Basic Principles: Freemasonry is not a religion, not is it a substitute for religion. It requires of its members belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult, but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual's dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Free masonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings.
The Supreme Being: Masons believe that there is one god and that people employ many different ways to see, and to express what the know, God. Masonry primarily uses the appellation, "Grand Architect of the Universe," and other non-sectarian titles, to address Deity. In this way, persons of different faiths may join together in prayer, concentrating on God, rather than differences among themselves. Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private and sacred.
Volume of the Sacred Law: An open volume of the Sacred Law, "the rule and guide of life," is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law in the Judeo / Christian tradition is the Bible; To Masons of other faiths, it is the book held holy by them.
The Oath of Freemasonry: The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on the Volume of the Sacred Law. The are undertakings to follow the principles of Freemasonry and to keep confidential a Freemason's means of recognition. The much discussed 'penalties," judicial remnants from an earlier era, are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word.
Freemasonry Compared with Religion: Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion:
(a) It has no dogma or theology, no wish tor means to enforce religious orthodoxy.
(b) It offers no sacraments.
(c) It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge, or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation.
Freemasonry Supports Religion: Freemasonry is far from indifferent toward religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects expects each member to follow his own faith and to place his Duty to God above all other duties. its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions.
(Prepared by the Masonic Information Center 12/93 - Revised 9/98)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Jackson #45 Visits Pleasant Green #291
On Saturday October 23, 2010 five members of Jackson Lodge #45 visited Pleasant Green Lodge #291 of Trezevant, TN to observe and participate in a Master Mason Degree that morning.
Brother Ray Sanders and the Brothers of Pleasant Green Lodge hosted a tasty full country breakfast prior to the conferring of the Degree. All enjoyed the fraternity and food and an excellent Degree was conferred.
Members of Jackson Lodge #45 attending were: Mike Stanton, WM; Marty Amick, Chaplin, PM; Rod Gutierrez, SD; Jimmy Owen, Treasurer; & Mike Winslow, Secretary.
Standing upper right is Ray Sanders, Worshipful Master of Pleasant Green # 291.
Brother Ray Sanders and the Brothers of Pleasant Green Lodge hosted a tasty full country breakfast prior to the conferring of the Degree. All enjoyed the fraternity and food and an excellent Degree was conferred.
Standing upper right is Ray Sanders, Worshipful Master of Pleasant Green # 291.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Civil War Fellow Craft Degree At Corinth Lodge #116
On Friday evening, September 17, 2010 history was made between two Southern Masonic Lodges.
Members of Jackson Lodge #45 of Jackson, TN, official Dispensation and Charter in hand, traveled to Corinth, MS at the invitation of Corinth Lodge #116, to perform a Tennessee Fellow Craft Degree, in Civil War era dress, on one of our own Entered Apprentices. This was in conjunction with a large and established Civil War battle re-enactment held in Corinth, MS each year.
Upon arrival, members of Corinth Lodge #116 greeted our travelers and treated us with their most generous hospitality providing most welcomed refreshments and meal.
The historic nature of this event is such that it was the first time Jackson Lodge #45 has taken its Charter out of the state of Tennessee and the first time a Civil War era degree had been performed at either Lodge. Just as in the Civil War, soldiers (re-enactors) of the Confederacy and Union Armies laid down their arms to join in a period of Masonic Brotherhood, despite being in a state of war. Blue Coats and Gray Coats joined together to Pass a worthy and well qualified Entered Apprentice to the Degree of Fellow Craft in his quest for more light.
The setting was the beautifully crafted Scottish Rite Theater in Corinth. While some re-modeling is still underway, the pride and care of the members of the Scottish Rite and Corinth Lodge #116 is evident.
The Jackson #45 Charter displayed and Dispensations from the Grand Lodge of Mississippi the Grand Lodge of Tennessee read, Worshipful Master Michael Stanton of Jackson Lodge #45 opened, in due and ancient form, a Tennessee Fellow Craft Lodge in the Scottish Rite Theater, home of Corinth Lodge #116 in Corinth, Mississippi. Masons from Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama were in attendance at this unique and historic event.
Many Masonic thanks to The Grand Lodge of Mississippi, The Grand Lodge of Tennessee, The Scottish Rite and Corinth Lodge #116 and members of Jackson Lodge #45 and Pleasant Green #291 for making this event possible.
Upon arrival, members of Corinth Lodge #116 greeted our travelers and treated us with their most generous hospitality providing most welcomed refreshments and meal.
The historic nature of this event is such that it was the first time Jackson Lodge #45 has taken its Charter out of the state of Tennessee and the first time a Civil War era degree had been performed at either Lodge. Just as in the Civil War, soldiers (re-enactors) of the Confederacy and Union Armies laid down their arms to join in a period of Masonic Brotherhood, despite being in a state of war. Blue Coats and Gray Coats joined together to Pass a worthy and well qualified Entered Apprentice to the Degree of Fellow Craft in his quest for more light.
The setting was the beautifully crafted Scottish Rite Theater in Corinth. While some re-modeling is still underway, the pride and care of the members of the Scottish Rite and Corinth Lodge #116 is evident.
The Jackson #45 Charter displayed and Dispensations from the Grand Lodge of Mississippi the Grand Lodge of Tennessee read, Worshipful Master Michael Stanton of Jackson Lodge #45 opened, in due and ancient form, a Tennessee Fellow Craft Lodge in the Scottish Rite Theater, home of Corinth Lodge #116 in Corinth, Mississippi. Masons from Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama were in attendance at this unique and historic event.
Many Masonic thanks to The Grand Lodge of Mississippi, The Grand Lodge of Tennessee, The Scottish Rite and Corinth Lodge #116 and members of Jackson Lodge #45 and Pleasant Green #291 for making this event possible.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Masons Come to Aid of Masonic Family
On April 26th 2010, Masons from Jackson Lodge #45 and Pleasant Green Lodge #291 of Trezvant assembled at the home of Ms. Evie Frantz to make repairs to the back stairs leading down from an upper floor.
M. Franz’s Grandfather, James V. Rush (deceased 1969) and an uncle, Robert Rush (deceased 1992) were members of Jackson Masonic Lodge #45 of Jackson, TN. Jackson Lodge #45 was contacted, via our website, by Patricia Anne Justice (Job’s Daughters) of Utah concerning her niece, Ms. Frantz. It was explained to us that Ms. Frantz had recently fallen down these stairs being in bad repair, and suffered multiple broken bones resulting in her disability. It was asked if our Lodge could possibly help Ms. Frantz with repairs.
