From the Archives: The 50 Year Member: Part Thirteen - To the Place of Whence We Came

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

As the sun filled the bedroom to welcome the new day the 50 year member was laying in his bed, staring at the ceiling ending a night of sleeplessness. The old man sat up on the edge of his bed and rubbed his eyes. He quietly rose and put on his bathrobe over his pajamas. Quietly, he put on his bedroom slippers and left the room doing his best not to wake his sleeping wife, who was still curled up in their bed.

As he shuffled to the kitchen, the same nagging thought kept running through his head. The same thoughts that kept him awake all night. When did things change?  Why were these young kids joining lodge and never returning or not even bothering to join the Fraternity at all? These questions must have stemmed from his recent conversation he had with Pudge about Randy; the Brother Pudge had ran into at lunch the other day.  He and Pudge discussed how Randy made the decision to quit the lodge even though he had once been so excited to join.  

The 50 year member thought on all the changes that he had seen through the years. The membership had been doing its best over the years to gain interest from the young men to join Freemasonry. The lodge had kept dues low, loosened the requirements to join, and even started having one day classes so that a new Brother wouldn't have to wait to become a member!  He could come into the temple in the morning take his degrees, join the Scottish Rite, and even join the Shrine all in one afternoon!  What were they missing?

The Grand Lodge had come up with many new ideas to entice these kids. We had heard these young men wanted to work with charity so we set up charities to cure all kinds of diseases, help kids and even send them to college. What more do they want?  

 As the old man entered the kitchen he began to search all of the kitchen cabinets until he finally found where his wife kept the coffee. His mind began to wander on how long it had been since the last time he had made coffee. “Must have been thirty years,” he thought.

As he placed the water on the stove to boil he began to think about all the years he had made coffee for the pancake breakfasts at the lodge. For years it had been a great form of bonding for the Brethren. The same men who came every month to help who had the same jokes to tell; a good time was had by all. The best part of the breakfast was the money raised from this enterprise that helped keep the lodge going. Every dollar earned made paying the bills a little easier.

He never understood why his father refused to attend the breakfasts or help the lodge with the fundraisers. When he was young, he had asked his father why he wouldn't help. He remembered his response so clearly. “If we charged enough for dues we wouldn't have to do such silly things…”, was always his answer. This always confused the 50 year member. His dad explained, “Back in my day we used to charge at least a week’s wage for dues every year. When prices went up, so did the dues. What you kids are charging now a man can make in a half a day of work.” His father continued, “Do you realize when I petitioned the lodge, I had to save for months before I could actually submit my request? The initiation fees were the amount of a month’s wage for me! I couldn't just sign the paper and go through the degrees.  I had to work hard and save so that I could be a part of the Fraternity. In my mind it was worth every penny, but I had to work for it!”

The smell of coffee brewing filled the quiet kitchen. The sound of every movement the old man made seemed deafening. Only the sounds of birds chirping in the backyard broke the silence of his thoughts. He poured himself a cup of coffee and let it cool. He walked slowly to the front door to pick up the morning paper that was laying on his doorstep. 

With paper in hand, he then picked up his coffee cup and opened the backdoor of the house to the sun room. The morning sun greeted him from his restless night.  It warmed the glass of his sun room and created a pleasant venue to relax and think about the issues which were weighing so heavily on his mind.

The 50 year member began to reflect about how his father, after so many years of dedicated service, quit attending degree work and all the lodge meetings. At the time he had thought it was his age that kept him from coming. He remembered when he had asked his dad about his nonattendance.  He had been driving his father to a doctor's appointment. “The reason is simple,” his father grumbled. “The last few years you young guys let every Tom, Dick, and Harry in through the West gate just for the sake of numbers. When I joined the lodge back during the depression, we had about 40 members in the lodge. The number of men on a membership wasn't important. It was Brotherhood and the quality of the men that were in lodge that was important.” 

