Message from the East (March 2010)

Brethren,

There are some records I would just assume we did not set. The largest snowfall on record for one. I know you are all worn out from dealing with the snow...rescheduling appointments and just shoveling. I was proud of the 26 or so Brethren who were able to attend our last Stated Meeting. It did seem lonely in the dining room with no other Lodges there. I'd say that we showed that Mozart Lodge is alive and well. Thanks to Brother Edward T. Clifford, III for a wonderful exemplification of the examination of a visitor. I know that those present will be more confident when they go to visit other Lodges. Brothers’ Paul Curtin and Jon Faucette did beautiful Fellowcraft Mason Degrees. My thanks to them and to Brother David T. Leidy, P.M., who also conferred Degrees at our Extra Meeting.

Spring must be around the corner. We are going to the Flower Show at the Civic Center the morning of March 6th, (tickets at the door $26), with lunch at Moriority's, (1116 Walnut St.), at noon (Dutch treat.) I am really excited to welcome Brother Edward O. Weisser, RWPGM of the State of Pennsylvania, who will be our guest speaker at our Stated Meeting on March 9th. I hope all will make every effort to attend both of these events.

Bob Kestler
Worshipful Master
Mozart Lodge #436 F. & A.M.

Message from the East (February 2010)

Brethren,

February is a month where we celebrate George Washington's birthday. He was, of course, just one of our famous former members of the Fraternity. I am proud to be part of something that great Americans wanted to be part of, in search of a Brotherhood with high ideals and an appreciation for beauty through our Ritual and the arts. With this pride comes the responsibility to carry on the traditions. I am open to suggestions for 'good turns' that we can perform as a Lodge, where we can 'show the colors' of Freemasonry and comply with the wishes of our Right Worshipful Grand Master, and also enjoy the camaraderie of the good men of Mozart Lodge.

I personally enjoyed the camaraderie of our Brethren and their wives who attended the musical "Wicked". Join us for the tour of the Masonic Temple on February 20th with lunch afterward. You may bring your ladies or someone whom you think might be interested in our Fraternity. Look forward to a skeet-shoot and dinner in March as well as the Flower Show and lunch.

Again, my thanks to everyone for pitching in and making Mozart Lodge the great Lodge that it is.

Bob Kestler
Worshipful Master
Mozart Lodge #436 F. & A.M.

Message from the East (January 2010)

Brethren,

New beginnings are exciting, and often full of hope for continued good times and maybe even some better times. I am excited and full of hope that I may serve Mozart Lodge, and enable all of our members to have a joyful experience. I know that following my friend, Paul Kelly, I have big shoes to fill, but I am already touched and honored by the support of our Past Masters, our new members, and many of our Brethren who have offered to help and support our efforts in Mozart Lodge #436. I am deeply grateful.

I look forward to seeing many of our members at the musical "Wicked" on January 19th and everyone, especially our new members, for our Masonic Temple Tour on February 20th. I also pray that you will mark your calendars right now for the second Tuesday, (and often the third Thursdays for Degree Work), for the entire Masonic Year. Your presence is needed and appreciated.

I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.

Bob Kestler
Worshipful Master
Mozart Lodge #436 F. & A.M.

Message from the East (December 2009)

Brethren,

As we reach the close of the Masonic year, I wish to thank each and every one of you for the kindness and support you have given me in my role as Worshipful Master during 2009. Together we endured and triumphed during tough times. We stood together, and did what was required to set things aright and to restore the Fraternal bonds of our Lodge. Mozart is once again the welcoming, active Lodge it was, and will continue to be!

My Brothers, we all owe a debt of gratitude to our Secretary, Brother David T. Leidy, PM and our Treasurer, Brother Richard R. Woehr, PM, who endured grave personal hardship and nonetheless, preserved in service to our Lodge; and also to my dear friend, Brother Ronald J. O’Brien, whose love of Freemasonry and indefatigable fidelity to justice, honor, and Brotherhood illuminated our Lodge’s path to redemption. Thank you, my Brothers, for keeping the faith!!

As my last word from the East, may I encourage all of the members of Mozart Lodge to be as active as they can be in participating in the Stated and Extra Meetings of our Lodge, and also in supporting the many great activities that the Lodge organizes each year. We have a great Fraternity and a wonderful Lodge – your participation will make it even better!

We all look forward to a great 2010 under the leadership of Brother Robert J. Kestler, Jr. and our new Lodge Officers. With our support, they will lift the spirit of the Craft ever higher in service and fellowship! May you and your family have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy and Healthy 2010!

Fraternally,
Paul J. Kelly, III
Worshipful Master

Message from the East (November 2009)

Brethren,

The autumn season is a time of recollection, reflection, and thanksgiving. As members of Mozart Lodge #436, we remember our Brethren, particularly the beloved Dr. Jose Castillo, PM, who have passed from this life and give thanks for the joy of having shared the fellowship of Freemasonry with them whilst they dwelt among us. Although we are rightly grieved as we reflect on their passing, there can be no doubt that the Lodge has much to be thankful for.