This message was received via email by Brother Mike Winslow, Secretary of Lodge #45 while attending a fish-fry hosted by Pleasant Green Lodge #291 with several Brothers from Lodge #45. The timing could not have been better. Within a few minutes, cooperative plans were being made to come to the assistance Ms. Frantz with Ray Sanders, WM of Lodge #291 and Mike Stanton, WM of Lodge #45.
Brothers Ray Sanders, Kethan Miller of Lodge #291 and their friend Jeff Smith affected the necessary repairs in short order with WM Mike Stanton doing a lot of pointing (see photo). I took photos and did my best to stay out of the way; not being allowed to have tools for reasons of public safety.
Ms. Frantz was very appreciative of the help received and asked that the Masonic memorabilia she had from her uncle to be placed in the archives of Lodge #45. We gratefully accepted.
As stated in the Charge to a Master Mason, “Charity and benevolence are always to be inculcated. Charity is one of the main pillars of our Order and he who is destitute of that noble feeling is unworthy the name of Mason.” These Masons are definitely worthy of the name.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Rose Upon The Altar Masonic Play
The Memphis Scottish Rite players will present this play, open to the public and free of charge, at 7 pm following a dinner at 6 pm. A donation of $5.00 for the dinner will help support Masonic charities that are supported by Jackson Lodge #45.
The play and dinner will be held at Jackson Masonic Lodge #45; 2911 Hwy 45 Bypass; Jackson, TN 38305.
"A ROSE UPON THE ALTAR"
The Memphis Scottish Rite Bodies proudly sponsor and present this beautiful and inspiring Masonic play by Carl Claudy. Brother Claudy gave the Masonic Service Association a number of his plays and permission for this and all performances is granted by that body. We are deeply indebted to Bro. Claudy for his love of our great fraternity.
The cast is made up of Scottish Rite Ritualists and contains some of the finest performers in the State of Tennessee.
The play is made available without charge to any Masonic affiliated group desiring it. This is just one of our ways of cooperating with Blue Lodge Masonry in the advancement of our beloved Fraternity.
If you have not been attending your Blue Lodge, let us urge you to give them your whole-hearted support. They need you and you need them!
THE SCOTTISH RITE PLAYERS
The group was formed in 1970 for the purpose of presenting this play to our brethren. The name "Scottish Rite Players" was given them by Dr. Joseph C. Mobley, 33o and Past Grand Master, who was one of their most ardent boosters.
The cast has changed a number of times over the more than thirty five years and has performed the play more than 300 times. Ill. Jim E. McDaniel was the play director almost from the beginning and is currently Director Emeritus.
This play is performed for three reasons:
1. To promote Freemasonry in general!
2. To assist in securing petitions for the Scottish Rite.
3. To inform everyone of the charitable endeavors of the Scottish Rite for the children.
A donation will be collected at the conclusion of the play to support the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorder Clinic at the University of Tennessee - Memphis.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
“A Vacation From My Destiny”
The following was shared by Brother Tom Lewis, now living in So. Carolina.
“A Vacation From My Destiny”
I’ve heard a lot of brothers say why they don’t like to go to Grand Lodge – the sniping, politicking, styling and profiling, etc. And it is a little expensive with the travel and accommodations, eating out and all. But for me it’s priceless for the chance to see brothers in other Lodges that I wouldn’t ordinarily see all together in one place. Especially when I go back to Tennessee and see people I knew when I was a young man and Mason that I never see otherwise now that I live in another state. Sharing time with men who showed me how to live as a man and Mason, and sharing accomplishments that they made possible through their mentoring is one of the gifts Masonry offers. And it does my heart good once a year to hear the ritual done he way I remember it done in my home Lodge 30 years ago, so when “Tennessee Ritual” supplants “South Carolina Ritual” in my South Carolina Lodge recitations, at least it’s correct “Tennessee Ritual” that’s creeping in.
At Grand Lodge you get to share opinions and ideas with like-minded men in peace and harmony. You get to spend time with brothers that are just as “deep into” Masonry as you are who make you feel you may not be quite as odd as some of the brothers back home (and your wife) think. You get to sit down and share meals with brothers you never would’ve met otherwise. Sometimes someone gets elected Junior Grand Warden that you shared a table at dinner with the night before, who because of the shared time is someone you know instead of some well-connected brother you can barely see from the back of the hall. You hear stories of dedication to the craft and local successes – of men who’ve been their Lodge secretary for over 50 years and donations of large amounts of money to worthy charities. And sometimes, in the midst of all the reports of sundry committees, you get to hear a story that grabs you and brings into focus why many of us do Masonry. Such is the story of Brother Charles:
The Grand Master started the story, but was overcome with emotion and asked the Secretary of the Johnson City Lodge involved to take up the story. Charles had been in the military and when he got out, he decided to pursue two goals: to become a nurse and become a Mason. He petitioned a Lodge and took his Entered Apprentice degree in California, and started his nursing training which brought him to Johnson City Tennessee. He had already applied and gotten permission for the Lodge in Johnson City to put on his Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees as “courtesy work”. Then life threw Charles a 90 mph curve ball. It was discovered Charles had prostate cancer that had already metastasized into his bone marrow. His chances of survival were nil. Charles was out of options and out of time. His greatest wish was to die a Master Mason and to have a Masonic funeral, but his condition precluded the normal process. He simply didn’t have 28 days to wait between the remaining degrees. Added to that, the pain medication just didn’t leave Charles the clarity of mind necessary to retain the memory work. That’s when the Tennessee Grand Lodge entered the story.
The Grand Master of Tennessee got with the Grand Master of California to get Charles a demit from the Lodge in California. The timing was right and the Lodge in California voted that night at their business meeting to grant the demit, and faxed the necessary paperwork to Tennessee. The Lodge in Johnson City voted two nights later to accept Charles by affiliation into their Lodge. Then Most Worshipful Grand Master Jerry Hanson traveled across the far corners of the state of Tennessee from Memphis to Johnson City to make Charles a “Mason at Sight” – one of the ageless prerogatives reserved for Grand Masters.
