every brother on our membership roll, with the exception of those who commonly attend our regular communication requesting their presence at the lodge. It is important, I believe, that our brothers know that they are not 'out of sight, out of mind' and that we want to enjoy their Masonic fellowship at Genesis Lodge.
My brothers, this cannot be accomplished without your support and participation. I ask you for your support and participation so that we may lay additional foundation upon the work of those who preceded us that we may enjoy a strengthened fellowship and commitment to Freemasonry.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Rudy R. Mendoza WM Genesis Lodge #