His father continued, “I also don’t like the way you young guys conduct meetings these days. When I was a young man I looked forward to lodge meetings. I would go to see my Brothers. We would get together in the social room before we opened lodge, have a cigar, talk about the week, and enjoy each other’s company. We also enjoyed a fine meal on white table cloths and china plates.  Far from the now accepted baloney sandwich on a paper plate. To me that is just plain cheap and lazy. I could go to a fast food restaurant and get a better meal than you kids serve these days. When lodge was opened we would discuss matters of the day and have a discussion about something we read about. It was a celebration! When I would leave after a meeting I would feel happy, fulfilled. Now days all you guys do is bicker about costs and how to conduct the next fundraiser or worse yet, another scheme so you can get the lodge's name in the papers in hopes of getting more members. All of this after sitting through the Secretary reading minutes of meetings, degree work, communications, voting on paying bills the treasurer already paid. The whole thing is ridiculous! Your generation has squeezed every bit of joy that was once a wonderful evening. I love my Craft and that is why I still pay my dues, but I refuse to contribute to its cheapening.”

As the 50 Year member drank his coffee a thought hit him like he had been struck by lightning. Everything he had remembered his father saying so many years ago, he had heard nearly word for word recently by Pudge and many of the younger guys. Pudge and the younger Brethren of his lodge wanted the Freemasonry his father had known! They wanted a lodge experience not just a meeting.

It's amazing to think! All the answers the Grand Lodges around the country have been searching nearly a half century for was in front of his face the entire time. The entire Fraternity had been searching out in the world for answers instead of looking within. They had been cheapening things. They went to outside marketing groups who tried to entice them with what they deemed as what young men wanted.  The answers had been locked in the temple the entire time.  Sitting on a shelf covered with dust. They want Freemasonry!! 

These young men wanted the Freemasonry his father had known! They didn't want baloney sandwiches, pancakes, or to take the easy route. These young men wanted to learn and actually better themselves like we have preached for years. No wonder these young men have been leaving us in such large numbers!

We have to find a way to make these young men come back to the lodge. We have to live up to the promises we made to these men and give them the experience they have been clamoring for. It won't be easy, but it has to be done.  If not, the Craft might just die with our generation.

I can't believe it took me so long to see this. I guess I couldn't see the forest for the trees the old man thought. I need to get a pad of paper and a pen, while this is still fresh in my head. As the old man rose slowly from his chair he paused and looked to the sky with a smile on his face.  He said, “Thank you Dad for the inspiration. I promise to do my best to restore the Fraternity you loved so much for these kids. I hope I make you proud.”

~BH

WB Bill Hosler  was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.

From the Archives: The 50 Year Member: Part Ten - From Darkness to Light

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Bill Hosler, PM

“I'm not sure we should do this” Herb Johnson said as the sound of a large clap of thunder filled the lodge room. “Grand lodge might get upset about this!” Mike Bailey laughed “Grand lodge will never find out about this and even if they did I really doubt if they would care!” “Herb continued “It isn't very safe. One of them could catch fire!” Bailey shook his head “Come on Herb. We are all grown men! The church down the road has hundreds of candles lit at all times and it has not burned to the ground.”

The debate was fast and furious in the darkened lodge room. A large thunderstorm covered the area and the wind and rain of the storm caused a local blackout just as the lodge was to open for degree work. The Master of the lodge not one to shirk his duties because of a little darkness ordered candles to be lit and placed in the lodge room. Candle sticks from the Demolay chapter were brought in and placed in the East, south and west.  The usual electric light bulbs which represents the lesser lights at the altar were replaced by actual burning tapers. The senior Deacon was given a small candle to carry when he conducted the candidate through the degree work.  “Its just not right guys!” Herb pleaded “I've been a member of this lodge for a long time and we have never done anything like this before.”

A voice came out of the darkness “Herb I was Master of this lodge when you became a member. Nothing will come of this other than we have a new member of this lodge. What else are you going to do? Go home and sit in the darkness and listen to the storm? Our Brethren from centuries past didn't have electricity and the Masonry grew in spite of it!” The 50 year member continued to speak “We tell the world we are the premier Fraternity in the world, comprised of the best men who come to our door and you are saying we can't trust them with a candle? You make it sound like we are children who shouldn't be allowed to play with matches! The Master has said we are going to illuminate the lodge with candles and that is what we are going to do!” Herb muttered “OK. But if something bad happens don't say I didn't try to warn you.” Herb shook his head as he walked to his usual seat among the Past Masters.

Pudge walked into the room, shaking the rain off his trench coat as he walked in. “This is really impressive!” Pudge said as he looked around the room. “This must have been what it was like in the old days when lodge was held.” The 50 year member laughed “Well don't ask me about it. I'm not that old! We had electricity here when I joined!” Pudge laughed “I know that but I am sure it had just been installed! Seriously this is really cool. To be honest this is the way I expected it to be when I joined, a room filled with candles! I think a lot of guys do.” The old man seemed puzzled “Really? You think most men think the room will be lit with candles?” Pudge nodded “Oh yeah, Candles, men in robes, somber music, stuff like that. I think because when they show Masonic stuff in movies that is way they portray it.  I bet that is why the traditional observance lodges are so popular among the younger guys.”