A conference room at the VA Hospital in Johnson City was secured and while a hall-full of Masons and other well-wishers in wheelchairs waited outside the room, the Grand Master conferred the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees on Charles. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Brother Charles was presented with his white lambskin apron as well as a Masonic ring, both of which Charles requested to be buried wearing. Charles also requested that the Master of the Johnson City Lodge perform his Masonic funeral. Charles told the Grand Master:” You’ve given me a vacation from my destiny.” Thirteen days later Brother Charles’s feet too soon reached the end of life’s toilsome journey, and from his nerveless grasp dropped forever the working tools of life. But thanks to his brothers going the extra mile (or 400 miles) he had his dying wish fulfilled to stand before the throne of God as a Mason.
It’s true there is a certain amount of tedium in every meeting of every Grand Lodge. For me it is a small price to pay to hear from the participants stories that remind us why we’re proud to be Masons. Like that of Brother Charles.
“A Vacation From My Destiny”
I’ve heard a lot of brothers say why they don’t like to go to Grand Lodge – the sniping, politicking, styling and profiling, etc. And it is a little expensive with the travel and accommodations, eating out and all. But for me it’s priceless for the chance to see brothers in other Lodges that I wouldn’t ordinarily see all together in one place. Especially when I go back to Tennessee and see people I knew when I was a young man and Mason that I never see otherwise now that I live in another state. Sharing time with men who showed me how to live as a man and Mason, and sharing accomplishments that they made possible through their mentoring is one of the gifts Masonry offers. And it does my heart good once a year to hear the ritual done he way I remember it done in my home Lodge 30 years ago, so when “Tennessee Ritual” supplants “South Carolina Ritual” in my South Carolina Lodge recitations, at least it’s correct “Tennessee Ritual” that’s creeping in.
At Grand Lodge you get to share opinions and ideas with like-minded men in peace and harmony. You get to spend time with brothers that are just as “deep into” Masonry as you are who make you feel you may not be quite as odd as some of the brothers back home (and your wife) think. You get to sit down and share meals with brothers you never would’ve met otherwise. Sometimes someone gets elected Junior Grand Warden that you shared a table at dinner with the night before, who because of the shared time is someone you know instead of some well-connected brother you can barely see from the back of the hall. You hear stories of dedication to the craft and local successes – of men who’ve been their Lodge secretary for over 50 years and donations of large amounts of money to worthy charities. And sometimes, in the midst of all the reports of sundry committees, you get to hear a story that grabs you and brings into focus why many of us do Masonry. Such is the story of Brother Charles:
The Grand Master started the story, but was overcome with emotion and asked the Secretary of the Johnson City Lodge involved to take up the story. Charles had been in the military and when he got out, he decided to pursue two goals: to become a nurse and become a Mason. He petitioned a Lodge and took his Entered Apprentice degree in California, and started his nursing training which brought him to Johnson City Tennessee. He had already applied and gotten permission for the Lodge in Johnson City to put on his Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees as “courtesy work”. Then life threw Charles a 90 mph curve ball. It was discovered Charles had prostate cancer that had already metastasized into his bone marrow. His chances of survival were nil. Charles was out of options and out of time. His greatest wish was to die a Master Mason and to have a Masonic funeral, but his condition precluded the normal process. He simply didn’t have 28 days to wait between the remaining degrees. Added to that, the pain medication just didn’t leave Charles the clarity of mind necessary to retain the memory work. That’s when the Tennessee Grand Lodge entered the story.
The Grand Master of Tennessee got with the Grand Master of California to get Charles a demit from the Lodge in California. The timing was right and the Lodge in California voted that night at their business meeting to grant the demit, and faxed the necessary paperwork to Tennessee. The Lodge in Johnson City voted two nights later to accept Charles by affiliation into their Lodge. Then Most Worshipful Grand Master Jerry Hanson traveled across the far corners of the state of Tennessee from Memphis to Johnson City to make Charles a “Mason at Sight” – one of the ageless prerogatives reserved for Grand Masters.
A conference room at the VA Hospital in Johnson City was secured and while a hall-full of Masons and other well-wishers in wheelchairs waited outside the room, the Grand Master conferred the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees on Charles. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Brother Charles was presented with his white lambskin apron as well as a Masonic ring, both of which Charles requested to be buried wearing. Charles also requested that the Master of the Johnson City Lodge perform his Masonic funeral. Charles told the Grand Master:” You’ve given me a vacation from my destiny.” Thirteen days later Brother Charles’s feet too soon reached the end of life’s toilsome journey, and from his nerveless grasp dropped forever the working tools of life. But thanks to his brothers going the extra mile (or 400 miles) he had his dying wish fulfilled to stand before the throne of God as a Mason.
It’s true there is a certain amount of tedium in every meeting of every Grand Lodge. For me it is a small price to pay to hear from the participants stories that remind us why we’re proud to be Masons. Like that of Brother Charles.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Jackson Masonic Lodge #45 2010 Officers and Appointments
The 2010 Officers of Jackson Masonic Lodge #45 F&AM were installed in a formal ceremony on Saturday December 12th, 2009.
Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Paul Phillips presided and installed as Worshipful Master of Lodge #45 Brother Michael Lee Stanton and his officer corps.
Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Paul Phillips presided and installed as Worshipful Master of Lodge #45 Brother Michael Lee Stanton and his officer corps.
(Photo by Brother Jimmy Owen)
Jackson Masonic Lodge #45
2010 Officers and Appointments
Worshipful Master: Michael Stanton
Senior Warden: Jordan Droke
Junior Warden: Terry Blackburn
Senior Deacon: Rod Guiterrez
Junior Deacon: Jeremy Blankenship
Treasurer: Jimmy Owen
Senior Steward: Douglas Jackson
Junior Steward: Jeff McClemore,PM
Tiler: Danny Stanton
Chaplin: Marty Amick
Secretary: Michael Winslow
Thursday, December 10, 2009
From The East - Worshipful Master Jeffery McLemore
Brethren,
It has truly been a pleasure to serve you and our lodge over this past year. This definitely marks one of the highlights of my life. With the months having flown by it has only been just recently that I have comprehended the fact that my tenure is almost over. And with this kind of realization usually comes reflection. Over the past year I have learned a great many things about masonry, my lodge, my brothers, and myself.
