Obligations

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

WB. J.P. Fleming

“Your regular and punctual attendance is requested”

“The Duties you have to perform are as such….”

“Furthermore! I will answer all due signs and summonses..”

“Furthermore! I will aid and assist all worthy Brothers…”

Obligations, we take them at the altar during our degrees. We take them when we stand up and volunteer for an officer position. They are a foundational basis of our fraternity. Some of us have endured to take them in front of God, our friends and loved ones when we entered the perilous journey of Holy Matrimony. Now, some of what I say here may not please some of you. It may downright make you angry and stir in you some great emotion. I am willing to accept that wrath, as I have taken an obligation myself, one to whisper good council. I have also made an obligation to myself as an education officer/committee member and so forth to bring the craft knowledge, whether it wants it or not. You see there has been much concern of late, with the craft and its dwindling numbers. Some concern extends to lodges that have recently purchased new buildings or attempted other monetary ventures with thoughts that it may gain membership. The main question on the trustees minds and the brotherhood's lips, would be “Will this (insert expense) be enough to bring in the new masons, to carry on this legacy?”

I am here as a younger mason, as a millennial, as one of the “new generation,” to tell you that as I see it that the answer is, “No.” Not just a regular no, but a resounding “No.” Younger newer masons that have never heard of the craft, will not join a lodge long term. I am not speaking of the legacy of old members, the generational masons that have family lineage. I am speaking of the new blood. You may ask “How is new mason retention and obligations related?” That is fairly simple, it's what we are offering. That said, “What are we offering?” To make good men better? A social club where you can meet men of a higher caliber? Brotherly Love? Relief? Truth?

Or are we offering 3 to 4 worn-out masons who have done 90% of the work for so long that they have become jaded from constantly picking up the slack because “Someone forgot?” Generally, someone who forgot, this isn’t their first, second, or third time, and from what I have been seeing lately these forgetful brothers are also officers. However, these now jaded tried and true masons not only took those obligations seriously, they believed in them. I don’t have to tell you brothers though, you’re the ones that are attending your lodge's activities as I write this. You’re actually attending, and frankly that’s the sad part. Not that you are attending, of course, but that those that need this message are the ones that are absent, because they “Had other things on their plate”, “No slack left in their cable tow.” Being one of the members that shows up, it puts you in a bit of a position of choice, well choice and burdensome guilt, for which I apologize. Your choice is to put in the work, or you can just sit on the sidelines enjoying the fruits of everyone else’s labor. 

Back to those new masons, if they are coming in to make themselves better, but they see no one holding themselves to a higher standard, why would they stay? If they are coming in for the social aspects, are they going to want to be around people that break promises? Is it brotherly love they are seeing when everyone leaves their work for another brother to pick up the slack? Because it is definitely not Relief! That's how we get grumpy past masters that give you the evil eye when you step wrong. As for truth , if a brother makes an obligation, a promise, and does not fulfill that obligation, he lied not only to himself, but he lied to the Grand Architect. Would this not be akin to breaking one’s marriage vows, because they “forgot?” Not sure that one is going to hold up in divorce court, let alone the aftermath when you reach your final destination.

Anyone who thought they signed up to the craft and thought they were getting something for nothing, is so very wrong. We all signed up to Work! That's the voluntary part of our organization, this is something we wanted. Not only did we want it, we paid money every year for the privilege in order to do it! There is a saying in the military, when you take your oath, your obligation to the country, I am sure many of you have heard it. They say you are writing a blank check to Uncle Sam, for up to and including one life. My brothers, this is an obligation made to our government. We all made an obligation at the altar to God; what does that check say? “Up to and including one soul?” The work never ends, our work never ends. After many years it may slow a little, but it doesn’t end. Many an old timer will claim they have put their work in, but that obligation doesn’t have an expiration date. Many things can be done, need to be done, and in my personal opinion, mentorship is at the top of the list. Words of wisdom, don’t expire either.

