“There are two kinds of masonry; operative and speculative masonry.”

Although “we work ask speculative masons only”, the brothers of Fidelity-St. John’s No. 3 put the working tools of masonry to task in the tradition of our ancient brethren. A project, which began in May 2015 by Worshipful Brother James Wade D’Acosta, became an annual project for the brothers of the lodge and this year, celebrating its 5^th Annual Habitat for Humanity Work.

“Organizing a Build Day led by Fidelity-St. John’s No. 3 was my special project when I served as Worshipful Master.” W.B. James D’Acosta said. “I chose Habitat for Humanity because of the organization’s exceptional reputation, its focus on helping people in our community, and because of the opportunity the work itself gives us to put our symbolic tools to work. Using square, plum, and level, we raise buildings and connect with our ancient brethren who labored as operative masons, and we do so in a day which brings us together through teamwork.”

Just like the previous years, the brothers were blessed by the Grand Architect with a wonderful weather to put the working tools to good use. Not only did the brothers and friends volunteered their day to help the ones in need, but the day also provided an avenue for the brothers to work together and form a stronger bond of friendship.

Amongst the volunteers are two brothers, Bro. Barry McDonald and Bro. Walter Matis who, at the time, were Fellowcrafts. They experienced firsthand the lessons they have learned when they were passed through the second degree of masonry. When asked for a takeaway, Bro. Barry McDonald said, “Habitat for Humanity promotes teamwork and a bonding experience that follows in the footsteps of one the many principles of Freemasonry. It’s a gratifying experience that warms your heart knowing you can positively affect a person in need.”

Marking its 5^th year, the brothers of Fidelity-St. John’s No. 3 sees this event as a great milestone. For five straight years, the brothers, through the leadership of W.B. James D’Acosta, has helped several family members to own a place they can call home. Just as what Bro. Walter Matis said, “it was a marvelous experience to work with a team of brothers and help build a house that will be appreciated by its residents. The day was made special by having not just brothers there, but also family members and friends.”

We now look back and reflect on what Bro. Benjamin Franklin said, “Masonic labor is purely a labor of love. He who seeks to draw Masonic wages in gold or silver will be disappointed. The wages of a Mason are earned and paid in their dealings with one another; sympathy begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness, and these are the wages of a Mason.”

For any brothers with their own lodges would like to help, Habitat for Humanity are always in search for extra manpower to fulfill their goals and to help families in need. If any would like to volunteer or donate, please visit the Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County website at http://www.habitatcfc.org.