From the East: April 2025

Brethren, I am pleased, as you probably are, to be leaving the cold days of winter behind for warmer weather. We are preparing for a busy summer, so I look forward to seeing you all at lodge!

Masonic Education for this month discussed the Regius Manuscript, one of the oldest known masonic documents, dated around 1390. It was written in the form of an epic poem in Middle English (the language of Geoffrey Chaucer) and was likely to have been transcribed by a monk from an older document. The document contained fifteen "articles" and fifteen "points" which governed the operative craft during that time period, which are probably familiar to our York Rite brethren. When we look at the rules that govern our speculative craft today, many of these articles and points will also sound very familiar.
 

Previous Events

April Business Meeting

Our April business meeting was well-attended. We've received a petition from another gentleman and a committee has been appointed to interview him. I am encouraged to see more interest in the craft in general, and Bailey Lodge in particular.
 

Upcoming Events

Degree Practice

On April 17 (tonight!), we will have a practice session for the Entered Apprentice degree, starting at 6:30. Bro. Jon Marshbanks, our Junior Warden, will preside. Other officer positions will move up one chair, except for the Senior Warden. All lodge officers are expected to attend, and all Master Masons are also encouraged to attend.

May Business Meeting

Our Business Meeting for May is on May 1. The meal is at 6:30, and the meeting begins at 7:30.

Lecturer's Class

On May 8, (the first Wednesday of the month) I will be holding a Lecturer's Class at Bailey Lodge. We begin at 7:30. Eat before you come. We go over the Entered Apprentice degree lecture.

18th District Square and Compass Club

On May 14, the 18th District Square and Compass Club will be meeting at Ebenezer 101.The meal is at 6:30 and the meeting starts at 7:30. This is a great opportunity to meet with brothers from other lodges in the district, coordinate district activities, and to enjoy some fellowship. It's my honor to serve as Vice-President of the Club this year. If you're a Master Mason and a member of a lodge in the 18th District, you're automatically a member!

Bailey Lodge Work Day

On May 31, Bailey Lodge will have a work day. We'll start at around 9:00 AM and work until we're done. We'll be sprucing up the lodge for the car show the following Saturday.

4th Annual Bailey Lodge Car Show

Planning is underway for the 4th Annual Bailey Lodge Car Show. This show is scheduled for June 7th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Watch this space for updates. Bro. Kameron Laue is the chairman of the Car Show Committee this year, and he will be assisted by Bro. Ron Herring. 

3rd Annual County Line Meeting

The County Line Meeting is a joint project between the AFM Club of Spartanburg County (covering the 19th, 20th, and 21st districts) and the 18th District Square and Compass Club. Bailey Lodge was the host lodge for the inaugural meeting in 2023, and we will be pleased to host the meeting again this year. A Master Mason's degree is conferred at this meeting, which is set for July 25 this year. 

Toy and Food Drives

Thank you to all who donated to our toy and food drives in 2024. We have been able to contribute toys to the Greenville County LEO toy drive last year, and we will be contributing to the Greer city toy drive this year as well. We have also been able to contribute food to local food banks as well as to victims of Hurricane Helene in western NC. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

These drives are ongoing throughout the year. We need non-perishable food and unwrapped toys for ages 3 to 12. Collection boxes are inside the lodge building.

Special thanks to Bro. Brian McGraw, our Senior Warden, for organizing these drives for our lodge.

Fraternally,

Dan Jordan
Worshipful Master