In 2009, we celebrated Brother Robert Tinney’s 50th year as a Mason, as well as the fact that he continues to be, as he has been, one of our most faithful and active Brothers. We also cherish the renewal of Fraternal relations in our Lodge that has, thank the Great Architect of the Universe, enabled us all to push so swiftly from memory of the discord of the recent past.

As we approach the close of the Masonic year, we look forward to new faces in the chairs and a renewal of the Brotherhood we share. Mozart Lodge has, in the past twelve months suffered much, cleansed itself, and experienced rebirth. With the addition of a steady stream of new members, we grow stronger and firmer while remaining ever mindful of our proud Masonic heritage and traditions.

Working together as Brothers, we can all look forward to a promising future for our Lodge. So mote it be!

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (October 2009)

Brethren,

Our Fraternity is only as strong as the commitment we each have to living the obligations we each took upon ourselves when first we knelt before the altar of Freemasonry. From time to time, it is necessary and important that we pause and reflect upon the oaths we took and rededicate ourselves to living our daily lives in a manner worthy of our status as Master Masons.

God knows, it is difficult to adhere completely and consistently to our Masonic obligations. Like you, I personally strive mightily to be a good Mason; and like you, I also know that in my human weakness, I often fall far short of the mark.

To fail to live up to one’s standards is frustrating, however, we must, as Masons, persevere in our quest, ever mindful of the words of Brother Winston S. Churchill, who once sagely pronounced, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Let us all strengthen one another’s commitment to exemplifying the ennobling precepts of Freemasonry in our daily lives, forswearing the weakness that tempts us into self-centeredness, and which leads to discord and dissension, in Lodge and without.

Brethren, always feel free to contact me directly, anytime, by phone (215-740-1102) or email (pauljkelly3@verizon.net) to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of freemasonry in general or Mozart Lodge in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (September 2009)

Brethren,

I hope that all of you enjoyed your summer vacations. Our Lodge Picnic and outings to the Phillies and the theatre were enjoyed by all participants and we can all look forward to our fall activities as well. Please contact the Secretary to sign up, (and pay for), our outing to the Constitution Center on Sunday, September 20th and Bowling Night on Saturday, October 24th. Our Lodge’s vitality continues to grow and we look forward to a strong finish to a very eventful year.

On a personal note, as my eldest son, Brother Paul J. Kelly IV, 2nd Lieutenant, USMC, reports to Marine Base Quantico for the six-month combat infantry training known as “The Basic School,” I ask you to please remember him in your prayers as he embarks upon wartime active duty in defense of our great nation and the principles it stands for.

Thank you, my Brothers, for everything you do to strengthen and ennoble our Lodge and our Fraternity.

Brethren, always feel free to contact me directly, anytime, by phone (215-740-1102) or email; (pauljkelly3@verizon.net) to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of Freemasonry in general or Mozart Lodge in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (June 2009)

Brethren,

We should all cherish the bonds of Brotherhood in our Lodge and in Freemasonry. In times of great difficulty or distress, it is all too easy to become embroiled in enmity and discord – believe me, I know. However, in times of trial, we should pause and consider the importance of remaining ever mindful of the benevolent and charitable tenets of our ancient and honorable Fraternity.

The charitable record of Mozart Lodge is remarkable. Earlier this year, prompted and directed by Secretary David T. Leidy, PM, our Lodge led efforts to assist an injured Brother by raising donations to purchase a wheelchair lift for his home, and also to provide another Brother with financial help to obtain home care assistance for a loved one. More recently, the Brothers of Mozart were faithful in visiting our beloved Past Master Dr. Jose “Pepe” Castillo, as, with joy in his heart, he prepared to leave us for Life Eternal.

Some time ago, Mozart Lodge rallied to assist our hearing-impaired Brethren by purchasing an infra-red broadcasting system. Now, through the good offices of Brother Daniel Hinds, Superintendent of the Masonic Temple, that system will, at long last, be permanently installed in Egyptian Hall for use not just by Mozart Lodge, but by all the Lodges that meet in this Lodge room. It is my fervent hope that the Brethren will support the dedication of the Egyptian Hall Sound System to honor the memory of Dr. Jose “Pepe” Castillo PM.

The readiness of the Brethren to give, to visit, and to work in support of a Brother in need is the true measure of the strength of our Lodge – as members of Mozart Lodge, we should always remember that we have a great deal to be thankful for, and also to be proud of.

While we will be more active this summer with Degree Work than is typical, we will make time to enjoy family and fellowship at the Phillies game, “The Producers,” and at our annual Lodge picnic. I hope I may see each of you soon, but in any event, may you all enjoy a wonderful summer!

Brethren, please feel free to contact be directly, anytime, by phone (215-740-1102) or email to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of Freemasonry in general or Mozart Lodge in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (May 2009)

Brethren,

April was a fine month for our Lodge in many ways – some quite visible, and some obscure.

Our 140th Anniversary Dinner was well attended and the food, fellowship, and entertainment were all first rate! It was a privilege to see Brother Robert Tinney celebrate 50 years of service to our great and honorable Fraternity, while the University Glee Club of Philadelphia sang the Marine Corps Hymn; the more so due to Bob’s continuous and active involvement in Mozart Lodge – Semper Fi!

