There is a solemn task imposed on all us as Free and Accepted Masons, the Masonic Memorial. It is said that it matters not to him, whether two or three, or hundreds have assembled with the insignia of the craft to honor his memory.
It should matter to we brothers who continue on in his absence. We in Ancient District 20 have a rich heritage of traveling to other lodges and conferring degrees. Quite often there may be 30-50 visiting brothers to either take part in or simply witness the degree work. Too often we don't see the same type of numbers at Masonic Memorials.
It should matter enough to us to travel to those memorials and help in paying the last offices to the dead. Also, at times it almost seems to be a popularity event. Those brothers who were active naturally seem to draw larger attendance than those brothers who for whatever reason may not have been as active in Masonry but very likely was active in other areas........but we are all brothers in the end.
Popularity doesn't always guarantee a respectable showing of brothers at a memorial. We need to make an effort at attending these rites and ceremonies as much as we do attending degrees. Sometimes a memorial may not be at a convenient time, this has happened to me all too often. It seems that many memorials take place on Thursday evening at 7pm, unfortunately Thursday is my evening to work until 7pm. I have missed several memorials because of this, but that makes me much more conscious of the ones I can attend.
This issue was raised by WB Gary Childs at a recent meeting of King Solomon's Club, I took that to heart. There have been times when I really didn't feel like getting dressed to head out to a memorial on Sunday evening, but after getting there the cammaradiere of the attendees while getting ready for the service is usually a fine display of brotherhood. Some of us have started going to a nearby restaurant following the service to grab a bite to eat and continue the fellowship. Afterall as Masons if there is one thing we get right it's, eating.
By attending a memorial one gets to enjoy the pre-service fellowship and usually get reaquainted with a brother who hasn't been around for a while, pay respect to a deceased brother, show support to the family and friends of the departed brother, remember that we are travelling upon that level of time, and possibly have a sandwich and coffee later, and close the event with more fellowhip and socializing, hmmmmm
It's all about how we look at things and the decisions we make about how we will respond. Take a good hard look at your schedule the next time you learn of a Masonic Memorial, regardless of lodge number, you might just find that by honoring a deceased brother, good things may come your way......and may both of you
.....Fare thee well.......