My lesson is this, if you want your lodge, this fraternity, to survive, give those new masons something to look up to, something to look forward to. Don’t give them a feast of hastily purchased fast food because you forgot and it was on the way. Don’t give them exasperated members that are being pulled in every direction because no one else will volunteer for a committee. And for the love of all that is holy don’t give them broken promises. Give them mentorship. Give them aspirations to help others and continue this work that has been going on for three centuries. Give them Freemasonry, and do it by fulfilling your obligations, wherever, whatever, your station, place, or folding chair.

~JPF

Justin Fleming is a Master Mason from the wonderful forests of Oregon where he lives with his wife and sons. Most recently was the Worshipful Master of Pearl Lodge #66 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon (2024) where he is a life-member. He also holds life-member status at Gresham #152 AF&AM of Oregon where he was Entered (2016), Passed (2017, and Raised (2017). Justin received the “Mason of the Year” award in 2021 from West Allis Lodge #291 Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin during his 2-year stint in the Midwest. Justin is also a Basic Lodge of Instruction trainer as well as a Master Trainer for the Fellows of the Craft. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Salem Oregon, and the Sojourners Chapter of the Widows Sons. He can be reached at flemingjustin5@gmail.com.

From the Archives: The 50 Year Member - Talkin' Bout My Obligations

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bill Hosler, PM

Pudge was sitting comfortably in one of the newly restored leather wingback chairs in a quiet corner of the Temple’s Social room. Pudge seems quite happy while looking at a pad of drawings with a group of the lodge’s younger Brethren. The group was talking and laughing with cigars in their hands as the 50 Year member walked into the room. A smile came across the old man’s face as the sound of young men laughing took him to an earlier time on a cloud of cigar smoke. “It’s just like old times.", the old man thought to himself.

As the 50 Year member approached the men, he could begin to hear some of their conversations. “I like that one.” Said one young man “Have you seen the Superman I have on my calf with the Square and Compass on his chest in place of the letter "S"? I finally got the coloring finished on it.” The 50-year member laughed and said, “It must be hard coloring something on your calf. I hope you stayed within the lines.” the old man said with a laugh in his voice. The group checked. “Pudge looked up and saw the 50-year member. “Hi,John! Hey, do you have any tattoos?” The old man smiled. “Nah, back in my day the only guys who got tattoos were either servicemen, while they were away from home or prisoners who got them while they were in prison. Neither of which I would have been, my mother would have killed me.” The crowd laughed as the old man slipped quietly into a leather chair. The group continued to discuss various kinds of tattoos and showing each other pictures of Masonic tattoos that they found on Google while doing their research on the topic.

Hearing the laughter while walking down the hallway on the way to the lodge room, Past Master Herb Johnson ventured into the Social room and began to listen silently to the young men’s conversation. Herb piped in after he heard the 50-year member's response to the younger guys. “No John wouldn’t have a Masonic tattoo. John remembers the obligations that he took!” Herb said in a gruff voice.

The young men sat silent for a second and looked at each other. They all seemed confused. One young man said hesitantly in a quiet voice “It’s unMasonic to get a tattoo?" Herb stood up and arched his back and said in the know-it-all authoritarian voice, “It is if you get a Masonic tattoo!” Herb said, matter-of-factly. “You kids have already forgotten, "I will not print, paint…” Each with an uneasy feeling, the entire group of men began to steal glances at each other, worried and questioning if they were all going to be in a great deal of trouble. Herb continued “Yep. If you got one of those tattoos, the lodge might have to file charges on you for expulsion.” The group started talking to each other in quiet scared voices.

The 50-year member began to laugh so hard he began to shake in glee, as he slapped his knee. The old man eventually gained his composure again as he wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes, “John this is no laughing matter. This is serious business!” Herb said. The 50-year member began laughing again and said to Herb through his laughter, in a mocking tone, “Oh yes it is Herb. You have them quaking in their boots at the thought of a Masonic trial. I hope you are as equally prepared as these young men will be when the un-Masonic charges are filed against you.” The old man was laughing so hard he could barely stand up from his chair.

