Brethren,

Society in Medieval Europe was highly regulated. The masonry trade guilds were also highly regulated. An Entered Apprentice incurred three important 'charges' when joining the masonry trade guild. His first duty was to God. He must believe in all doctrines of the Catholic Church, the official church of that day. His second duty was to his king. He must obey all the laws of the crown. His third duty was to his master or employer. He must not reveal his master's secrets to anyone outside of the trade guild. He must not seduce his master's wife, daughter or maidservant. Furthermore, he must not maintain an argument with his master, his dame or any member of the craft. In the obligation taken at the altar, we pattern our own code of ethics with that set forth centuries ago. On July 1st, after a third degree proficiency for our recently raised Master Masons, we will confer the Entered Apprentice degree upon a group of men, who, like the operative fore bearers of our craft, will take a vowel of fidelity - to God, country and the fraternity. Meeting time will be 7:00 P.M. Then, enjoy refreshments and fellowship afterwards.

Born in 1731, Benjamin Banneker, an African-American tobacco farmer with ties to the colony of Maryland, soon demonstrated his exceptional scientific ability. Although largely unschooled, at the age of 22 he constructed from memory, a large wooden clock. Each gear in the timepiece was carefully carved by hand. By 1789, his scientific reputation had grown to such a height that George Washington appointed him to the commission formed to plan the city of Washington D.C. From 1791 to 1793 he assisted Major Andrew Ellicott with the survey the site of the national capitol. From there, he went on to publish THE PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA ALMANAC AND EPHEMERIS (1792-1802). Mr. Robert Smith, as he has done so many times in the past, will be performing in character, Mr. Benjamin Banneker. Come and enjoy this unusual performance, scheduled to begin at 8:30 P.M. on Tuesday, July 15th, after our regularly scheduled 7:30 P.M. business meeting. Family and friends are cordially invited. Guests should plan to come shortly before 8:30 P.M. to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.

Fraternally,

Dennis R. Hamlet
Worshipful Master

Dates to Remember:

1733 - The first American lodge held under "written authority" was founded by Henry Price. The Ceremony took place at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, in the city of Boston.

1733 - The foundation of a lodge in Hamburg by eleven German gentlemen was said to have been authorized by the Earl of Strathmore, acting Grand Master.

NO PANCAKE BREAKFAST DURING JULY AND AUGUST. Bob Schott and Ned Featherston have earned a well deserved vacation.