Perhaps you recall the old quote, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”  This remark is actually paraphrased from the original quote, attributed to George Santayana, who said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  I think it is relevant this month, as it marks the anniversary of a particularly dark period of Masonic history in America.

On September 12, 1826, William Morgan, who had published a supposed exposé of Masonic secrets, was taken from the jail in Canandaigua, New York, kidnapped, and possibly later murdered. The supposed perpetrators forgot their Charge as Entered Apprentice Masons.  This was the trigger for the notorious “Morgan Affair,” the further instigation of the Antimasonic movement, and the creation of the Antimasonic Party in the United States from the 1820s through the 1840s.  Interestingly, and among other things, it led to lodge business being only conducted in a Lodge of Master Masons, which was only changed in California within the last decade.

I note this, not because I believe any of you are capable of repeating such horrible acts but, because this can be a tough time of year; kids are reluctantly going back to school, more demands are being made of time and money – this alone can be very stressful!  As we inch closer to Election Day, too, it is likely you will be met with opinions which differ, perhaps greatly, from your own.  Your patience will be tested.  Subdue those passions, Brothers, and recall that …” you are charged to practice the domestic and public virtues.  Let Temperance chasten, Fortitude support, and Prudence direct you, and let Justice be the guide of all your actions.”  Your behavior determines how our fraternity is perceived.