Herbert, who began to sputter while his face reddened with anger looked at the old man and said in a high nasal tone, "File charges against me!? Why I never! I have been a member of this lodge for almost as long as you have! I have never done anything that can be considered un-Masonic in my entire adult life! I served this lodge as Master four times! I served on several Grand Lodge committees-- I have been a model…” The 50-year member interrupted Herb’s tirade “Oh Herb, I know! That’s why it will be a sad day when I walk into the lodge room and see the Tyler using his sword to keep you from gaining admittance. It will be a downright shame.” Sweat began to drip down Herb's forehead as his fists were balled up in anger. “So what is the evidence against me that you are going to use?” Herb said in a quiet voice, trying to calm his anger.

The 50-year member said, "Basically the same evidence you are planning on using against these “kids”, as you call them. Violating their obligations to keep secrets. Herb, you know as well as I do that the only real secrets of this Fraternity are its words and grips, and you know as well as I do you can pick up a hundred books or get on the internet and find those. These young men aren’t going to tattoo those words on their bodies. That’s stupid. If you ever bothered to talk to these young men before acting all high and mighty, you'd discover they are going to tattoo Masonic symbols like the square and compass, symbols from the York Rite or the Scottish Rite. Just like the ones you have on the back of your car and if I am honest, I've seen on the mailbox at your house, and I know we as a lodge have contributed to your guilt by giving you plaques and certificates through the years with those incriminating symbols on them. So I think if these young men are guilty of a Masonic crime then sadly Brother, you are guilty, nay, more guilty than the rest, because you have been in the Craft long enough to know better.

The 50-year member got quiet. The sound of the silence in the room was deafening. The old man said, in a quieter, more calm voice “I’m sorry if you think I'm rough on you Herb, but dang it! I feel like you have it coming. You might know our ritual front to back, but you haven’t bothered to learn the meaning of one single word in which you've memorized. But that doesn’t stop you from spouting off pieces of ritual, trying to act like an expert on the matter when you haven’t the slightest clue what you are talking about."

The old man continues “Sadly you aren’t the only one with this particular notion. Think back to last month when the lodge was discussing men, for goodness sake, policemen, carrying their legally owned pistols to a lodge meeting. Sadly, I knew as soon as the discussion began, some poor, uneducated Brother would stand up and utter the phrase “I will carry nothing offensive or defensive into the lodge room with me.” And I was surely not disappointed, because it didn’t take long for the phrase to be uttered. Do you know what gets me? I bet that poor ignorant Brother and every man who grunted his agreement to that phrase was nodding his head while he was carrying a pocket knife in his pants pocket. Should we have the Tyler frisk each brother before he enters the room? Or better yet make them pass through a metal detector to ensure he isn’t carrying anything metallic into the lodge? If we are going to misquote ritual, we might as well go all the way with this silliness."

“Brother we both know that line is about a candidate, not for a Master Mason attending a stated meeting. It’s just one of my pet peeves that we either use pieces of our ritual wrong, or worse yet, we purposely twist a bit of the ritual, out of context in order to further our argument or to prove a point to someone who is as equally ignorant into the meaning of those words we've all memorized, but we can’t call them on it because it will cause “Disharmony” within the lodge.”

The 50-year member paused for a moment as Herb’s head began to lower “Brother all I am saying is we are either going to hold all members to the same standards, or we will continue to see this Fraternity further erode. The days of saying one thing but meaning another have to stop before we drive off every new member. If we are going to make good men better, we need to do it through education and teaching actual Masonic education, not through twisted, bastardized ritual which has lost it meaning through the years because we have misapplied it." The old man smiled. “OK, I am now going to step down from my soap box and get ready for the lodge meeting. Herb go in and gets us some good seats, will you?”

Herb slowly backed away. “Honest John. I think I am going to head home. I don’t feel so good right now. I think I am going to take one of my Nitro pills and head for the house.” One of the younger men of the group stepped out of the crowd and said to Herb. “Brother, my name is Tim. I am a paramedic by trade. Why don’t you sit down here and let me examine you? You look a little flushed. If you are feeling that bad, I don’t want you traveling home by yourself." He continued,  "After I look you over if you still don’t feel well, I’ll take you home, or if need be to the Emergency Room. You shouldn’t be left on your own if you feel that bad.” Herb looked up at Tim and said in a weak voice. You are going to help me even after how bad I was talking about you kids? Are you sure?” Tim just smiled, took Herb and sat him in one of the wingback chairs, and said, “Of course! I may not know all the ritual as well as some of the guys here, but one part I do know and remember quite well is “I will help, aid and assist.” It’s not only my obligation, but I live it every day of my life." Tim took Herb's hand, “Now just be still, let me have a look at you.” He looked at the crowd and said as he threw his car keys in the air, “Hey Pudge go to my trunk and get my paramedic bag out of the trunk please.” Tim then looked back to Herb and started his usual questions “So tell me Brother are you having any pains? Nausea?” …

~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.