“Traditional observance lodges?” Mike Bailey asked “I don't believe I have heard of those before.” Pudge explained “Traditional observance lodges believe we should go back to the way Freemasonry was practiced before the large influx of members during World War II. Instead of just reading the minutes of the previous meeting and paying bills they bring in speakers from around the world to lecture on Freemasonry and have discussions on various topics like history, symbolism or even Geometry. Pretty intellectual stuff.”

Pudge continued “Members dress in formal wear, tuxedos or white tie and tails, whatever they decide on as a lodge.  Kinda like a lodge uniform.  They also have higher standards for membership. A perspective may have to visit the lodge for several months and be interviewed before he is even given a petition. Then he has to go through a background check and the usual interview. These lodges want to make sure only the best men will become members.  Once they go through the degree the man has to write a paper on a Masonic topic and learn the memory work before he can advance to the nest degree.

After the lodge closes the men gather at a four or five star restaurant in a private room dinner called an Agape which is Greek for love. During the dinner they perform a table lodges complete with toasts. Most of the members of these lodges find them very fulfilling.”

Bailey thought for a second “Meetings by candlelight and they all wear the same clothes? Are they Amish masons?” The 50 year member laughed “No Mike not Amish but they do believe in a more pure, simpler Masonry than lots of lodges practice.”

“The thing that gets me about this is they bring in speakers from all over the world, five star dinners, formal clothes...How do they pay for all of this? I mean even with our pancake breakfasts and our other fundraisers we couldn't afford all of that.” Mike Bailey said. “The dues structure for these lodges are higher than the average set of dues in most lodges. I have heard some of these lodges charges their members about an dollar a day, around three hundred and sixty five dollars on top of about a thousand for the initiation fee.” Pudge said.  “Wow! That much?! That is a fortune!” Bailey exclaimed. 

Pudge laughed “Yes it is but many of these lodges have a waiting list of men waiting to join. They see the value of joining a lodge that offers more than bickering and the reading of the minutes. And they don't have to have spaghetti dinners just to pay their electric bill.”

The Master was sitting at his station and banged his gavel “Brethren we are getting ready to open lodge. Please find your seats and in this darkened condition I mean literally find your seats!” All the men laughed and started to find a place to sit.

“I got a feeling this will be a night we will remember for a long time. “ Mike Bailey Said to Pudge and the 50 year member. “It's too bad we can't do this all the time. After lodge I want to talk to you more about this Traditional observance lodge concept.” Pudge and the old man sat down next to Bailey in the glow of the flickering candlelight “Absolutely!” Pudge said “Maybe by then the power will be back on and we can make coffee and talk about it. “Maybe but to be honest I just hope the power stays off just long enough for us to get through this degree. I don't want the lights to come back on and spoil this evening.”

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana. 

The Encoded Elevator Pitch

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Erik Marks

[Erik in the elevator]

Potential Brother [PB]: as doors are closing: knocks three times “hold please.”

Erik: Sure. [presses door hold button] what made you knock?

PB: Oh, it’s something my mom taught me, her father would always do that when he came into the room.

Erik: What floor?

PB: 33^rd

Erik: Huh, just one above mine. Work here? [Presses 33]

PB: No, I have an interview, third and I hope last. [elevator stops between second and third floors…] Oh no, I hope we aren’t here long.

Erik: When is your meeting?

PB: Well, in 47 minutes. I like to plan ahead, so sometimes I’m way early.  Hey, what’s that ring? 

Erik: That’s my Masonic ring.

PB: Masonic? Like Freemasonry? I thought that was an extinct cult.

Erik: [chuckles] No, we are very much alive, with millions of members all over the world…and I’d say, we are the anti-cult.

PB: Pardon?

Erik: Cults trick people into joining and then use them for their twisted purposes; they use coercion and pressure to keep people from leaving. We do the opposite: we teach men to question things and think for themselves to better understand the world. Masonry is easy to leave, just don’t show up to meetings or don’t pay dues. We will still call to make sure you’re ok and if there is a reason why you aren’t coming back that we can help with; there are high expectations, but there will never be pressure and we respect you and your wishes if you don’t want us to call again.

