March 2024 Trestleboard

Masonic Youth Orders

March is “Youth Orders Month.” This is the month when we spotlight the youth orders in general, especially the youth orders that meet at Conejo Valley Lodge. We are blessed to have all three youth orders meeting at our facility: DeMolay International, Job’s Daughters International, and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. 

I know from personal experience how important these organizations are and how valuable they can be for young individuals who are just beginning to establish an identity for themselves. My youngest daughter joined Bethel No. 324 in her early teens. The lessons she learned and the life values she established through Jobs Daughters have helped her immensely throughout her personal and professional life. Charmaine and I served on the Bethel Guardian Council for several years. Not only was it a wonderful experience, but it was also what led me to petition the lodge for membership.

As our Grand Master mentioned in his Youth Orders Month proclamation, “Masons are uniquely positioned to offer positive mentorship, guidance, and support” to our youth orders. “What Masons give back to the youth orders, these impressive young people give back to us in energy and inspiration.” I encourage all our lodge members to support our youth groups by attending a meeting or public event, participating in their fundraising efforts, and generally supporting their activities. 

There are also opportunities to get more personally involved by becoming a member of one or more of the adult advisory boards. I guarantee that you will be greatly rewarded for your active participation. And it should go without saying that if you have young children or grandchildren of your own, talk to them about becoming a member of one of our youth orders.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, March 12, at 7:00 PM, the chairman of our candidate coaching committee, Wor. Frank Shapiro, will be conducting a seminar on coaching candidates. This meeting is primarily for master masons. At this seminar, you will learn techniques and teaching lessons on how to coach candidates through their degree proficiencies. The lodge is always looking for qualified coaches. If you have a talent for ritual, this is one way you can assist our lodge in helping our candidates progress through the three degrees of masonry. 

We are planning another social gathering for Tuesday, March 26. This one will take place at the lodge at 7:00 PM. All members, candidates, prospects, and ladies are invited to attend. 

As always, please check out the Masonic Family Calendar of events on our website, conejomasons.org, for details on all regular meetings and special events.

Greetings from the South! We have had a great Masonic year so far, with exciting fellowship events. We have some additional events coming up, and some degree work is on the horizon. Looking forward to the summer months, strengthening our Friendship and Brotherly Love, and welcoming new and prospective members.