A Disturbing Trait

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

Mark St. Cyr

The glaring issue I have come across in my short time since being raised (5 years), is that most of the issues the Craft struggles with can be simply attributed to one thing, which is this… 

The overwhelmingly, obvious, lackadaisical approach to any dedication for professionalism concerning all aspects of their duties to the Craft.

  

I have not only witnessed egregious examples of this personally but rather, I have also been the recipient of such ineptitude. And yes: “ineptitude” is the correct word, as I’ll explain. The “glaring issue” I’m using to encapsulate my  argument can be boiled down into the following  statement: 

Far too many Masons look at the assignments,  whether volunteered or assigned as if they are fulfilling an obligation on par with an afterthought.  And, both the assignor and/or recipient of such should be “happy” if not “grateful” they even tried. Said differently: Fulfillment is not a requisite, it’s  more along the lines of, “Well, at least they tried.” 

I’m sorry, children try - not fully grown adult men who gave their word. Period. And if that offends someone? Hint: you’re still thinking from the former context, not the latter. Again, period, full stop. I  make no excuses for it, neither should you.

 

In the business world: If you are assigned or take on the responsibility to do a task, and don’t fulfill it to a  company standard? You are either shown the door or,  you’re reprimanded and instructed on how it is to be performed the next time. And if not - you then may still be shown the door.

Here’s an example… 

Hypothetical: A person works for a diner. The owner needs to be away over the weekend and asks them to open and close the restaurant in his absence and entrusts them with the keys for doing so.  

They’re not a “manager,” just regular help. They normally work weekdays 10am - 6pm. However,  weekend hours are 8am - 4pm.  

The owner states “Just be there to open the doors  (unlock) and close (lock them), the regular staff will  handle the rest.” 

That Saturday they show up at precisely 8am to open the doors to a waiting line of weekend staffers with about 5 - 10 patrons waiting to enter and order.  Those “staffers and patrons” are not at all that  “happy” with them showing up precisely at 8am.  

Do they have a point? Hint: You bet they do. 

Here’s the issue:

As those staffers and patrons complain and make their irritancy known. The person that arrived at 8am to open will be thinking the whole time: “What?! I was here on time, and this isn’t even my normal work schedule. I’m doing the owner a favor just being here. Geeez.” 

See the issue here? 

Anyone that understands food prep and food service (and every Mason that puts on a fundraiser knows all too well) that when you “open” at 8am that means- you are ready to begin taking orders then and there.  

You don’t start the grill at 8am, or start brewing the coffee at 8am. No, the grill is hot and ready to drop an egg on it at 8am. The coffee is ready to be poured into a cup at 8am, so on and so forth.  Normally there is an hour of prep (e.g., 7am) before the doors open for business. 

Now here’s the qualifier I alluded to prior… 

If the person never understood the prep that went into the day before his shift started. And, was in  many ways “a rookie?” You (the owner) can be upset. However, the upset issue is - with you (the owner). i.e., You would be more upset with yourself for not fully appreciating their skill level before you asked. Then, you would learn to not let it happen again. 

However, if they are a seasoned worker and know full well the intricacies? Your “explanation” will more or less be on the lines of how and why they’re being shown the door. i.e., They (seasoned staff) know they need to be there an hour prior. 

Are we on the same page here for understanding?  Great, let’s move on. 

