It is said that a man’s only competition is with himself, but when you get a group of men who pride themselves on making good men better, that competitive spirit takes on a whole new spirit.
On Saturday, April 13, 2019, the Brothers of Hialeah-Opa-Locka Lodge No. 391 participated in the statewide Degree Competition for the Most Worshipful Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida, for the first time in its 25-year history.
The idea of participating in the ritual competition was thought up by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, James Lazaro. Worshipful Lazaro worked closely with the Lodge’s Education Committee to pick the Brothers for their positions. After weeks of preparation and practice, the team came together at Oleeta West Dade Lodge No. 145 to perform the third or last symbolic Degree in Freemasonry, before a group of judges consisting of members from various District Committees on Work.
The judging and scores will be submitted to Grand Lodge as they have for other degree teams throughout the state, and the first, second & third place winners will be announced at the annual Grand lodge Communication in May.
The competition proved to be a proud moment for our Lodge. The highlight of the experience was realizing what we are capable of and how much we can accomplish when we set our mind to something. Every member of the degree team had a great time participating, and the competition served as a valuable learning experience that will only make us better when we compete in the years to come.