Yesterday was one of those days. Masons from throughout the area gathered to pay their last respects to one of the great examples of our fraternity, WB James Kerry.
It's always interesting to look through the pictures chronicling one's life. To see youthful versions of the man we now call brother and to take note the visible change the man makes when he becomes a brother, the pictures often morph into scenes from his Masonic life.
WB Jim was an interesting man. His Masonic career started about 10 years ago and his ambitious feet did travel round after round of the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle and yes the purple of our fraternity rested upon his honored shoulders.
As the Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer, Thomas Braun mentioned in the apron portion of the memorial, that the simple white apron all Masons receive is the greatest and most distinguished honor that can be bestowed on a Mason, more honorable than the star and garter or any other order....the white lambskin is an emblem or purity and all perfection.
For me the greatest thing that WB Jim demonstrated was being "Pa" to his cherished grandson, Nathaniel. Jim was the primary male influence in young Nathaniel's life. History, geography, current events, and being a gentleman were all things that Jim taught Nathaniel.
As a group, this fraternity also adopted Nathaniel as one of our own, in spite of his very young age. WB Jim made sure to take Nathaniel along on those public Masonic events.
Overall, the Masonic memorial is a much overlooked duty incumbent on all Masons. Those who were extremely active as Jim was often have a well attended memorial. Unfortunately those who were less active tend to not have such great attendance. In the memorial service it mentions that it matters not whether two or three or hundreds have assembled to attend the memorial service.
That may be true but it is an outward expression of brotherly love not only to the departed brother but to his loved ones and friends. It demonstrates to those people, that this man was involved in a truly worthwhile endeavor.
It's hard for me to make the memorials, it seems that they are usually on a Thursday evening which is my late night for work. However, yesterday really spoke to me and I hope to re-concentrate on attending memorials in the area. It means a lot to those left behind and is a good demonstration of what we do.
In talking to the brothers in attendance at Jim's memorial they all mentioned that it would be great to have turn-outs like this at all memorials, degrees, etc. Which brings me to another topic, one never knows if it is their last time to sit in lodge and to enjoy the greatest gift of all, fellowship and brotherly love.
Too often we sort of drag ourselves out to a degree or meeting. What if we took the approach that this may be our last opportunity to sit in lodge with a brother or it may be the last time we get to sit in lodge period. We need to relish every opportunity to enjoy the company of our brothers.
WB Jim did a lot of things for the craft. Most were easily recognizable such as becoming DDI, Master Ritualist, and then Regional Grand Lecturer. He also did a lot of things behind the scenes, such as hospital visitation and shut-in visitation. Also, he was instrumental in the latest redistricting plan by the Grand Lodge of Michigan.
May we strive to be the best Mason we can be and follow the example which WB Jim set for all of us. Fare Thee Well WB Jim....Fare Thee Well
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