I have borne witness to so many egregious displays of unprofessionalism within the Craft in respect to  “duties,” it’s a wonder I even made it through the  West Gate. When I originally “Knocked…” I used one Lodge’s website portal to inquire as it instructed to no reply. I then repeatedly sent emails as a follow-up to where the WM of that Lodge sent me a very apologetic reply (I accepted, and still do, as truthful)  that things happen, and he would personally help me in going through the process and did so.

Then came time for my: Investigation. Through our conversations, he notified me that they had assigned an investigation committee to me and I would be hearing from them shortly. I never did. 

Weeks went by - nothing. I emailed the WM who was totally apologetic (and I believe was sincere) and said he would find out what was happening and get back to me. He did, said he had spoken with the person assigned and they would be contacting me within the next few days. I let two weeks go by, again - nothing. I emailed this WM nearly apologetic in my resentment to how I was being treated. How was it that the WM (remember, at this time, I have no clue about hierarchy except perceived notions that they are “boss.”) can be instructing people do something - and they are not doing it?  

Weeks had now turned into months going by. Is there something about me that I’m not being told? I  was purely in a “What is all this about?!” conundrum.

Finally, in a final emailing with the WM, he informed  me after trying to get to the reasoning why, he then stated (paraphrasing): “I was told they were just too  busy to get to you, work things had come up and I would now need to get someone else to do it.” He apologized profusely for this happening. And it was here rather than remain angry I actually felt sad for him, for it was truly a disservice to him and said so. I then instructed him to withdraw my petition, send me back my money, and I would rethink my reasoning for entertaining the thought of joining, and, more than likely, would never darken a  masonic doorway ever again. 

That was my first dealings with the Craft - it has not been the last. (I’m beginning to think many might  feel better if I stayed with that thought, but that’s for  another article.) Since then I have participated in a few different aspects regarding meetings and other items. I have bore witness (more than once) to where a  presenter who was invited to do a presentation is met with: “Oh, ah, projector? Ummm, screen?  Ahhh, AC power? Yeah, I don’t know if we have any of that.  And if we do, it’s probably locked up in a closet.  Sorry. I’m just here to shut the alarm and open the doors.” 

I have, again, more than once, been notified I needed to either have this that or another thing available before I can move further with something  - just days prior to finalization. i.e., Something that I’ve been working on for months that is now in a finalized version. When I’ve asked, I’m usually greeted with a statement much like the same example I used to open. i.e., “It was assigned  to X, they didn’t follow through, but they’re very sorry.” 

Here’s the issue: I (nor does anyone else) care about how genuinely “Sorry” someone is that didn’t do what they knew needed to be done. Period. It’s completely unprofessional and borders on - self-absorbed preoccupation. i.e., Just because you  “apologize” doesn’t mean squat depending on the circumstances. Children do that, not, supposedly,  grown professional men. I could list more and more, but I won’t. The sheer fact that I can recite even one should give many in  the Craft pause to look about themselves and question “Are we doing anything like that?”  

We all know it, we’ve all been there. And, we’ll all be there again, many times further, as time goes along. However, there’s a very big difference between something going wrong that is out of one’s hands then there is with someone just ignoring a circumstance that happened to you and could be overcome.

Let's assume you have your car breakdown days prior to when you have a committee assignment due. You begin making calls then to either replace it or replace you to fulfill your assignment. Brokedown, as you were en route, is a completely understandable issue.

 

This organization tries to instill the idea that is not only a group of like-minded men but those who take responsibility and “their word is their bond”  attitudes toward one and other as “sacred.” It needs to start acting like it before others begin to take it seriously, and want to be part of it, once again. 

Because the issue here is… 

In the examples, I listed including those I did not, many of the ones that “apologized” have since  moved onto higher offices known as “Purple.”

 

Mark St. Cyr 

Freemason

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.

The Case for the Missing Comma

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB. Adam Thayer

Those who know me within Masonry know that I’m a bit of a ritual nerd. I think our ceremonies are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever experienced, and each time I watch them, it feels brand new to me. One of my favorite things to do Masonically is to take a piece of ritual work apart, and examine it from different angles, to try to understand the deeper meanings hidden within.

“What come you here to do?” It’s a question we are asked to consider in our Entered Apprentice degree, and while the answer is provided for us, it is up to each of us to determine what that means in our own lives.

