A Message from the Valley's Personal Representative
Building Our Sacred Refuge Together
MW David Perry, 32°, KCCH
Dear Brethren,
We have returned from the Statewide Reunion, and it is difficult to fully express how inspiring the experience was. I came home with a renewed sense of excitement, gratitude, and genuine joy in being a Scottish Rite Mason. There is something powerful about gathering with Brothers from across our Orient, laboring together in a common purpose, and being reminded that the work entrusted to us extends far beyond ourselves.
As we look toward the future of both the Santa Rosa and Napa Lodges of Perfection, we are reminded of a fundamental truth: Model valleys require model members to lay a lasting foundation. We are engaged in building a legacy far greater than any single one of us—a home that will endure for generations to come.
Each one of us brings a unique gift to this Sacred Refuge. Outside noise, rumors, or challenges cannot stop our momentum, nor can any attack defeat what we are building together. We will continue to move forward with unyielding purpose. This Valley is our sacred place to call home, and it is our collective duty to ensure our light shines brighter today than ever before.
Leaders come and go, but the work of this Scottish Rite Valley will endure across the ages. Yet, this vision cannot be realized by just two dedicated leaders; it requires the strength, energy, and commitment of every single member.
Words of Wisdom for Our Journey Forward
- We Are Called Builders for a Reason: We do not merely occupy space; we construct the future through unity, faith, and action.
- We Hold the Keys: Every member carries the key to open the way ahead. We must actively unlock new doors to create greater opportunities for light and fellowship.
- Growth Demands Unity: True growth happens when every Brother steps forward, bringing his unique talents to the altar of our shared mission.
I encourage each of you to fully immerse yourselves in the life of our Valley. Let us support one another with genuine brotherly love, lift each other up in times of challenge, and commit to increasing our growth together.
Let us open the doors wide, step into the light, and see the great things awaiting us.
This Month's Masonic Education: The Ashlars
Our Education this month will focus upon the Ashlars and the timeless lesson they offer concerning the work every Mason is called upon to undertake within himself.
The Rough Ashlar reminds us of man in his natural and imperfect state. The Perfect Ashlar represents that same man after education, discipline, reflection, and the proper application of the Working Tools have begun their refining work.
Between those two stones lies the labor of a lifetime.
The work of Masonry is therefore not confined to our Lodge rooms, our rituals, or our meetings. The greater work takes place quietly within ourselves—in how we respond to adversity, how we treat one another, how we govern our passions, how we correct our imperfections, and how faithfully we attempt each day to become better men and better Masons.
And yet, the work upon our own Ashlar is never entirely personal. The stone we shape within ourselves affects every Brother beside us.
Questions for Reflection
- Which Working Tool do you find most useful when confronting stress, adversity, or the rough edges of everyday life?
- How does helping a newer Brother refine his Ashlar cause us to examine—and perhaps further refine—our own?
- How does the work we perform upon ourselves ultimately strengthen our Brethren and our Valley?
The Rough Ashlar reminds us where the work begins. The Perfect Ashlar reminds us toward what we continually strive. But perhaps there is another lesson worthy of our contemplation: No stone in the Temple stands entirely alone.
Each must be shaped and prepared to take its proper place. Each supports and is supported by the stones around it. And the strength of the Temple depends not upon the perfection of one stone, but upon how faithfully all are fitted together according to the design.
So it is with us, my Brother.
