MARKING GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF LODGE OF THE COAST NO. 7518 E.C.

In a sense, Masonry is a refuge center.

Men need to retreat from the world from time to time, to refresh and recharge their spiritual and emotional batteries.

A Masonic Lodge provides that safe place protected by customs and strengthened by rituals.

The personal obligations of each Mason are to make the world a better place to fight for the personal freedom of every man and woman.

Freemasonry, as a refuge for men of integrity and as a force for those who wish to see human progress, remains strong and intact.

In order to refresh the spirit of their founders, Freemason of Lodge of the Coast No. 7518 E.C. who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee met in Mombasa and vowed to continue to uphold their Masonic values.

In the words of Shaahid Sheikh, the Secretary of the Celebrations Committee:

"I truly believe Freemasonry can transform the world by transforming men, but this transformation cannot be done without involvement.

"Freemasonry, like personal growth, is a life long journey.

"First of all, it is important to understand why Masonry is important in our own life.

"To think about what we have learned about ourselves.

"To think about the friendship we have formed and the opportunities we have to lead, to contribute, to mentor and to be mentored, we must think about the fact that honor and integrity still matt ers in the world."

In order to remind Masons of their Freemasonry obligations and to provide spark and to articulate vision, a mini conference was held in Mombasa on 7th July 2007.

Four Mombasa Masons presented their papers.

The first paper was presented by Shaahid Sheikh and he spoke on "My Experience to the World of Freemasonry."

The second paper was presented by Dr. Rajesh Vaghela and his subject was "Ladder to Mastership."

The third paper was presented by Oliver Onyango on the subject of "Growing and Sustaining Interest."

The final paper, a pictorial presentation on King Solomon's Temple was presented by Jinal Shah.

The brethren expressed their views and put forward questions to the distinguished panel that included Mike Holt - Convener Nairobi Lodge of Instruction, Prakash Thakkar Preceptor - Uganda Lodge of Instruction, C. J. Vaghela - Convener Mombasa Lodge of Instruction, Mukesh Sanghavi, Jitu Shah and Dr. Kishore Mandaliya.

During the question and open forum session, several questions were raised and explained by the learned panelists.

In his address, the Chairman of the Conference, Harnam Singh Mhajan, expressed his hope that the Mombasa Masons will carry Freemasonry, viable and dynamic, into the next 50 years.

To develop the highest level of friendship and brotherhood within our fraternity is what we should turn our hands to.

This is what will increase the vitality of Freemasonry.

Friendship and brotherly love is the atmosphere in which the lessons of Freemasonry come alive.

Freemasonry requires active participation by its members to enjoy the benefits, and it offers nothing, but spiritual rewards for time and effort spent.