Wardens and Brethren, 

Our Second meeting of 2026 although delayed was a success ( sound familiar?). We conferred 4 candidates to the Entered Apprentice degree. The officer line had done a great job! We as a group have decided to not rest but instead to dive into our next degree immediately. We believe this degree was the bar and we plan to only get better and better. Which has inspired me to talk about a part of one lecture we gave:

“By the Rough Ashler we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature; by the Perfect Ashler, of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive, by a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessing of God”

The journey of self-improvement, as illuminated by the quote, begins with the recognition of the Rough Ashler: our initial, natural state, which is described as “rude and imperfect.” This raw, unshaped stone is a powerful metaphor for the inherent flaws and unrealized potential present within every individual. True self-improvement is impossible without first acknowledging this baseline of imperfection, accepting that we are a work-in-progress, and committing to making ourselves better. The Rough Ashler is essentially a starting point—the raw material that is ripe for transformation and refinement through conscious effort.

The Perfect Ashler, which symbolizes the ultimate aspiration of self-improvement: “that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive.” This is not merely a material or external achievement, but a self refinement. The Perfect Ashler represents our idealized self—the individual who has squared and smoothed the rough edges of their nature. This ideal serves as a constant beacon for the self-improver, providing the vision and motivation to continue the  labor of personal growth.

The lecture explicitly outlines the three critical pillars that form the process of self-improvement. The first is “a virtuous education,” which provides the necessary support to shape one’s inner character. The second is “our own endeavors,” which stresses the important role of personal commitment, discipline, and effort. Finally, “the blessing of God” acknowledges that ultimate transformation. This comprehensive formula, combining external instruction, internal will, and spiritual guidance, is the methodology for achieving any and all goals.

With that for you all to think about, please feel free to respond. We can add a “readers digest” section.  As for our book club, we will be discussing  the book “ Extreme Ownership” by Jacko Wilks and Leif Babbot at our next rehearsal. Feel free to give any comments or talking points for us to discuss. Please also send recommendations for books.

Looking to the future we have a number of 50 year metals to present on Mar 23rd at 7pm. Food will be served before the degree at 6pm, this month we will be having dinner from the Corn beef and cabbage in honour of St. patricks day. 

Jenks smoker on March 14th ( ad below). And push off to the not too distant future Jenks will be hosting JENKS TAVERN. Get your Tokens now for access and a Glass mug. This year’s theme is The Revolution celebrating 250 years of American independence. I hope to see or at least speak with most of you soon.

Fraternally,

Andrew (AJ) Brockway WM Jenks #24