Brethren:
As we grow older, we gather health problems, some more serious than others. Our immediate families know of these health problems and give us aid and comfort as best as they can. We too, are part of a fraternal family to our ailing brethren and as your Chaplain and Chairman of the Caring Committee, I have undertaken to send out comfort letters to our Brethren or their immediate family on behalf of our entire Lodge along with a donation to our Charity Fund as the situation calls for. My effort on behalf of our Lodge does not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the recipients or their families and I have been so advised either verbally or in writing.
When I am advised of the need, I will respond accordingly. I am calling for my Brethren to be my emissaries. I am not a committee of one and I need the entire Lodge which makes up my unofficial committee to be my eyes and ears for brethren in need of comfort. This is my obligation and yours too.
Fraternally,
Fred Tepper
Chaplain
It is our fervent wish that all of our brethren live to be 120 coupled with good health and happiness. Be that as it may, we are all destined to be raised to that “Celestial Lodge” above someday to join the many hundreds of thousands of brethren who have preceded us. As we all draw closer to that inevitable day, preparations should be made as to your desires and that of your families.
As your individual Clergy are there to comfort the family, you too can, if you make your wishes known to your family beforehand in your finalization preparations that you request Freemason participation in a “Mason Memorial Service”. As Chaplain of our Lodge and speaking on behalf of the Worshipful Master, the Officers and Brethren, there would be no inconvenience or cost to your family and it would be a very special privilege and honor for us to honor you as you have honored us with your membership. Furthermore it gives those in attendance a glimpse of what Freemasonry is all about. The Service takes place 15 minutes prior to the regular scheduled Clergy led service. With all due respect to the family, we would not do this Service unless notified by the family beforehand that this was the wish of our Brother and/or his family.
Should you feel the need to contact me, please do so at Chaplain@amicable-stjohns.org or (410) 653-2054
Fraternally,
Bro. Fred Tepper--Chaplain