Worshipful Master M. Shane Devine’s Message to all:

It is a distinct honor and privilege to have been elected by my Brothers to serve as Worshipful Master of Purity Lodge #150 for 2017. To be trusted with the responsibilities tied to this role by such an outstanding and dedicated group means the world to me. I view this as a position of ultimate service where the principles of Freemasonry are applied in a leadership capacity for the advancement and benefit of the Craft.

Just months shy of the East at Coastal Lodge #57 in 2012, I lost my brother and our Brother Timothy Patrick Devine to tragic circumstances. The need to tend to family matters required me to step away from Masonry for several years. Returning to Coastal Lodge proved to be very difficult. Tim and I had served side-by-side for years as Lodge Officers. The thought of never sharing that experience with him again, a dedicated time for he and I to get together with our Brothers away from the chaos of day-to-day life, was nothing short of painful. This is what Masonry meant to us in our own unique way.

As I struggled with returning to an organization I love, the charter members of what eventually became Purity Lodge #150 developed a concept and began forming a new Lodge. Following our family tragedy, Purity Lodge provided my father and I with an opportunity to continue enjoying Freemasonry with a fresh start. Purity allowed us to freeze great memories from Coastal Lodge in a point in time while getting back to work with an amazing group of Brothers. Looking at my current situation, I find myself surrounded by experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated men who support one another as individuals and as a cumulative group. Purity Lodge represents my return to Masonry and I’m very grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of such an outstanding Lodge.

The Brothers of Purity Lodge #150 are making new history, establishing our own traditions, forming genuine relationships, and building our Lodge one Brother at a time. Our goals, actions, intentions, hopes, and mission are all pure with the best interests of Masonry in mind. We welcome all Brothers and hope to have you with us at one of our meetings, social dinners, or community events. We offer a unique experience that we hope you have the opportunity to enjoy.

No man is perfect, but for me the concept of “purity” and Purity Lodge is an idea we should endeavor to maintain. I encourage all Brothers to keep our roots and founding principles in mind not only in Lodge but in all our daily undertakings. Put to good use the lessons of Freemasonry. Practice your obligations, study your ritual, read the lectures, reflect on the meaning of the various elements of the Craft, ask questions, seek knowledge, and apply these things in your day-to-day life. That last part is what truly defines you as a Mason and we’re fortunate to have a Lodge full of great examples.

Lastly, I would like to take an opportunity to thank those who have supported me over the years. I’ve been surrounded by the best of the best when it comes to family and friends. One of the best is my late brother, Brother Timothy Patrick Devine. I miss our 2 to 3 hour conversations about Masonry in the context of what it is, what things means, how it works, where it has been, where it is, and where it is going. His incredible intellect, deep love for the organization, and his intense study of all it offers, taught me many valuable lessons and helped me get where I am today. I dedicate this year to Tim, to his good memory, to his years of service, and all he represented. In all my years, past, present, and future, I don’t feel I’ll ever come close to achieving all he did in 30 years and 20 days on earth.

Live life to the fullest, my Brothers. It goes by fast, you never know what comes tomorrow, and the need for good men in this world has never been more evident. Take what is imparted upon you inside the Lodge and apply it to your work outside of the Lodge.

Thank you again, my Brothers, for your trust in me. I look forward to a great year with all of you as we endeavor to build the Lodge, form our history, and establish our place in Masonry. God bless all of you and thank you for your support.

Fraternally,
M. Shane Devine, Worshipful Master
Purity Lodge #150