PB: That’s not what I expected to hear. But I thought you were a “secret society” [makes hand-waving gestures and scary movie like inflections with the tone of voice]

Erik: No, we are a very public society of brothers and friends who strive to make ourselves and the world better.

PB: Taking over?

Erik: [laughs] No, another ridiculous myth. Just trying to fully occupy myself, that’s hard enough on some days. Sorry, I’m being rude, my name is Erik.

PB : Sol, short for Solomon, nice to meet you.

Erik: [raises left eyebrow] Nice to meet you as well.

Sol: What?

Erik: I know a famous Brother named Solomon.  What’s the interview for?

Sol: Project manager for a construction company. 

Erik: [both eyebrows raised] Say..more...

Sol: Long story.

Erik: We seem to have time.

Sol: Okay, sure. My great grandfather and grandfather were both contractors. They didn’t have degrees, but I got mine in engineering management. My dad was a cop but was killed on duty before I was born. I wanted to follow in his footsteps of community service through policing, but my family asked me go back to the family business instead. 

Erik: So, you are a widow’s son?

Sol: I guess you could call me that, I haven’t heard that phrase before but it sounds right. When my dad was dying, he told the doc he wanted my mom to name me Hiram, after his favorite brother. Which was odd because he was an only child. My mom couldn’t do it so she named me after her favorite Grandfather. Mom and Dad are Baha’i, well dad was [emphasis for his passing]. This company was hired to build a new Bahai temple. My mom used to call me Ram as a kid, kind of a nod to my dad.

Erik: Let me make sure I’ve got this right: Your name is Solomon, but mom secretly refers to you as Hiram, but in code, and you are hoping to oversee the building of the temple?

Sol: Yes, is that weird?

Erik: No…but my readers are squirming in their seats right now.

Sol: Readers? 

Erik: Never mind, it’s a bad habit. Don’t tell me, your dad’s name was David, right.

Sol: So, Freemasons are psychics? 

Erik: No, only in fiction and tired conspiracy theories. But I think you’ve been written into a story larger than you realize, many of us are. You asked about secrets [elevator starts moving]. Your family may have a richer history than you are yet aware of. I encourage you to ask your mom and relatives more about the history of the men in your family. And how would you sum up the Bahai faith, if you’re practicing?

Sol: Oh yeah, it’s a huge part of my life: Unity of God, Religion, and Humanity. That God reveals itself through various messengers over the ages to help humanity transform. It’s very inclusive and holds equality, equity, as a high standard.

Erik: That’s incredible, thanks for enlightening me, I’ll look for more. Well, were at my floor, if you take nothing else from my little elevator pitch, please consider this: Though not so obvious a plot for most people…There are clues in your life as to who you are and what you may become.  Some men are born into the world with delusions of grandeur; others arrive with delusions of a broken lineage, without an intact or healthy legacy from which to develop. We may feel we have lost something. To men of faith, the method and tools of Freemasonry give a structure to explore and find themselves fully, if they earnestly and sincerely use the tools provided. You have to ask to join, you’ll never be coerced, and it is work. Masonry helps men find their harmonious place within themselves, the community, and the world.  It is a beautiful journey for men to discover the secrets they need to find. 

Erik: Here is my card, give me a call if you would like to find more, over dinner, at the lodge. [Erik steps out of elevator] My Brothers would be interested in hearing about your life, and maybe you would benefit to hear theirs.  They may help you find words to feelings and intuitions you’ve held all your life; even if you aren’t interested in joining. 

Sol: [smiles as doors start closing] Thanks.

Erik: [Knocks three times on elevator and pushes doors apart] and whenever you’re given the third degree, Solomon…answer directly from your heart, from what you know to be true. Whatever happens on that day, you can feel assured you did the best you could.

Sol: [looking a little dazed]: Allah’u’ Abha [doors close]

~EM

Brother Erik Marks is a clinical social worker whose usual vocation has been in the field of human services in a wide range of settings since 1990. He was raised in 2017 by his biologically younger Brother and then Worshipful Master in Alpha Lodge in Framingham, MA. You may contact brother Marks by email: erik@StrongGrip.org

My Brother's Wife

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

“Because she is my brother’s wife.” my dad said to my mother in a quiet, firm voice. “No, she isn’t.”, my mother said in the voice she used on me when I was in trouble “She is just the wife of some guy in that lodge of yours.”