The Glee Club sang a selection from Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” that, as I grow older rings truer and truer in my heart:

“When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark.

At the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through wind, walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown.

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone”

Freemasonry is no refuge from the toils and tribulations of life, and Brethren, we all know that hope, character, diligence, and perseverance are ever the keystones of a life well lived. May each of us cherish those virtues in our hearts and consciences, and stand by one another as we strive to be men of character, humility and service to our families, our nation, and Freemasonry, secure in the knowledge that as Brothers of the Craft we will never walk alone!

As Worshipful Master it is my first obligation to serve every member of our Lodge. Please feel free to contact me directly, anytime, by phone or email to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of Freemasonry in general and Mozart Lodge in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (April 2009)

Brethren,

We have borne with adversity for over a year now, and there is finally reason to hope that our unity, perseverance, and fidelity to the Landmarks of the Fraternity have, at long last, borne fruit. As Mozart Lodge celebrates its 140th Anniversary, the world is reborn in another glorious spring. Let us likewise, as Freemasons, open our hearts to a spiritual rebirth and a resurrection of the fraternal union that should bind us all in Brotherhood within our Lodge.

Brethren, please invite your lady to join us at our Anniversary Dinner and enjoy the warmth and fellowship that is the very essence of our great and honorable Fraternity. As Brethren of the Craft, we owe our ladies a debt of gratitude for them permitting us to participate actively as members of the Lodge, all the more so now, considering the adversity we have endured this past year and more.

As Worshipful Master it is my first obligation to serve every member of our Lodge. Please feel free to contact me directly, anytime, by phone or email to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of Freemasonry in general and Mozart Lodge in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (March 2009)

Brethren,

As Worshipful Master, one can only do the best one can, with the best interests of the Fraternity and the Lodge being the paramount consideration; and work, as Lincoln said in his second Inaugural Address, “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in …to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves…”

Let me make a confession. I am no Lincoln; and I am no saint; however, I am an Eagle Scout. I strive, as a man and as a Mason, to be upright, patient, forgiving and Fraternal in all things, but I know that I am as susceptible to allowing my baser instincts to rule me as any other man. I have my limits, and when they are reached, I am not reluctant to make moral judgments and to act with alacrity to right what I perceive as wrongs. I share Edmund Burke’s belief that, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Conscious that I have no monopoly on virtue or sound judgment, I can only hope that my actions as Worshipful Master, with your confidence, understanding and support, will strengthen our Lodge. If I am wrong, as I well may be, I will take the consequences as I must, in the hope that I have not inadvertently done lasting harm to our Lodge.

Brethren, on occasion, it is sadly necessary to take emphatic action to rebuke refractory behavior and to protect, preserve, and heal the fraternal bonds that form the warp and woof of the fabric of Brotherhood in Freemasonry. The challenge is in knowing when, and how best to do so. To fail to stand in opposition to a Brother who violates his oaths and defies fraternal admonishment is to shirk our obligations as Masons, and to surrender our Lodge to a marauding “wolf in the fold.”

Pray God that together, we successfully navigate the rock-strewn channel in which we find ourselves without sundering our Lodge. The health, if not the life, of Mozart Lodge #436 is at stake, and we may not have a second chance to set things aright. Together, I believe we can look forward to better times ahead!

Brethren, please feel free to contact me directly, anytime, by phone (215-740-1102) or email (pauljkelly3@verizon.net) to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of Freemasonry in general and Mozart Lodge in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (February 2009)

Brethren,

Our Masonic Brother, Winston S. Churchill, once said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. Ignorance may deride it. But in the end, there it is.”

As Freemasons, we strive to be seekers of eternal truth and to rise above our earthly passions. With the velocity and complexity of modern life, it is all too easy to forget, as Brother Churchill so eloquently put it, that, “All the great things in life are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.”

May our Masonic Fraternity be a refuge of fellowship and virtue in which each of us can strive to ennoble one another, collectively and individually, in service and devotion to the welfare of others!

Brethren, please feel free to contact me directly, anytime, by phone (215-740-1102) or email (pauljkelly3@verizon.net) to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of Freemasonry in general and Mozart Lodge No. 436 in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master

Message from the East (January 2009)

Brethren,

We closed 2008 with a sigh of relief and open the New Year with hearts full of hope! Mindful of the lessons we learned last year, let us now resolve to turn our backs on the past and look forward, standing together, shoulder to shoulder, to renew the ties of brotherhood that will let us bring new life to our Lodge. If every man puts the harmony and best interests Freemasonry and the Lodge foremost, we can be certain of success!

Our obligations bind us to serve one another as brothers, and as Worshipful Master no one has a greater obligation to the service of his Brethren than do I. Please feel free to contact me directly, anytime, by phone (215-740-1102) or email (pauljkelly3@verizon.net) to discuss any matter of concern to you, for the good of Freemasonry in general and Mozart Lodge in particular.

Paul J. Kelly, III

Worshipful Master