Page 2 - Sojourner Newsletter FALL 2022

2 THE SOJOURNER

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Brother Sojourners,

In all of my travels thus far, the biggest thing I have discovered is that our
membership is in the dark on the happenings of National Sojourners. For
example, when I talk about the National Constitution & Bylaws (C&BL) at a
meeting, there are a variety of different questions, answers and explanations as
to their correct meaning. In fact, many interpretations are varied as to the correct
meaning. I know the new C&BL is new to all of them, as it as for me; but we
have a new document that we are governed with and MUST understand. I recall
at one meeting I attended, a particular Sojourner ranted and raved about the
C&BL until I really thought he was going to bust. When I finally got my turn to
explain them to him, as well as to the Chapter, he calmed down somewhat. But I
am finding out that many of our members just really don’t understand the new
regulations. They are relying on their fellow members to explain them and who
are probably in the same boat. I really can’t count the number of times I have
said, “If there is something you don’t like or agree with, seek knowledge from
someone or write a resolution to change what you have issues with, but please
read and understand something before you leap.” I believe that many Sojourners have often leapt to
conclusions but find out that if they had just turned another page or read further, they would have found the
answer right in front of them. For myself, I seek a lot of advice from a lot of people before I jump to a
conclusion.

I recently read an article in The Scottish Rite magazine this month from our Sovereign Grand Commander
(Southern Jurisdiction) that really puts a light on the subject. I don’t want to plagiarize something from another
individual or take credit for something I didn’t create, so I have attached his article for all to read. Please read
it carefully and understand the message he is trying to get across.

SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER’S MESSAGE
Paint or Stain

Our Masonic principles prompt us to value the differences that each man brings to the door of our Lodge.
Just as a stain would penetrate within wood, we want our fraternal bonds and teachings to infuse qualities
within a brother. We want each brother to display his character and his integrity. Through the teaching of
valuable lessons, we try to enrich these internal strengths and bring them to the surface—or at least bring
them into view—so that the world at large can benefit from his service to others. We also use a painting
process. Paint creates a more homogeneous picture, just as we strive to highlight the similarities that run
through all true Freemasons. When viewed from outside the Fraternity, it is our hope that we are seen as a
Brotherhood, bonded together by the cement of brotherly love and affection, a temple of living stones among
whom no contention should exist. We share a belief in a Supreme Being and a willingness to overlook the
flaws present in each of us by concentrating on the commonalities we share. It seems that staining and
painting are both very valuable processes, especially when applied to our interactions with people. Stain
reminds us to look beneath the surface and appreciate a person’s inner qualities, while we need to paint over
what we perceive as flaws in others. Perhaps, more importantly, we should not allow adverse opinions or
perceived slights from others to “stain” us. Instead, we could dab a bit of the paint of friendship, compassion,
and patience upon these imperfections, saving just enough in the bucket to use on ourselves if any of our own
imperfections show.

V/R,
Denny Norris
National Sojourners