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Facing the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Outbreak as Scottish Rite Masons
A Message from Sovereign Grand Commander James D. Cole, 33°

Dear Brother,

During these times I ponder the phrase, “in this our • Contact local offi cials to see if there is anything
dilemma, what shall we do?” Scottish Rite Masons can do to help.
As Scottish Rite Masons, I encourage us all to be true • If your Valley has a message board in front of
to our obligations, living in the light of our personal the building or a Facebook page, post something
faiths and remaining engaged in our communities. encouraging and uplift ing for the community.

While COVID-19 has brought Masonic activities We are not only the oldest Fraternity in the world;
and so much of our daily routine to an abrupt halt, or we are also the one which has had the greatest impact
at a minimum severely changed our daily routines, we on humanity. We have made the world better because
must calmly continue to help, aid, and assist. We must of who we are … a Brotherhood of men who have
remain true to ourselves. expressed a belief in the Supreme Being, by whatever
name we may call Him, and what we do … live up to
Perhaps not all of us can be physically out there our promises to help, aid, and assist.
on the front lines, but we can remain an anchor
in our communities, a brotherhood of good men However dark the hour may become, let us share
who continue to care and reach out in the methods the light of our care, kindness, and compassion with
available to us. others. We will make a diff erence. We can improve
lives.
Please consider the following ideas, some of which
I borrowed from the Grand Master of Virginia, Most Listen to and support health and government
Worshipful Douglas V. Jones, 33° as outlined in a offi cials, stay safe, and be as Masonic as possible. Th e
recent letter to his membership: world needs us.

• Th ank and encourage anyone you know who Sincerely and fraternally,
works on the “front line”: a healthcare worker, a Jim Cole
fi rst responder, or the truck driver who keeps the
shelves stocked. Remember, our supply chain, from
farmer to stock boy, is important. Send a card, an
email, or perhaps have a restaurant deliver some Explore Freemasonry
food to them.

• Shop for groceries or pick up prescriptions for
Brothers, widows, or neighbors who cannot leave
their home due to health considerations. You can
simply get what they need and leave it on their
doorstep.

• Assist neighbors with needed yard work or other
chores where exposure is limited. Stay in touch
by emails, telephone calls, cards, and letters and
off er encouragement to your Brethren and those
in your community who may not even know about
Freemasonry.

• Valleys may want to consider setting up a phone
tree or using an existing one to communicate Grand Lodge AF&AM of Montana
PO Box 1158, Helena, MT 59624-1158
encouragement to our members. (406) 442-7774 www.grandlodgemontana.org

Montana Freemason Page 5 Jan/Feb 2021 Volume 97 No. 1