Brethren,

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Crime Information Center, there are 50,930 active cases of missing adults as of January 31, 2007. According to a 2002 study conducted by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice, 797,000 children, or an average of 2,185 per day were reported missing during the year 1999. In response to this problem, Bro. John R. Biggs, M.W.G.M. has taken the initiative to involve the Grand Lodge of Maryland in a program designed to make available to families across the state, free of charge, DNA and fingerprint records for their loved ones. This computerized program (CHIPS) produces the data storage disc which will remain completely confidential and in the safekeeping of the families who choose to become involved in the program. The Mt. Moriah 507 Holding Company has purchased two CHIPS programs on behalf of Mt. Moriah Lodge. Bros. Douglas L. Bassett, P.M. and Robert W. Chase, P.M. have volunteered to work with the Grand Lodge of Maryland in introducing this program to the community. On the first Tuesday in June (the 3rd), we will have our regularly scheduled business meeting at 7:30 P.M. We will conclude around 8:30 P.M. We invite friends and guests to arrive shortly before 8:30 P.M. to see an interesting demonstration by Bro. Chase as he demonstrates the CHIPS program to us. Voluntary participation among those who are present is encouraged. This is Strawberry Night folks, so come prepared to enjoy plenty of wonderful, juicy red berries tonight.

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. Thus we follow the code of ethics set forth centuries ago in the obligation taken by the men who kneel at the alter in lodge today. On June 17th, we will confer the entered apprentice degree upon a group of men, who, like the like the operative fore bearers of our craft, will take a vowel of fidelity -to God, country and the fraternity. Meeting time will be 7:30 P.M. this evening. Then, enjoy refreshments and fellowship afterwards.

Fraternally,

Dennis R. Hamlet
Worshipful Master

Dates to Remember:

1729 - The first speculative Scottish Lodge was founded under the title of Edinburgh Kilwinning. The Roll of 1736 included various names of noblemen of the day.

1731 - The earliest written records of a Lodge at Philadelphia in the American colonies date from this year.

28 June 2008 - 7:30 A.M. until 10 A.M. Come and enjoy our monthly pancake breakfast prepared especially with you in mind. Cost is $3.00. In June, our May, June, & July Masons of the Month and Mt. Moriah Out of Town Brothers eat for FREE!