Page 13 - Sojourner Newsletter Winter 2021-5_Neat

VOL. 98 ISS. 1 13

Bridge of Light – Let our light shine to our Masonic Family

The Bridge of Light (BOL) program with planning and conducting Bridge tional Sojourners and the BOL Pro-
is one of the most important aspects of of Light activities and proper comple- grams; Make Chapter visits, at least
National Sojourners. It educates our tion of the Report. annually, to the Masonic Lodges; En-
Masonic Family about our activities, Each Chapter is required by the Na- courage individual Sojourners to at-
and more importantly, the Patriotism tional By-Laws (Article 12.6) to ap- tend additional Masonic meetings;
and Americanism that we espouse. It point a Bridge of Light Committee to Visit with local Masonic Youth
can also be one of the most important perform such listed committee tasks as Groups; Where Grand jurisdiction per-
membership tools we have. local Masonic and community liaison, mits, furnish degree teams, flag cere-
From the Bridge of Light Handbook, Grand Lodge liaison in coordination monies, and other programs; Distribute
“BOL is a mystical concept, which is with Regional/Area Representatives. Chapter Bulletins to local Masonic
peculiar to National Sojourners and This along with the Americanism Lodges/Bodies.
serves to connect our Order with Ma- Committee forms the team that pro- The BOL activities of the Chapter
sonry and its appendant bodies. BOL, motes Patriotism and Americanism BOL Committee are the primary con-
as a symbolic tool, creates a common within the Masonic Community and tact with individual Blue Lodges, Roy-
bond of brotherhood espousing the the Civic Community. Coordination al Arch Chapters, Councils of Royal
American Way of Life and the free- between the two Committees and with and Select Masters, Commanderies of
doms we enjoy and must protect by the Heroes of ’76 is vital to share re- Knights Templar, Scottish Rite Val-
“supporting all patriotic aims and ac- sources and reach the largest audience leys, Chapters of Eastern Star, DeMo-
tivities in Masonry.” The BOL is a possible. lay, Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters,
liaison, a bonding, an interweaving, a The Chapter BOL Committee should etc. Each Chapter-level committee and
better understanding, and a friendship consist of dedicated, enthusiastic, and committee member should be attuned
between National Sojourners and the knowledgeable Sojourners, who are to activities within their Sojourner Re-
rest of Freemasonry. National Sojourn- well versed in local Masonic traditions gion and/or Area to ensure Masonic
ers gain visibility, relevance, respect, and ready to impart Masonic assis- unity and harmony without infringing
and perhaps members; non-Sojourner tance. The committee develops and on the activities of the Fraternal Liai-
Masons and appendant bodies gain presents programs to unite the Mason- son Committee.
programs, education, and other assis- ic Family into one common “society of We encourage active participation by
tance, especially with their patriotic friends and brothers.” Listed here are all members of the National Sojourn-
endeavors.” some of the Committee’s duties: Main- ers in Bridge of Light activities to
The Bridge of Light Committee tain periodic contact verbal and writ- grow our Order and to promote Patri-
meeting at the Annual National Com- ten, with Masonic Lodges and other otism and Americanism.
munication will be a training event to Masonic organizations, to ensure un-
assist attendees (in-person and virtual) derstanding of the Objectives of Na- Bro. Brian C. Coffey, BOL Chairman

Bridge Of Light During The Pandemic
by Bro. Brian C. Coffey, BOL Chairman

We are in the midst of a crisis, many Masonic and Ap- do not let this time of Troubles deter you from this admira-
pendant Body meetings are curtailed or cancelled, in some ble effort. Brethren, our labors must never cease. We can
places we cannot meet together in person for any reason. accomplish much, even in these circumstances.
How can we share our love of Country, Patriotism, and
Americanism with our Masonic family through Bridge of
Light programs during this period of isolation? Many or-
ganizations are conducting virtual meetings via video tele-
conferencing platforms, some are starting to meet in per-
son. Contact the Lodges and Appendant Bodies in your
area, offer to present the Toast to the Flag, any of our other
Programs, or even just discuss the purposes and programs
of the National Sojourners. This can be done in person or
via VTC. Develop slideshows to give presentations
(recently I modified our Historical Flags presentation in
PowerPoint focusing on just “Old Glory”).
Remember, we are the “cutting edge” of the sword to
teach and promote Patriotism among our Masonic Family,