Wardens and Brethren,

Our first meeting of 2026, although delayed, was a success, we voted on three candidates bringing our total to initiate to 5 (we have a total of 6 candidates, but one has elected to delay until next year). Then we had an excellent presentation from W:. Frank about performance in ritual. Which has inspired a deeper thinking of the topic. Ritual has a profound impact on Freemasonry as it serves as a universal language that binds the brotherhood together. By performing the same ceremonies that have remained largely unchanged for centuries, members experience a sense of historical continuity. This shared experience creates an immediate bond between our brothers, whether they are in a local lodge or visiting one halfway across the world.

Beyond the social connection, ritual acts as an educational tool. The lessons are performed rather than just read, they engage the senses and the emotions, making the philosophical teachings more impactful. The repetitive nature of the ritual ensures that the core values—such as integrity, charity, and brotherly love, which are deeply ingrained in our subconscious, helping our moral compass that we carry in our daily life.

Finally, the performance of ritual creates a “sacred space” that distinguishes the lodge room from the outside world. This transition allows members to leave behind their secular status, politics, and anxieties to focus on self-improvement. The structured, rhythmic nature of the ceremony helps us get to a state of mindfulness, where the “working tools” of a stonemason are used as metaphors for building a better character. In this context, the ritual isn’t just a lesson or story; it is an active process of “squaring the stone,” where the individual is both the builder and the temple being built.

With that for you all to think about, please feel free to respond. We can add a “readers digest” section. Speaking of readers, the officer line has decided to read books on leadership and communication. We have read so far, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, which we agreed was very enlightening, however if the skills talked about were used for manipulation they could also be just as effective, to which we agree “to use our powers for good not evil”. Our next book is Extreme Ownership by Jacko Wilks and Leif Babbot. Feel free to give any recommendations for books or give your feedback on the books we have read or will read.

Looking to the future we have an EA degree on 5 Candidates on Feb 23rd at 7pm. Dinner will be served before the degree at 6pm, this month we will be having dinner from the far east, featuring vegetable fried rice and all the traditional Pu-Pu Platter fixings, egg rolls, coconut shrimp, beef teriyaki, fried chicken wings chicken fingers and boneless ribs. Afterwards, there will be some homemade treats!

After our degree night we have Jenks smoker on March 14th. And in the not-too-distant future, Jenks will be hosting JENKS TAVERN.  Get your Tokens now for access and a Glass mug. This year’s theme is The Revolution celebrating 250 of American independence. I hope to see or at least speak with most of you soon.

Fraternally,

Andrew (AJ) Brockway, WM Jenks #24