For as long as I can remember Masonry has played a part in my life. I was born in 1976, twenty years after my dad was raised. By that time he was well established in the various bodies of Masonry, which even included becoming a High Priest in the Royal Arch Masons. As a young kid I knew about his involvement, but obviously didn’t understand, or really even care to understand. Occasionally my older brother and I had the opportunity to participate over at the lodge, such as at the annual New Year’s Day lunch. After watching my dad slurp back oysters out of a Styrofoam cup (we still tell stories of this) he would take us upstairs to play a few games of pool, and then walk us down the hallway to show us his High Priest picture on the wall.

Simple as this may seem, I look back at my childhood, and this was one of my best memories of being with my dad. I may not have understood everything that happened in that building, but it was easy to see the sense of pride he had walking the halls with his sons and in being a Freemason. One main reason for his pride is most certainly the fact that his father, my grandfather, was also a Mason. My grandfather passed away in 1945, just two years after being raised. My dad was only fifteen at the time, but, much like I did, he clearly recognized not only the joy the fraternity brought to his dad, but the sense of pleasure he had in being a Mason even for such a short period of time.

It was this type of connection, and a sense of history and family, that led me to start asking my dad more about the fraternity a few years ago. My older brother had become a Mason, and I could see the gratification that my dad had in seeing his son became a third-generation Mason. I decided that the timing in life was right to seek membership – I wanted my dad to have the opportunity to see me raised, as well. My brother and dad traveled nearly 500 miles back in May of 2009 to see me become a Master Mason. I didn’t know what to expect that night, but I knew it was special to have them there.

For me, though, my journey in Masonry has become more than just having my dad see me become a fellow Mason. While technically I did become a Master Mason that evening, it’s only through participation with my lodge that I am learning to understand what becoming a Mason really means. After being raised I joined the line, and became an officer, and even had the opportunity to have my dad join me in lodge to see me sit in the South. Shortly after he presented me with his dad’s Masonic ring, which is something I will always treasure. As I stated earlier I never had the chance to meet my grandfather, but I now know the significance of that ring, and feel a connection with him that I never had the chance to experience.

The past few years have been particularly difficult for my dad and my family. After a long battle with cancer my mom passed away in 2009. My dad has been battling cancer for the better part of the last five years, as well. There have been difficult times for all of us, and I know there will be more difficult times ahead. Throughout everything, though, Masonry and faith have helped my dad and my family get through.

New Year’s Day still remains special to me, and I even had the opportunity recently to return home and go to the lunch, once again, with my Dad and brother. The lodge is a little older, the tv in the game room is a little outdated, and they changed the Styrofoam cups to plastic, but the biggest difference was the fact that both my brother and I are now fellow Masons. Instead of walking around and showing off the lodge and his picture to us, my dad was showing us off to his lodge. Fifty-five years after joining the Freemasons the organization is still providing my dad a sense of brotherhood and pride, and now more than ever is proving an opportunity for the two of us to bond on a level that I have never had before.

-Bro. Jim Jolley
Raised May 19, 2009

St. Patrick’s Day Family Dinner
03/06/2012
6:30 PM-10:30 PM

St. Patrick’s Day Family Dinner

Tuesday 6 March 2012 –6:30 pm

Bro. Robert O’Schott will cook his delicious corned beef and cabbage for our families and us to enjoy.  The menu includes Bro. O’Schott’s corned beef, cabbage, ‘taters, Bro. O’Hoffman’s homemade Irish Soda Bread, and dessert.  The Order of the Eastern Star will help us celebrate this tradition.

At Lodge, we’ll have short meeting with proficiency in the EA Degree.

Cost: $15 for reservations made by February 28^th, $20 thereafter.  $7 for kids under twelve.

Reservations: Either online (preferred) at www.mm116.org. or to Michael Cohen, JD, at (954) 804-2256 or at mcohen55@gmail.com.

Need Directions to Mt. Moriah
507 West Chesapeake Ave.Towson MD 21204

Finally, I wish you and your families a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Sincerely & Fraternally,
George W. Hoffman Worshipful Master

It is with great pride and humility that I take the East. I thank you for your confidence in me and for entrusting me with your lodge for the next year. But before we speak of the future I must proffer my sincere congratulations to our outgoing Worshipful Master, Peter Bates. It was not only an honor, but also a pleasure, to serve as his Senior Warden. And without his help I would not be writing this message today.

For any man to reach the East requires a concerted team effort: the long process of progressing through the chairs, ritual work, participation, reciting charges, middle chambers, grasshoppers, obligations, and finally, lectures. And each Worshipful Master has a number of Brethren who have served as his mentors over the years. Accordingly there are many Brothers and friends, without whose help, dedication and belief in me I would not have made it to this point. They are too numerous to thank on this page, but to all I offer my deepest and most-heart felt thanks.

I congratulate Bros. Cory Wright and John Glasby, our new Senior and Junior Wardens-elect. I’m excited to work with them and the rest of the line officers on our plans. Yes, the upcoming year will be exciting. We have a great class coming in. We’re bringing back some old traditions but also trying out a few new ideas. I’ve talked with a number of members, both long-standing and brand new, to hear their ideas and we’ll act on many of those. Also, our outgoing Worshipful Master has had many great ideas that we simply did not have the time or resources to implement this year but we’ll continue to push forward with those.

As always, Brethren, I am but a phone call or email away; if you have questions,concerns or comments, please get in touch with me.

Brethren, I remain.
Sincerely and Fraternally yours,
George W. Hoffman Worshipful Master-Elect

I would like to thank you all one last time for the great privilege and high honor it has been to serve as the Worshipful Master of Mt. Moriah Lodge.There are far too many brothers that need to be thanked to list them all here individually, instead, just know that to each of you that has helped either myself personally, or the lodge in general during this past year, I am truly and deeply grateful.

