"Dispensing Light through Happiness”
May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants and also from the Latin word maiores, “elders,” who were celebrated during this month. Maia was considered a nurturer and an earth goddess, which may explain the connection with this spring-month. May Day is celebrated on May 1 to mark the return of spring.
GM Musings May 2022 [PDF]
Brethren: It has been quite the ride these past two years, and now I find myself at “trails end,” heading home to the barn. Soon I will be put out to pasture a little older, wiser and little more drained. Yet it has been a good experience, and I have enjoyed steering this ship over the seas of passion and through some narrow channels trying not to “run aground.” I have tried to keep the lodges active and the membership safe through these unprecedented times. There have been varied opinions, positive and negative, expressed to me by the brethren and I have done my best to guide and mediate differences to ensure happiness prevails amongst the brethren.
There seems to be more division, less tolerance, patience and respect in the world today than I have experienced in my whole life. I believe that MW Bro. J Cuddington’s 1956 Grand Master’s address still applies today, maybe more than ever.
“Freemasonry is founded upon the principles, the faithful practice of which is sorely needed in the world today. It has ever stood for Truth, Justice, Tolerance, Understanding and Brotherly Love and is ideally and completely equipped to meet the modern challenge to the happiness in the world. I am convinced that if the principles of Freemasonry were today made the basis of relationships between men and nations, there would be an early and lasting peace on earth. I am certain that by the exercise of patience and wisdom we can live and promulgate these teachings throughout our private and public affairs so as to attain for the world that peace we so fervently desire. We must never lose sight of the fact that we teach a great system of morals. We must ever seek to inspire lofty ideals.” MW Bro. Jas H. Cuddington Grand Master GRS 1956
Integrity: Is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. A person of integrity exhibits a principled dedication to values and beliefs, always doing the right thing with high ethical standards regardless of the circumstance. A man of integrity will always choose thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain. The principal aspects of integrity are honesty, respect for oneself and others, reliability and trustworthiness, responsibility and accountability for your actions, good or bad. A man of integrity aids his fellowman without self interest or harm to himself.
It is but a summary of what has been written to say that the most fundamental of the values and principles of Freemasonry is integrity.
“Integrity is telling myself the truth, and honesty is telling the truth to other people.”
Spencer Johnson
Stay safe and Happy!
MW Bro. Dan Olmsted, Grand Master, 2021-2022