There are two nearly identical answers to the question, depending on your jurisdiction, and the only grammatical difference is the placement of a comma. The difference in your stated purpose, however, is radical.

Some jurisdictions (my own included) do not have a comma in the answer, and as such it reads “To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry.” When read this way, you are here for two purposes: to be taught how to control your passions, and to become a better Mason.

It’s possible that, in those jurisdictions without the comma, Albert Pike stole the comma for use in his writings.

Some other jurisdictions have the comma inserted, so that your purpose is “To learn, to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry.” Now your purpose is threefold: first and foremost, to learn, second to control your passions, and third to become a better Mason.

It’s a subtle difference, but an important one. Under this text, you aren’t just learning how to subdue your passions, you’re learning about a myriad of subjects. In addition, the focus is much more on action; you are actively seeking to subdue your passions, not just learning how to do so.

While I would never say that the ritual in my jurisdiction is incorrect, I will happily admit that I like it with the extra comma better. It puts more emphasis on working hard to be better men, and doesn’t limit the scope of your learning to a narrow field.

At the risk of committing a grave Masonic offense, I would put forward that there is an even better way to word it, and one that I hope you will keep in mind:

“What come you here to do? To learn, to subdue my passions, and improve myself THROUGH

Masonry.”

We often say that our fraternity exists to make good men better. We don’t say to make better Masons, because Masonry is a collection of tools we should be using to turn ourselves into better men both inside and outside of the fraternity. If our goal is only to make better Masons, we should solely be focused on things such as improving ritual work, and learning to love the reading of the minutes.

Masonry is a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and perfection, and in the final tally, any improvement we make is worth the effort put in. With that in mind, what come YOU here to do?

~AT

Bro. Adam Thayer is the Junior Warden of Lancaster Lodge No 54 in Lincoln (NE) and the Worshipful Master of Oliver Lodge No. 38 in Seward (NE). He’s an active member of the Scottish Rite, and Knight Master of the Lincoln Valley Knights of Saint Andrew. Adam serves on the Education Committee of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. You can contact him at adam.thayer@gmail.com

Alas, My Brother

by Midnight Freemason Guest Contributor

WB Ken Baril

Last evening, about six-thirty,

I went to a visitation

For a departed Brother of a Masonic Lodge

Without any hesitation.

I slowly entered the funeral home,

Rather solemnly, I confess.

I thought I would be greeted by many

Of his Masonic Brothers, no less.

Only three of his Lodge Brother’s were present,

While the family sat alone.

Where is all the Brotherly Love

His Brothers should have shown?

Not only was I embarrassed,

For I could feel the family’s pain,

Of not seeing their loved ones Brothers,

As the mourners went and came.

The Masonic oaths we took on bended knee,

Should mean much more than this.

Have we lost sight of what they mean?

My Brothers, something surely is amiss.

We certainly have an obligation,

To make time to say Good-bye:

 Eternity is a long, long, time

For tear filled eyes to dry.

Although many of your Brothers are not here,

To say their last farewell,

I am here to say my last Good-bye,

Alas, my Brother, sleep well!

~KB

WB Ken Baril was born in New Haven, CT. and moved to the Cincinnati area in 1999. He is a three time Master of his lodge, Temple Lodge No. 16. AF & AM, 1982-1983-1995, located in Cheshire, CT. While living in Connecticut and prior to his moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, Ken has been the featured speaker at many public schools and Veterans organizations. Ken is a published author who has written a book focusing on members of the Masonic Fraternity who have been recipients of our nation’s highest award for bravery, the prestigious Medal of Honor called " The Medal of Honor - The Letter G in Valor". Ken has dedicated his time and effort to researching and developing various programs including, “The Medal of Honor Program,” “The Immortal Four Chaplains,” as well as many others. His programs are dedicated to the preservation of an important portion of American history, contributions, and sacrifices, in the defense of the United States, and to the memory of all those who have given their lives in the pursuit of that objective. He also writes articles for various Masonic publications. He served his country during the Korean War in the United States Air Force. He currently resides in Hudson, FL. with his wife, Marion.