Wednesdays are the highlight of my week! I can’t wait to see my Zavala brothers each week. It’s camaraderie akin to that of a combat unit – at Zavala brotherly love truly prevails! Just ask the Worshipful Master – if he gets one more “chug” on his recently operated on shoulder I think he’s going to pass out! But seriously, Zavalans really care about each other – and that is a rare thing!
I am so excited by the participation of our newest and often youngest Masons in degree work – we even have an “Under 35 Degree Team.” Joe Somerlott, a MM less than six months CONFERRED an EA a couple weeks ago and did so like an old pro! Randal Calhoun – I’ve lost track of how many parts this new MM has learned – ask him one week if he can do a part – he’ll deliver it flawlessly the next week! There are many more fine young men who are actively engaged and I can’t name them all for fear of slighting someone – suffice to say, the future of Zavala Lodge No. 1059 looks bright! Oh – and where can you get meals [make that feasts!] like we get at Zavala each week for $5.00! We’ve been blessed with talented stewards for several years – we’re getting spoiled!
When the Worshipful Master asked to “pass the hat” at our last meeting in August to help raise funds for an elementary school in our economically depressed neighborhood, what a pleasant surprise to find $400 in contributions – that was followed by a personal contribution of school supplies by another young Mason, Bro. Stephen Kadry; that collection was on a night when we did not have a large attendance. You, brethren, epitomize relief.
In July I had the opportunity to attend a “Warden’s Retreat” sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Texas in Waco. It was time well-spent. I came away from that with an even greater appreciation for Zavala Lodge. In our break-out sessions, other Lodges told of infighting, lack of attendance, lack of petitioners, budgetary woes, etc. We are truly blessed at Zavala where peace and harmony prevail!
The “What is a Mason” cards produced by the Grand Lodge of Texas [and available from R:.W:. Caldwell, DDGM] have as part of the description, “A Mason is dedicated. He recognizes his responsibility for justice, truth, clarity, enlightenment, freedom, liberty and integrity in all aspects of human endeavor.” In these days of “twisted truth” and obfuscation in our politics and culture, it is so reassuring to find real truth in two places – In the “Great Light in Masonry” and within the hearts and minds of Masons and in particular my Zavala brothers.
We’re off to a great start to this Masonic year under the leadership and guidance of W:.M:. Rick Mick – we’ve got momentum on our side – an inertia that cannot stop – unless – UNLESS – YOU do not participate! As John Ray Wallace, mentor to so many of us at Zavala, is wont to remind us, “You get out of Masonry what you put in to it.” I recently read that “you get MORE out of Masonry than you put in to it” – how true! Come be a part of it and get “more than your share!”
Fraternally,
Patrick H. Throop, S:.W:.
Message From the West | admin | 
December 13, 2010 11:52 am | 
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