Seeing masonry from the East is like looking through a kaleidoscope. You see what you have always seen but it becomes almost mystical. Each new responsibility hurled at the Worshipful Master requires him to know more about the mysteries and philosophies of the craft and thus requires his diligent study. Through this study I have begun to unravel the true magnitude of the knowledge of the fraternity. I don’t presume to have some feeling of enlightenment but rather a feeling of excitement. The excitement comes from the changes brought on by personal growth through the power of the teachings of masonry.
About my lodge and my brothers I have discovered a wealth of support that I knew existed but had not had the opportunity to need. But as a person ascends up the ladder of responsibility he is constantly reminded that he cannot do this on his own. He tries, unsuccessfully. And when he hits the ground the brothers are there to support him and to pick him up. This year has brought many trials along with its many pleasures…trials of patience, trials of perseverance, and even trials of faith. But the greatness of the organization lies in its ability to lift one up. A brother’s welfare and a reliance on our Almighty are the great responsibilities that we as masons have. I am proud of our lodge and my brothers who have not only demonstrated a love for others but also a commitment to each other.
A few weeks ago I was reflecting on my year as Worshipful Master and I decided to go to the lodge. It was early evening and no one was there. As I walked through the dark building my emotions became overwhelming. A deep sense of contentment filled my heart. Sure, I am saddened by the ending of my tenure but am so very pleased at what the lodge has accomplished. It has been a wonderful and humbling experience and I am most grateful to our Great Architect for having designed this fraternity and for having seen fit to place me as your Worshipful Master. Thank you to all who have supported me and supported Jackson Lodge 45.
With Grateful Thanks,
Jeff McLemore
Worshipful Master
Jackson Lodge 45
It has truly been a pleasure to serve you and our lodge over this past year. This definitely marks one of the highlights of my life. With the months having flown by it has only been just recently that I have comprehended the fact that my tenure is almost over. And with this kind of realization usually comes reflection. Over the past year I have learned a great many things about masonry, my lodge, my brothers, and myself.
Seeing masonry from the East is like looking through a kaleidoscope. You see what you have always seen but it becomes almost mystical. Each new responsibility hurled at the Worshipful Master requires him to know more about the mysteries and philosophies of the craft and thus requires his diligent study. Through this study I have begun to unravel the true magnitude of the knowledge of the fraternity. I don’t presume to have some feeling of enlightenment but rather a feeling of excitement. The excitement comes from the changes brought on by personal growth through the power of the teachings of masonry.
About my lodge and my brothers I have discovered a wealth of support that I knew existed but had not had the opportunity to need. But as a person ascends up the ladder of responsibility he is constantly reminded that he cannot do this on his own. He tries, unsuccessfully. And when he hits the ground the brothers are there to support him and to pick him up. This year has brought many trials along with its many pleasures…trials of patience, trials of perseverance, and even trials of faith. But the greatness of the organization lies in its ability to lift one up. A brother’s welfare and a reliance on our Almighty are the great responsibilities that we as masons have. I am proud of our lodge and my brothers who have not only demonstrated a love for others but also a commitment to each other.
A few weeks ago I was reflecting on my year as Worshipful Master and I decided to go to the lodge. It was early evening and no one was there. As I walked through the dark building my emotions became overwhelming. A deep sense of contentment filled my heart. Sure, I am saddened by the ending of my tenure but am so very pleased at what the lodge has accomplished. It has been a wonderful and humbling experience and I am most grateful to our Great Architect for having designed this fraternity and for having seen fit to place me as your Worshipful Master. Thank you to all who have supported me and supported Jackson Lodge 45.
With Grateful Thanks,
Jeff McLemore
Worshipful Master
Jackson Lodge 45
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Investigator's Responsibility to Masonry
The investigation of a Petiton for the Three Degrees is a serious matter and should not be considered routine.
When the Master of a Lodge assigns one of its members a petition to be investigated, he is saying, in substance, to that member, "You know the type of man the Masonic Fraternity accepts. The recommenders on this petition say the applicant quailifies. Now I want to know your opinion." From there it becomes a matter for that member, acting not only as a member of that Lodge, but as a representative of the entire Masonic Fraternity, to investigate the petitioner as sincerely and honestly as he is capable of doing.
Let us first think of Masonry. It is an organization composed of men who believe in the Deity; who believe in righteousness and justice; who live by and adhere to a moral code of ethics, and who practice a philosophy of life second to none. Here are men of every walk of life who compose a fraternity of moral, social and intelligent persons creditably recored in every community, men who believe in each other, thier fellow members. Masonry is the binding together of this type of men and cementing them into an everlasting fraternal association. Masonry, which asks no man to join its ranks, will accept no less.
Now comes the petitioner - a stranger - wishing to become a member of that group! WHO IS this stranger? What are his motives for wishing to gain membership? Will he be worthy and well qualified? The investigation process is to determine the answers to these quesitons.
Upon accepting the assignment, the Investigator is now employed by your Lodge and the entire masonic family, world-wide, to investigate the petiton of an applican who wishes an intimate knowledge of Masonry and association with its members. The petitioner is actually being considered not only for membership in our Lodge, but for world-wide Masonic membership with the opportunity to visit and associate with Masons everwhere. Each visitation the new member may make, in any Lodge in the world, will be as a member and representative of your Lodge. He should, therefore, be the type of man of whom you can be proud and honored to have represent you and your Lodge.
It now becomes obvious, as you evaluate your investigative assignment, that it is important -- important that only the right type of man is accepted, for the Mason of today, more so than ever, is an intregal part of our nation and our way of life.
Masonry was instrumental in the founding of this country and so will be its re-founding. In the Masons' hands and those of his associates, lies the future of the America of tomorrow.
(Sourced from a California publication by Walter Van Wagern - affiliation unkown)
When the Master of a Lodge assigns one of its members a petition to be investigated, he is saying, in substance, to that member, "You know the type of man the Masonic Fraternity accepts. The recommenders on this petition say the applicant quailifies. Now I want to know your opinion." From there it becomes a matter for that member, acting not only as a member of that Lodge, but as a representative of the entire Masonic Fraternity, to investigate the petitioner as sincerely and honestly as he is capable of doing.
