FREEMASONRY INSIGHT
Freemasonry Amongst Palm Trees
To be a Mason is to be a traveller.
We, at Square & Compass Promotions, consider ourselves “professional travellers.”
These travels have taken us to many amazing places throughout North America and, if you count virtual travel, throughout the world.
Over the coming weeks, we will be using this platform to discuss highlights of/from these travels.
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I’m writing this in Brighton, Michigan, in the shade of a tree, next to a lake, on a beautiful day. I just visited the Brighton Masonic Centre. It has been an amazing trip!
Before arriving in Brighton, I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Lodge of Florida’s 195th Annual Communication (taking place in Orlando, Florida).
As I mentioned on my/our social media sites: love the idea of Freemasonry & Palm Tress!
[I think the most beautiful Grand Lodge I ever attended was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Orlando, Florida is a close second. Love the idea of Freemasonry Amongst Palm Trees!]
Travel and visitation is an incredibly important part of the Masonic experience. It is also a very important part of life.
As Anthony Bourdain stated:
- “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food [or sit in their lodge], it’s a plus for everybody.”
Travel always puts me in a contemplative mood. Today is no exception.
That contemplative mood is encouraged by the beauty of the locations to which I travel (including the beauty of this day and Brighton, Michigan in general).
That is the best part of travelling: seeing other places and (especially) other Masonic places allows the traveller to contemplate home and one’s day-to-day Masonic experiences.
This creates (hopefully) a new appreciation for and understanding of one’s life within and without Freemasonry.
In my case, it helps me appreciate how wonderful my life is, especially thanks to Freemasonry.
It was also a pleasure to visit Florida because I had the chance to reunite with many Masonic brothers (including Square & Compass Podcast guests) such as Juan Sepulveda and the Amity Brethren.
My visit to Florida also reminded me of the amazing artistry and craftsmanship within Freemasonry. The Grand Lodge of Florida Annual Communication (to its credit) provided floor space to masonic artists, craftsmen, stores, and Masonic initiatives (including youth groups). It was wonderful to see such skill and ability within the Craft.
It’s also a reminder that the same skill and ability probably exists within every Masonic jurisdiction and within every Masonic lodge…why not take a few moments and ask the Brethren of your Lodge about their skills and abilities?
My visit to Florida mostly reminded me about how beautiful the world is and, especially, how beautiful the world is in those locations in which Freemasonry flourishes.
As you develop Masonic connections (either virtually or in-person) it is amazing how often these connections appear and reappear in your life. It is also amazing how often these connections force reflection and contemplation.
Square & Compass is presently working on a new podcast featuring two Brethren who are part of a Texas Masonic Travelling Community, and the value these Brethren find from and in travelling.
Congratulations to the Grand Lodge of Florida on an amazing Annual Communication and a wonderful time.
[Author’s Note: I have to mention that the reason I travelled from Orlando, Florida to Brighton, Michigan was to take part in “Combat1” Professional Wrestling (our other love) and it was an amazing time.]
All opinions expressed are those of Square & Compass Promotions and the guest(s), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Windsor Masonic Temple and/or any Masonic group.