The house was still except for the argument which my Mom and dad were having in the kitchen. I was sitting in our living room across from an elderly lady, who sat on our sofa. She looked like someone’s grandma except, she looked really tired and sickly. I wasn’t sure if she was crying into the handkerchief she held in her shaking hands over the words my mom and dad were saying or if it was something else that had this poor old lady upset. All I knew was at the tender age of ten, it was something that shook me to my very core and something I knew I would never forget.

~~~~

Earlier that day, I was in the car with my father as he was driving into town to buy my mother’s Christmas present. The inside of the car was toasty warm and comfortable as I snuggled into the leather car seat. Dad was busy streaming Christmas music through the car from his smartphone. The setting sun made the snow flurries look like they were magical elves dancing in the air as our car navigated the snowy roads to the local mall.

I was awakened by my Yuletide fantasy as I felt dad slowing the car as he made a turn down an unfamiliar long driveway. As Dad put the car in park, I looked at our destination. “I decided I need to make a stop before we get to the mall.”, he said as he started to remove his seat belt. I removed my seat belt and opened the door to follow him.

As we walked up to the house I began to get scared. This place we were at looked like a haunted house. The paint on the house was peeling off and I could hear the wind banging one of the houses shudders back and forth against a broken window. The wind was also blowing the limbs on the leafless trees surrounding this poor old house. I couldn’t understand why he stopped at some scary place like this. I mean, it was Christmas Eve, not Halloween. I took my dad’s hand and hid behind him as he knocked on the house’s door.

After several minutes the door opened slowly. Standing at the threshold was this little old lady. The poor lady had a confused look on her face and I’m sure if I was a little older I would have noticed she had a cautious look as she said in a frail voice “Can I help you, sir?”

“Mary, you may not remember me but my name is Lee Hamilton, I’m a member of Norman’s Masonic lodge.” Mary smiled frailly “Please come in.” I could feel the wind blowing through the house as we entered into the building.

“I’m sorry it’s so cold. I’m not used to having guests.” Mary said as I sat down on a broken chair. “The furnace went out about a year ago and I haven’ been able to afford a new one. Honestly, it doesn’t make sense to put one in any way. One of these days a good strong breeze will blow the house down anyway.” Mary said in a quiet voice. “It’s not too bad, I cover up with lots of blankets and it makes the place nice and cozy.” she said.

My father seemed shocked at the state of her home “I wish I knew you were having problems with your heating. Did you ever try to contact the lodge?” Mary looked down at her lap “I did a few years ago when I still had a telephone.” I tried, but no matter what time of day or night I tried to call I always got an answering machine. Sometimes I would leave a message but no one ever called me back. I figured it had been so many years since my Norman passed away the members didn’t remember him anymore so I gave up.” I read in the paper that the lodge was busy raising thousands of dollars to give scholarships to high school kids and other fundraisers to buy glasses for children. I just assumed they were too busy helping others in the community than to worry about me." Mary began to get choked up and reached for an old handkerchief.

Tears feel down the elderly ladies face as she continued “I get along ok. I get some money from Social Security every month and I have a part time job as a cashier at a small grocery store. The job is a blessing because my employee discount on groceries makes my food stamps last nearly the entire month. Luckily it’ Sonny’s about a mile away so it isn’t far to walk to get to work. I can’t drive anymore so I walk. Sometimes the manager of the store will drive me home. He also carries in my groceries.”

I was really getting nervous because I could see tears starting to fall from my Dads eyes. Dad always seemed like such a big, tough guy I never thought anything could make him cry.

In a quiet voice he said, “Mary, what are you doing for Christmas dinner?” Mary raised her head, trying to hide her emotions “Well the kids are so busy they can’t be here this year. They all have their own lives and my Grandchildren. They all live so far away I imagine they won’t make it. They haven’t been here for years now. I think they forgot about me.” Her hands were shaking as she continued “ I don’t need a lot. I have a brand new jar of peanut butter I’ve been saving and saltine crackers. At my age, you don’t need a lot to live on”. Mary began staring off into space. I’m not sure if she was trying to convince herself what she was saying was real or whether she was thinking about a Christmas time along ago and a time of happier memories.

Dad used the sleeve of his coat to wipe the tears from his eyes. You could tell he was trying to steady himself as he found his voice. “Mary, there is no way I’m leaving you here in this condition. Please gather some clothes together and come spend the holiday with us. I won’t take no for an answer. We have plenty, actually more than we really need. You are welcome to stay with us.”