Let us first think of Masonry. It is an organization composed of men who believe in the Deity; who believe in righteousness and justice; who live by and adhere to a moral code of ethics, and who practice a philosophy of life second to none. Here are men of every walk of life who compose a fraternity of moral, social and intelligent persons creditably recored in every community, men who believe in each other, thier fellow members. Masonry is the binding together of this type of men and cementing them into an everlasting fraternal association. Masonry, which asks no man to join its ranks, will accept no less.
Now comes the petitioner - a stranger - wishing to become a member of that group! WHO IS this stranger? What are his motives for wishing to gain membership? Will he be worthy and well qualified? The investigation process is to determine the answers to these quesitons.
Upon accepting the assignment, the Investigator is now employed by your Lodge and the entire masonic family, world-wide, to investigate the petiton of an applican who wishes an intimate knowledge of Masonry and association with its members. The petitioner is actually being considered not only for membership in our Lodge, but for world-wide Masonic membership with the opportunity to visit and associate with Masons everwhere. Each visitation the new member may make, in any Lodge in the world, will be as a member and representative of your Lodge. He should, therefore, be the type of man of whom you can be proud and honored to have represent you and your Lodge.
It now becomes obvious, as you evaluate your investigative assignment, that it is important -- important that only the right type of man is accepted, for the Mason of today, more so than ever, is an intregal part of our nation and our way of life.
Masonry was instrumental in the founding of this country and so will be its re-founding. In the Masons' hands and those of his associates, lies the future of the America of tomorrow.
(Sourced from a California publication by Walter Van Wagern - affiliation unkown)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wounded Warrior Project Check Presentation
On Saturday November 7, 2009, members of Jackson Masonic Lodge #45 presented a check for $500 to the Wounded Warrior Project. The presentation took place at the Air National Guard facility at McKeller-Sipes Airport following the 5k – Run sponsored by AASF #3, also benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.The funds donated by Jackson Lodge #45 were raised at the Pancake Breakfast held for held at the Lodge for this event. The entire $500 was raised by the breakfast and donations by members of Jackson Lodge #45. Many thanks to all those who participated and made this a successful event. Events such as these help present the Lodge and Masonry in a positive public light.
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) works to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.
Photos by Brother Jimmy Owen:
Friday, November 6, 2009
Deceased Brother of Jackson Lodge #45
James Harding
Roberts
Graveside services for James Harding Roberts, age 86, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2009 in Centerville Cemetery, with Rev. Frank Bowling officiating and with military honors at the service. Replogle-Lawrence Funeral Home is in charge.
Mr. Roberts died Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt.
He was born in Henderson County, TN, son of the late Alvis and Nora Horn Roberts, and attended school there and graduated from Milan High School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force. Mr. Roberts retired following 37 and a half years as an employee of the Department of Defense with the Federal Government. He had many stateside and overseas assignments, and also served one year in Vietnam. He loved his family with all his heart and was always there for them. Mr. Roberts was a member of the Medina First Baptist Church, and a 50 year member of Jackson Masonic Lodge #45.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Sue West Roberts of Jackson; a daughter, Deanna Roberts Britton and husband Walt of Collierville; two sons, Dr. Barry Roberts of Tulsa, OK and Preston Roberts and wife Carol of Allentown, PA; two grandchildren, Carin Roberts Apter of Riverdale, NY and Lauren Roberts Mehmedovic of New York, NY.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Thelma Ross.
Pallbearers for the service will be Oscar Walt Britton, James Marion Parrish, Steve Threet, Murry Nevil West and Joe Lambert.
Visitation will be Saturday from 12 Noon until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home.
Replogle - Lawrence
Funeral Home
Medina, Tennessee
731/783-3026
This obituary was published in the Jackson Sun on Nov 6, 2009.
Roberts
Graveside services for James Harding Roberts, age 86, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2009 in Centerville Cemetery, with Rev. Frank Bowling officiating and with military honors at the service. Replogle-Lawrence Funeral Home is in charge.
Mr. Roberts died Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt.
He was born in Henderson County, TN, son of the late Alvis and Nora Horn Roberts, and attended school there and graduated from Milan High School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force. Mr. Roberts retired following 37 and a half years as an employee of the Department of Defense with the Federal Government. He had many stateside and overseas assignments, and also served one year in Vietnam. He loved his family with all his heart and was always there for them. Mr. Roberts was a member of the Medina First Baptist Church, and a 50 year member of Jackson Masonic Lodge #45.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Sue West Roberts of Jackson; a daughter, Deanna Roberts Britton and husband Walt of Collierville; two sons, Dr. Barry Roberts of Tulsa, OK and Preston Roberts and wife Carol of Allentown, PA; two grandchildren, Carin Roberts Apter of Riverdale, NY and Lauren Roberts Mehmedovic of New York, NY.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Thelma Ross.
Pallbearers for the service will be Oscar Walt Britton, James Marion Parrish, Steve Threet, Murry Nevil West and Joe Lambert.
Visitation will be Saturday from 12 Noon until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home.
Replogle - Lawrence
Funeral Home
Medina, Tennessee
731/783-3026
This obituary was published in the Jackson Sun on Nov 6, 2009.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Shriner's Night At Pringles Park
May 28, 2009
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Your West Tennessee Diamond Jazz and surrounding are Shriner's Clubs are teaming up to offer everyone a night of fun and excitement at Pringles Park!
The Shriner's Club will be entertaining some very special guests, while also reigniting community awareness of the clubs humanitarian efforts. We are looking forward to hosting a great night for the Shriner's Club and their special guests.
General Admission tickets will be sold for a special rate of $1. The Shriner's Club will be donating these tickets to the guests of their choice. A Shriner's representative and a special guest will throw out the ceremonial First Pitch. The Shriner's Club will be acknowledged for their charitable efforts throughout the night via Scoreboard and PA Announcements.
Also available at Pringles Park:
$1 Hotdogs $1 Fountain Drinks $1 Draft Beer $1 Popcorn
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Revolutionary Masons
The recent Tea Parties across the nation advocating the return to traditional values and principles (I dare say Masonic values and principles) bring to mind the lead up to the original one in Boston on December 16, 1773. The following are some excerpts from "Freemasons In The American Revolution" by Charles S. Lobingier:
"At the outbreak of the Revolution, Masonic Lodges in America were few and feeble. The oldest of them had existed less that half a century and the membership was exceedingly small. But what was lacking in members was more than supplied in quality. The Freemasons of that period included the flower of colonial citizenship and their very fewness was a source of strength. In a small lodge all could know and trust each other. Hence it is not strange that some of these colonial lodges became the centers of revolutionary thought.
