News2019-01-06T19:24:50-05:00

Bay Light Blog

Brotherhood in the 21st Century

Brotherhood in the 21st Century

Photo Credit: Tiffany Roberts Photography- Lodge Veritas
No. 556 Officer Installation

Guest Contributor: Bro. Byron J. Collier

As Freemasons we pride ourselves on the antiquity and history of the Craft, but will our ceremonies and ritual in and of themselves be enough to satisfy future generations? The future will demand a better understanding of what it really means to be a Mason through better knowing ourselves and practicing those principles we have all vowed to uphold in our oaths or obligations. I further believe that the silent example of men with integrity […]

To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind is Not to Die

To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind is Not to Die

BY: ROBERT G. DAVIS, 33*, GRAND CROSS

It is the custom of many fraternal societies to come together once each year to remember and honor those friends and brothers who have been called from their earthly labors. The winter and summer solstices are good times for this duty, as both are symbolic of death and re-birth and the cycle of life. In every true brotherhood of men, it is an act of fraternal courtesy to remember those we have lost whom we personally knew […]

Fraternalism – The Lost Word in Charity

Fraternalism – The Lost Word in Charity

BY: ROBERT G. DAVIS, 33*, GRAND CROSS

Any study of the beginnings of Freemasonry will clearly show that fraternalism was the first and most distinguishing characteristic of Masons and Masonry. We are, above everything else, our own brother’s keeper. This has been the raison d’ etre which distinguishes us from all other groups.

Masonic charity, in its original terminology, meant fraternal, or private, charity—and is represented by the meaning of Brotherly Love and Relief in the great Masonic triad of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is “the cement […]

The Symbolic Teachings of a Mechanical Pocket Watch

The Symbolic Teachings of a Mechanical Pocket Watch

BY: SPECIAL GUEST CONTRIBUTOR – WOR. SHAWN CARRICK

Masons are taught many different lessons throughout the three degrees of Masonry. Not only when we experienced them as a candidate, but also as we provide the degrees to the new Brothers and as we sit on the sideline. There are many items that are used to impress the lessons of Masonry upon our consciousness. One item that is not used to impress the lessons in our work but that I have embraced because of the lesson I believe […]