From the East: Have you heard how many petitions we are currently processing? Since Jan of this year, yes in only 4 months, we have raised six, passed ten and there are eleven pending either investigation, ballot or initiation. In these days and times that is incredible and shows that Freemasonry is alive and well in downtown Orlando. This crop of new Brothers, those who have become an iatrical part of our Lodge are keeping the beat of Freemasonry going and going. They have picked up the slack in doing the mechanical things around the Lodge such as cleaning, fixing, replacing broken parts as well as carrying the mantel of Masonic teachings into the 21^st Century. They are giving to charity and we hosted the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, giving them a $500 donation.  The new Brothers are not the only ones; some of old guys helped too. This new crop of Brothers are enlightened, as were our forefathers of the fraternity. They are white, black, brown; they are from Georgia, Turkey, India, Puerto Rico, and Hungry. Our Lodge is doing what Masonry is intended to do, bring men of disparate backgrounds together on the level to do charity and experience brotherhood. My hope is for all members to accept and welcome them. In 1993 and again in 2009 rulings from the Grand Master, as recorded in the Digest of Masonic Law, required us the set aside the ways of old and adapt to the diversity we have embraced and enjoy. It is not always easy but it is always right.

By the Square, Rickey

From the West: Brothers of Orlando Lodge No. 69 the first four months have been very exciting, with Right Worshipful District Deputy Bob Cunningham having his last official visit to our Lodge, eight

Entered Apprentices returning their catechisms successfully and a Fellow Craft Degree, which passed all eight. Which by the way was quite a sight to see all 8 around the Alter. With E.A. and M.M. Degree's on the way, Grand Lodge's annual communication very soon, now is when we need side-liners so please come to Lodge we'd love to see you!

On the Level, James

From the South: My Brothers, it seems another month has flown by and we are nearing the end of the first half of this year. As more Brothers are progressing through the Degrees, I see us surpassing our once great numbers and entering into a new and beautiful age in Free Masonry. As always, I look forward to seeing all of you sitting on the sidelines.

By the Plumb, Marshall

From the Scribe: My Brothers, Recently a bad turn of events caused major reshuffling of investigations and that is not of major concern, things happen.  I guess that the point that I am trying to make is remember back when you had asked, and were waiting for what seemed like forever for someone to come and talk to you and your family, and finally someone did.  Please remember that if a Brother from the Lodge calls you and asks you to participate in a home investigation, if at all possible, please say yes.  We do not have that many Georges in the lodge to afford the luxury of being able to let George do all of them.  Membership is our lifeblood, and all of us need to be ready to assist in getting new members into the fold.  Remember your obligations.

By the pen, Bob