Foremost among these was the Lodge of St. Andrew at Boston. Founded in 1756 and chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1760, it began its career independent of English influence and just in time to share in the opening scenes of the war for independence. Joseph Warren was its Master, and on its rolls were the names of John Hancock, and James Otis and many others who are now recognized as the leading characters of that eventful epoch. And almost every important movement in the patriotic cause in Boston, preceding and precipitating the Revolution, may be traced back directly or indirectly to St. Andrew's Lodge.
The famous "Sons of Liberty," organized in 1765 to resist the enforcement of the Stamp Act, were but an offshoot of this Lodge, and was also the "North End Caucus" to which was committed the execution of some of the most daring plans of the patriots. Both of these organizations met at the Green Dragon Tavern which was owned and occupied by St. Andrew's Lodge, and the members of the latter were leaders in the former. It was at this tavern that the historic Boston Tea Party was planned by Warren, (Paul) Revere and other members of St. Andrew's. The records of the lodge disclose that on the evening after the tea-laden ships arrived in Boston harbor there was an adjournment on account of small attendance and the secretary adds the significant note that "consignees of tea took the brethren's time." The minutes of December 16, 1773, the date of the tea party, show that the lodge was again adjourned until the next evening. Its members were among that band of enthusiasts who had boarded the ships and were rapidly heaving the obnoxious tea into the waters of Boston Harbor.
In the days that followed it was Paul Revere of St. Andrew's Lodge who earned the title of :The Patriotic Mercury" or "The Messenger of the Revolution."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Centennial Lodge #491 Detroyed By Fire
At approximately 8:30 pm last night (4/8/2009) the Centennial Lodge #491 of Erwin, TN was destroyed by fire. Lodge #45 can sympathize with their loss. We suffered a similar fate in 1979 when the Jackson Lodge #45 building on Baltimore Street in Jackson was destroyed by a fire.
Please keep the Brothers of Lodge #491 in your thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Lodge #45 RIFA Shelving Project
The project to build shelving for RIFA in Jackson, TN got underway in earnest today, Saturday April 4th. Brothers Jeff McLemore, WM and Mike Stanton, SW worked on the shelving unit in the shop of Brother Mike Winslow, Sec. The unit was completed and is now ready for delivery to RIFA. This was a community outreach project of Jackson Lodge #45.
The Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) was incorporated in 1976 as a join 
effort between local leaders and area churches to support local ministries and clergy groups in identifying the needs of people, securing resources, and providing programs to meet those needs.
Through RIFA's ministries, the faith community can work together more effectively to help those in need. Collectively they can meet needs in the community that would be impossible for a single church or organization.
RIFA has built a credible reputation by combining funds from many area churches, individuals and business sources to provide efficient, effective and unduplicated services for people with the most critical and basic human needs. RIFA is governed by a Board of Directors and depends on the generous support of over 1,000 volunteers annually.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
“A Vacation From My Destiny”
Courtesy of Brother Tom Lewis:
I’ve heard a lot of brothers say why they don’t like to go to Grand Lodge – the sniping, politicking, styling and profiling, etc. And it is a little expensive with the travel and accommodations, eating out and all. But for me it’s priceless for the chance to see brothers in other Lodges that I wouldn’t ordinarily see all together in one place. Especially when I go back to
At Grand Lodge you get to share opinions and ideas with like-minded men in peace and harmony. You get to spend time with brothers that are just as “deep into” Masonry as you are who make you feel you may not be quite as odd as some of the brothers back home (and your wife) think. You get to sit down and share meals with brothers you never would’ve met otherwise. Sometimes someone gets elected Junior Grand Warden that you shared a table at dinner with the night before, who because of the shared time is someone you know instead of some well-connected brother you can barely see from the back of the hall. You hear stories of dedication to the craft and local successes – of men who’ve been their Lodge secretary for over 50 years and donations of large amounts of money to worthy charities. And sometimes, in the midst of all the reports of sundry committees, you get to hear a story that grabs you and brings into focus why many of us do Masonry. Such is the story of Brother Charles:
The Grand Master started the story, but was overcome with emotion and asked the Secretary of the Johnson City Lodge involved to take up the story. Charles had been in the military and when he got out, he decided to pursue two goals: to become a nurse and become a Mason. He petitioned a Lodge and took his Entered Apprentice degree in
The Grand Master of Tennessee got with the Grand Master of California to get Charles a demit from the Lodge in
It’s true there is a certain amount of tedium in every meeting of every Grand Lodge. For me it is a small price to pay to hear from the participant’s stories that remind us why we’re proud to be Masons. Like that of Brother Charles.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Patience is a Virtue
Within each degree there are virtues which the initiate
discovers and which are to serve as guideposts toward building his
Spiritual Temple. The Entered Apprentice finds that Temperance,
Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice are paramount to his advancement as
a man and Mason. He must control his life, apply his efforts with
steady purpose, regulate his life with reason, and respect each man,
regardless of distinction.
Likewise as a Fellowcraft, he is to gain knowledge and apply
that knowledge in advancing himself through work. By using his five
senses and learning the seven liberal arts he is to advance his
understanding of morality, the nature of a good life, and his duties
as a Mason.
At last he progresses to knowledge of Masonry's philosophy
and teachings. As a Master he comes to understand the common bond of
the Fraternity and Craft. Brotherly love and affection work toward
happiness upon the level of time. Such is the nature of becoming a
Master Mason.
It is said that "time, patience, and perseverance will
enable us to accomplish all things, and perhaps at last to find the
True Word." Time and perseverance are clearly expectations of the
Craft; patience sometimes is forgotten or not given its just due. To
be patient is to bear trials or pain calmly and without complant, to
be steadfast despite the challenges, the difficulties, and
adversities. The challenges at each step of the Degrees are to test
the character, the commitment, and desire of men who want to be
Masons and who understand being better than themselves. These are not
easy tasks or lessons.
Each Brother is charged to be patient with his Brothers, to
admonish with candor, assist with care, and guard the integrity of
the Fraternity as whole. The Legend of Hiram illustrates what
impatience can do in search of the True Word, but also how patient
understanding can point the way to a better life through faith. So,
when we are challenged, let us remember the patience the Great
Architect has with us and let us extend that same patience to those
about
us.