I wish my friend and Brother, Worshipful Master-Elect, George W. Hoffman, all the best for the coming year, and I hope you will stand with in supporting him throughout his term. It is only with the support of the Brethren that a Worshipful Master can be successful.

All the Best to You and Yours in the NewYear.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Peter V.N. BatesWorshipful Master

Why did I join the Freemasons? Because Benjamin Gates from the movie National Treasure made them seem all-knowing and all-powerful; how could you NOT want to be a part of that? While it turns out that’s not quite the most realistic version of what Freemasonry is about, November marked my 1-year anniversary of being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and so I began to reflect upon the events of the past year for me, both fraternally and personally. I knew that joining Freemasonry would be an enjoyable experience; what I didn’t know what how much it would truly impact my life, even if I haven’t yet been given the life-changing riches or approval letter to Harvard Law School.

Freemasonry is founded upon the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. I’ve found an abundance of each!

Masonic history and lessons are taught by way of “mouth to ear” during the Catechism process. It was a challenge and required a strong commitment of time and focus, but it was also a very rewarding process for me. It was only because of the dedication required to learn the rituals, symbols and history that becoming a Master Mason meant so much; I had earned it! If it were an easy process, it wouldn’t have been as important to me. Also, this time allowed me to form a strong bond with my fellow classmates, instructors and the other Brothers of Mt. Moriah.

After being raised, I wanted to embrace all that Freemasonry had to offer so I sought out further opportunities to become more active in the Lodge. This led me to become involved in a number of activities and committees as well as becoming a Line Officer. The past year as Junior Steward allowed me to learn more about the lessons and morals upon which Freemasonry is founded and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me as I move up the line to the East.

As much as I enjoy being in the line, I’ve received the greatest pleasure from becoming a Catechism instructor myself. Serving as an instructor has helped me to stay active in the Lodge beyond official business by meeting our newest brothers and giving me even further understanding of our rituals and the lessons within.

Beyond the moral insights covered in ritual and catechism, I’ve found that one of the greatest benefits to joining the Freemasons is the brotherhood! I truly count the other members of Mt. Moriah lodge as my brothers and know I can always look to them for friendship or guidance. There are numerous social activities, such as the Harvest Home Day which gives the opportunity for brothers from all over Maryland to come together and enjoy fellowship…and pancakes! Freemasons love their pancakes.

Relief (charity) to others is a large part of Freemasonry and a prime example of the relief to others is MDChip ; a comprehensive identification (DNA, voice recording and pictures) program designed to give families a measure of protection against the ever increasing problem of missing children. This program is provided completely free to every Maryland family who wishes to participate. My wife and I have volunteered twice for the MDChip and the parents are always so thankful and supportive!

Like most everything in life, you will only get out of it what you’re willing to put into it. I’ve found that Freemasonry gives you the tools to contemplate your life, ethics and mores but ultimately it’s up to the individual to listen to the meanings and determine for themselves what they will do with those lessons. Freemasons make good men better; and for that, I am eternally grateful. Though I am still hoping I’ll learn the location of the Holy Grail or be appointed Senator of Maryland.

-Michael Cohen, Junior Steward
Raised Nov. 16, 2010

Worshipful Master-elect George Hoffman:

Senior Warden-elect Cory Wright:

As 2011 comes to a close, I want to wish all of you a blessed holiday season and a happy and healthy new year.

With my time in the East coming to an end, I remember with fondness many special moments over the past year. From watching the progress made by catechism classes and officers alike, to the pancake breakfasts and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade march, I have some wonderful memories from 2011.

Those memories wouldn’t have been possible however, without the help of so many brothers that they are too numerous to list here. Instead, I offer
a most heartfelt and sincere “Thank You.” Thank you for all of the support, advice, patience and good counsel.

Traveling through the line has been an amazing experience. I learned a lot about both Masonry and myself. I look forward with confidence and enthusiasm towards next year. I know our Senior Warden, Bro. George Hoffman will do an excellent job as Master, and that the rest of the officers will rise to the challenge ahead of them.

It has been an honor and a privilege to be the Master of Mt. Moriah. One that I will never forget.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Peter V.N. Bates
Worshipful Master

Brethren,

On Wednesday, January 4th, Mount Moriah will be installing our 2012 Officers.
We invite you to join us for Dinner beginning at 6:00pm and Installation at 7:30pm. Guests are welcome!

Dinner will consist of marinated flank steak, roasted seasonal vegetables and burbon bread pudding. There will be no charge.

Please make your reservations in advance, as space is limited.

Need Directions to Mt. Moriah Lodge
507 West Chesapeake Ave.Towson MD 21204

As the holidays approach, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have helped us progress through another successful year.  We as Freemasons cherish the love and togetherness that the holidays bring. We extend our joy and sincere appreciation this year in welcoming brethren and their friends and family to our Annual Holiday Party…

The festivities will begin at 6pm on Tuesday, December 20th. For many families this is a busy and hectic month so for this reason, dress will be casual. Feel free to arrive and depart in whatever manner best fits your schedule. We will be providing a catered dinner, entertainment from the Joyous Voices, and a special guest who will be bringing gifts for children of all ages.

Please make reservations in advanced!

Brethren – This is an excellent opportunity to showcase our lodge to the public, so feel free to invite friends that may be interested in learning more about Freemasonry. Tours of the lodge and the history of Freemasonry will as always be available upon request!

If you plan to bring children, please note the age of the children in the comments section so that we can provide them with an age appropriate gift!

Need Directions to Mt. Moriah
507 West Chesapeake Ave.Towson MD 21204