Worshipful Master's Message - February 2026

Each month, the Worshipful Master provides an update on current events in relation to Freemasonry in general and Lodge No. 2 in particular. Please see below for this month’s message from the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 2.

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
— Marcus Aurelius

The quote above is far shorter than my original Worshipful Master’s Message—one that compared humans to cats and dogs, and what it truly means to live. That fuller message will be included in February’s minutes for all to read.

Brethren,

Each of us stands upon the shoulders of those who came before us—men who made sacrifices, lived their lives in their own day, and truly lived. We read about them now. We hear and see their names. And if we take a moment of silence, we can almost hear the echoes of their voices—whispers carried forward through time.

As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, let us pause and be fully present in this moment—one made possible by those who came before us. Our Lodge is 268 years old, and among its past members are men who helped forge a nation for its people.

When we are seated at dinner and I come to you and ask, “Can you read?” that is my way of ensuring your name is entered into the minutes—by assisting in the closing of our Lodge. Long after we have passed from this plane of existence, your name will be read by those who follow us, just as we read the names of those who came before.

In closing, death is certain. How we live today is not. Make it a life worth living.

Fraternally,

Peter B. Lavelle, P.M.

Worshipful Master

Attitude Reflects Leadership.