No stone begins with perfection. Through work and patient
industry, the rough edges fall away until the beauty within shines
forth. Perfection is a goal and journey, so it is with each of us and
each Mason.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Old Master
HE WAS SITTING IN A WHEELCHAIR,
LOOKING DOWN AT THE LAWN,
I THOUGHT HE MIGHT BE ASLEEP,
THEN I SAW THE OLD MAN YAWN.
I TOLD HIM I HAD COME TO VISIT,
A BIG SMILE LIT UP HIS FACE,
HE SAID IT'S NOT VERY OFTEN,
PEOPLE VISIT THIS OLD PLACE.
PARDON MY MANNERS YOUNG MAN,
AS HE OFFERED ME A CHAIR,
WOULD YOU LIKE A GLASS OF TEA,
IT'S ON THE TABLE OVER THERE.
I BEGGED OFF THE OFFER,
BUT I SAID I HAVE A SURPRISE,
I'VE COME TAKE YOU TO LODGE,
YOU SHOULD'VE SEEN HIS EYES.
YOU KNOW, I'M A PAST MASTER,
ABOUT THREE OR FOUR TIMES,
HE SAID AS MATTER OF FACT,
I CAN WORK ANY CHAIR IN LINE.
I FELT PROUD TO PUSH HIS CHAIR,
AS WE HEADED FOR MY CAR,
I HAD ALREADY CHECKED HIM OUT,
AND SIGNED HIS PASS CARD.
WHEN WE DROVE INTO THE LOT,
YOU SHOULD'VE HEARD THE CHEERS,
I HAD A LUMP IN MY THROAT,
DOWN HIS CHEEK ROLLED A TEAR.
THE LODGE WAS FILLED WITH BROTHERS,
WHO HAD COME TO CELEBRATE,
OUR GUEST OF HONOR HAD ARRIVED,
THE EASTERN STAR HAD BAKED A CAKE.
WE MADE A SPECIAL PRESENTATION,
THAT BROUGHT LAUGHTER AND TEARS,
FOR TONIGHT OUR WISE OLD MASTER,
HAD COMPLETED SIXTY-FIVE YEARS.
WITH COUNTLESS YEARS OF SERVICE,
IN THIS LODGE IN HIS HOMETOWN,
HE DID IT ALL WITH A GENTLE HEART,
AND THE STRONGEST GRIP AROUND.
HIS TIRED OLD VOICE CRACKED,
BUT HIS MIND WAS SHARP AND CLEAR,
AS HE TOOK THE MICROPHONE,
SITTING THERE IN HIS WHEELCHAIR.
WE ALL SAT DOWN AT TABLES,
WITH HOT COFFEE IN OUR CUPS,
HE SAID I'D LIKE TO TAKE YOU BACK,
TO WHEN I WAS JUST A PUP.
YOU SEE, THERE'S BEEN TIMES,
THIS OLD LODGE ALMOST WENT DARK,
WE WERE DOWN TO JUST A FEW,
AND SOME DIDN'T KNOW THEIR PART.
BUT WE KEPT ON WORKING HARD,
AND DOING EVERYTHING WE COULD,
TO GET MORE MEN INTERESTED,
IN THE CRAFT OF BROTHERHOOD.
OH THERE'S ALL KINDS OF THINGS,
THAT'S CHANGED OVER THE YEARS,
BUT YOUNGER MEN NOT COMING IN,
IS ONE OF OUR BIGGEST FEARS.
YOU SEE, IT WAS DIFFERENT THEN,
THAN IT IS THIS DAY AND TIME,
I REMEMBER HOW STRICT IT WAS,
YOU DIDN'T DARE CROSS THE LINE.
ABOUT ASKING A MAN TO JOIN,
WHEN YOU KNEW HE WAS GOOD,
GOD AND FAMILY CAME FIRST, THIS,
THE LODGE UNDERSTOOD.
WE HAD TO WAIT UNTIL HE ASKED,
ABOUT HOW TO BECOME ONE OF US,
THEN WE COULD TELL HIM THE TRUTH,
ABOUT FELLOWSHIP, HONOR AND TRUST.
WE WORKED HARD AND DID OUR BEST,
TO BE GOOD EXAMPLES AMONG MEN,
WE ALL KNOW FROM READING THE BIBLE,
THERE'S NOT A MAN WITHOUT SIN.
SO WE'D TAKE THE BEST MEN,
AND GENTLY SHOW'EM THE LIGHT,
JUST LOOK AT ALL THE BROTHERS,
THAT SHOWED UP HERE TONIGHT.
IF I COULD LIVE MY LIFE ALL OVER,
AND I COULD REWRITE EVERY PAGE,
I'D HIT A FEW BUMPS A LITTLE SOFTER,
BUT THERE'S NOTHING I WOULD CHANGE.
EACH TIME I WAS ASKED TO TEACH,
OH IT MADE ME FEEL SO GOOD,
TO LEAD YOU GENTLY TO THE LIGHT,
UNTIL I KNEW YOU UNDERSTOOD.
I LOVE YOU ALL MY BROTHERS,
I ENJOYED BEING THERE FOR YOU,
AND I'LL TELL EACH ONE TONIGHT,
YOU'VE BEEN THERE FOR ME TOO.
HE TALKED FOR HALF AN HOUR,
AS WE TRAVELED BACK IN TIME,
HE HAD TAKEN US ON A JOURNEY,
AND WE HUNG ON EVERY LINE.
IT WAS LATE WHEN WE GOT BACK,
BUT HE WAS STILL WIDE AWAKE,
AS I PUSHED HIS WHEELCHAIR INSIDE,
HE GAVE THE NURSE A PIECE OF CAKE.
UNTIL THE OLD MASTER IS CALLED,
TO THE GRAND LODGE ON HIGH,
HIS MEMORIES WILL BE FILLED,
WITH THE CELEBRATION TONIGHT.
A FEW YEARS HAVE COME AND GONE,
SINCE WE HONORED HIM THAT NIGHT,
THE OLD MASTER EVEN HELPED ME,
RAISE MY GRANDSON INTO LIGHT.
