Official Visit Powassan Lodge #443 – Oct. 12, 2008
By R.W. Bro. Gerald Stillar, DDGM

KNOW WHAT TO SAY

Does anyone here know what I am about to say? No!! Well, let me tell you. It is impossible me to share anything with you if I do not know what I want to say. I want to share a parable with you that will exemplify this quite well.

There was a pastor of a rural charge that was training an apprentice to be a minister. The apprentice was directed to prepare the service for Sunday Worship. The poor fellow was extremely nervous. Standing at the pulpit, he nervously asked the congregation if they knew what he was about to say. They replied with a No, by shaking their heads.
He responded to them "Neither do I. Let us all stand up, sing a hymn and depart."
This seemingly lack of preparation infuriated the pastor. He demanded the apprentice be properly prepared for next Sunday's service.
The apprentice fretted all week about what he was going to say to the people. On Sunday morning he came before the congregation and asked, "Do you know what I am about to say?"
Remembering what had happened the Sunday before, they all said Yes.
The apprentice replied, "Well then, since you know what I am going to say, let us all stand, sing a hymn and depart."
The minister was extremely frustrated. He directed the apprentice to prepare for the next Sunday's service again and if he was not properly prepared, he would have no choice but to terminate his apprenticeship.
On the third Sunday, the apprentice once again approached the pulpit, and again asked the congregation, "Do you known what I am about to say?"
Half the congregation replied with a yes, while the balance of the people answered with a no. The apprentice minister said "Great!" Those who know will please tell those who do not know. Then we can sing a hymn and depart."

Brethren, this is key to the continuance of Masonry!

Masonry cannot survive unless the message is spread throughout the four corners of the globe. Those who know must tell those who don't!
Good and moral men cannot join us if they don't know about this beautiful system of ours. In order to tell you must know!

In Masonic lectures we are admonished to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. If you fail to meet this obligation, you don't know!

The lack of knowledge about the Craft in ourselves and in our community can lead to misconceptions.

We need to deal with this through our own deeper understanding of Masonry which will enable each of us to demonstrate Masonic aims and principles to others. Through our actions and words we will create lasting impressions.

For the good of Muskoka-Parry Sound District, brethren, get in the know. Thank you my brethren.

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