~~~~~

I could hear my folks still discussing the current situation as Mary rose from our couch and slowly started walking toward my parents who were in the kitchen. “Please, Mister Hamilton, please take me home. The last thing I want to do is cause a family to fight, especially on Christmas Eve. I’ve lived in that house in its current condition for quite a few years. I want you to have a happy Christmas. One thing this old lady has learned through many years of living is once your family is gone all you have left is memories and they should be happy memories.”

I noticed my mom began to sob as my Dad said: “Mary there is no way. I could never have a happy memory of this Christmas if I knew you were freezing in an unheated house living on crackers.”

Dad continued “To be honest I’m actually ashamed of myself for waiting all these years to visit you and not upholding my Masonic obligation to you and now I wonder how many of our widows who we have allowed to live in such a state. Especially when we have raised tens of thousands of dollars to fund projects which have nothing to do with our Masonic obligations. You are going to stay here in our guest room until we can figure out what it will take to fix your house and make sure you never want for food or shelter ever again.”

Everyone in the room looked at my mother for her decision. Even at my young age, my mom felt bad at the thought of sending this woman back to her shack with no food. “Well,” mom said in a quiet voice, “I can see that this means a lot to Lee and we have plenty of room and definitely more than enough food for all of us. I have to say please stay.” Tears ran down the faces of both women as they embraced. “I bet you could use a nice warm bath and then we will get you some clean clothes. I hope you like roast chicken, I’ve been cooking all day.” The old lady smiled “I do and it would be an honor if you would let me help you cook tomorrow.”

Later that night I was hiding at the top of the stairs trying to stay awake long enough to get a glimpse of Santa Claus. Mom and dad were in the living room staring into a roaring fire in the fireplace. I saw Dad lean over and kiss my mother’s cheek. “What’s that for?” Mom said with a smile on her face My Dad smiled and said “For allowing Mary to stay here with us. I know that couldn’t be easy for you.” “It wasn’t but I could see if your face how important it was to you and I couldn’t, in good conscience send her back to a place that sounds so horrible. I just hope you can help her.” “I only have one regret.” Dad said.

“In all of this excitement with Mary I never got your Christmas gift.” He added with a slight hesitation. Mom just snuggled into Dads’ shoulder “That’s okay babe. I’m a lucky girl. I have everything I will ever need or want. Just having a good, caring man like you is gift enough.” Mom added “I do have one question. What made you stop by her house in the first place?” Dad took a deep breath “Honestly, I can’t tell you why. I was just driving down the road and then all of a sudden this voice told me to stop the car and pay a visit to Mary. Maybe it was Norman sending me a message from the Grand Lodge above.” my dad said with a chuckle.

Over the next few weeks the members of the lodge inspected Mary’s little home and sadly the place was so disheveled, it could not be saved. The lodge, with Mary’s consent, arranged for her to have a room at the Grand lodge’s Masonic home. Mary thrived in her new environment. She gained weight from the nutritious food served to her and she developed a glow as she met new friends and lived the rest of her life in a safe, warm environment with plenty of love and happiness.

Finding Mary living in such a disheveled condition acted as a wakeup call to Dad's little lodge. Dad used to the lodge’s next stated meeting as “The night the lodge quit making Masons and began to practice Freemasonry.”

Dad would always say, “There was a lot of apron gazing that night as the Brethren hung their heads in shame. Especially from the row of Past Masters who not only knew Mary’s husband but never thought to check on his widow, and all the other lodge widows for so many years. Needless to say, the Brethren worked hard and each took a solemn vow (Or reaffirmed their original Master Mason obligation) to care for each other’s widows and orphans.

~~~~~

“Johnny, were ready to start.” the Master of the lodge said to me as I heard the old tune “Solemn strikes the funeral chimes”. Standing here at my father’s coffin brought all those memories of that Christmas back to me from so long ago. I was told by the lodge I didn’t have to be a part of Dad's Masonic memorial service. I just felt like I should be there, following in his footsteps as a member of his lodge. Standing here holding Dad's apron and a sprig of evergreen reminded me of my new obligation to my own mother, as well as those other ladies. I just hope Dad is looking down and smiling at me, as the man that Freemasonry taught me to be.

~BH

WB Bill Hosler  was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.