HIS KIND AND GENTLE MANNER,
STANDS TALL AMONG THE BEST,
TODAY HE MADE THE FINAL JOURNEY,
WE LAID THE OLD MASTER TO REST.
Ben Steen copyright October 25th 2003
LOOKING DOWN AT THE LAWN,
I THOUGHT HE MIGHT BE ASLEEP,
THEN I SAW THE OLD MAN YAWN.
I TOLD HIM I HAD COME TO VISIT,
A BIG SMILE LIT UP HIS FACE,
HE SAID IT'S NOT VERY OFTEN,
PEOPLE VISIT THIS OLD PLACE.
PARDON MY MANNERS YOUNG MAN,
AS HE OFFERED ME A CHAIR,
WOULD YOU LIKE A GLASS OF TEA,
IT'S ON THE TABLE OVER THERE.
I BEGGED OFF THE OFFER,
BUT I SAID I HAVE A SURPRISE,
I'VE COME TAKE YOU TO LODGE,
YOU SHOULD'VE SEEN HIS EYES.
YOU KNOW, I'M A PAST MASTER,
ABOUT THREE OR FOUR TIMES,
HE SAID AS MATTER OF FACT,
I CAN WORK ANY CHAIR IN LINE.
I FELT PROUD TO PUSH HIS CHAIR,
AS WE HEADED FOR MY CAR,
I HAD ALREADY CHECKED HIM OUT,
AND SIGNED HIS PASS CARD.
WHEN WE DROVE INTO THE LOT,
YOU SHOULD'VE HEARD THE CHEERS,
I HAD A LUMP IN MY THROAT,
DOWN HIS CHEEK ROLLED A TEAR.
THE LODGE WAS FILLED WITH BROTHERS,
WHO HAD COME TO CELEBRATE,
OUR GUEST OF HONOR HAD ARRIVED,
THE EASTERN STAR HAD BAKED A CAKE.
WE MADE A SPECIAL PRESENTATION,
THAT BROUGHT LAUGHTER AND TEARS,
FOR TONIGHT OUR WISE OLD MASTER,
HAD COMPLETED SIXTY-FIVE YEARS.
WITH COUNTLESS YEARS OF SERVICE,
IN THIS LODGE IN HIS HOMETOWN,
HE DID IT ALL WITH A GENTLE HEART,
AND THE STRONGEST GRIP AROUND.
HIS TIRED OLD VOICE CRACKED,
BUT HIS MIND WAS SHARP AND CLEAR,
AS HE TOOK THE MICROPHONE,
SITTING THERE IN HIS WHEELCHAIR.
WE ALL SAT DOWN AT TABLES,
WITH HOT COFFEE IN OUR CUPS,
HE SAID I'D LIKE TO TAKE YOU BACK,
TO WHEN I WAS JUST A PUP.
YOU SEE, THERE'S BEEN TIMES,
THIS OLD LODGE ALMOST WENT DARK,
WE WERE DOWN TO JUST A FEW,
AND SOME DIDN'T KNOW THEIR PART.
BUT WE KEPT ON WORKING HARD,
AND DOING EVERYTHING WE COULD,
TO GET MORE MEN INTERESTED,
IN THE CRAFT OF BROTHERHOOD.
OH THERE'S ALL KINDS OF THINGS,
THAT'S CHANGED OVER THE YEARS,
BUT YOUNGER MEN NOT COMING IN,
IS ONE OF OUR BIGGEST FEARS.
YOU SEE, IT WAS DIFFERENT THEN,
THAN IT IS THIS DAY AND TIME,
I REMEMBER HOW STRICT IT WAS,
YOU DIDN'T DARE CROSS THE LINE.
ABOUT ASKING A MAN TO JOIN,
WHEN YOU KNEW HE WAS GOOD,
GOD AND FAMILY CAME FIRST, THIS,
THE LODGE UNDERSTOOD.
WE HAD TO WAIT UNTIL HE ASKED,
ABOUT HOW TO BECOME ONE OF US,
THEN WE COULD TELL HIM THE TRUTH,
ABOUT FELLOWSHIP, HONOR AND TRUST.
WE WORKED HARD AND DID OUR BEST,
TO BE GOOD EXAMPLES AMONG MEN,
WE ALL KNOW FROM READING THE BIBLE,
THERE'S NOT A MAN WITHOUT SIN.
SO WE'D TAKE THE BEST MEN,
AND GENTLY SHOW'EM THE LIGHT,
JUST LOOK AT ALL THE BROTHERS,
THAT SHOWED UP HERE TONIGHT.
IF I COULD LIVE MY LIFE ALL OVER,
AND I COULD REWRITE EVERY PAGE,
I'D HIT A FEW BUMPS A LITTLE SOFTER,
BUT THERE'S NOTHING I WOULD CHANGE.
EACH TIME I WAS ASKED TO TEACH,
OH IT MADE ME FEEL SO GOOD,
TO LEAD YOU GENTLY TO THE LIGHT,
UNTIL I KNEW YOU UNDERSTOOD.
I LOVE YOU ALL MY BROTHERS,
I ENJOYED BEING THERE FOR YOU,
AND I'LL TELL EACH ONE TONIGHT,
YOU'VE BEEN THERE FOR ME TOO.
HE TALKED FOR HALF AN HOUR,
AS WE TRAVELED BACK IN TIME,
HE HAD TAKEN US ON A JOURNEY,
AND WE HUNG ON EVERY LINE.
IT WAS LATE WHEN WE GOT BACK,
BUT HE WAS STILL WIDE AWAKE,
AS I PUSHED HIS WHEELCHAIR INSIDE,
HE GAVE THE NURSE A PIECE OF CAKE.
UNTIL THE OLD MASTER IS CALLED,
TO THE GRAND LODGE ON HIGH,
HIS MEMORIES WILL BE FILLED,
WITH THE CELEBRATION TONIGHT.
A FEW YEARS HAVE COME AND GONE,
SINCE WE HONORED HIM THAT NIGHT,
THE OLD MASTER EVEN HELPED ME,
RAISE MY GRANDSON INTO LIGHT.
HIS KIND AND GENTLE MANNER,
STANDS TALL AMONG THE BEST,
TODAY HE MADE THE FINAL JOURNEY,
WE LAID THE OLD MASTER TO REST.
Ben Steen copyright October 25th 2003
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
