Heroes

 Today we bid farewell to a true Masonic Hero, WB Jimmy Williams , actually Lloyd James Williams . 

Many brothers were in attendance and the fun part was trying to remember names. How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. 

United we were, to pay our respects to a real Masonic Hero. One can’t help but wonder how many are left and to quote my favorite country singer “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?”

Depending on how long a brother has been in the Craft will determine who their heroes have been, and more importantly who will move into those vacant roles. 

We have lost some real heroes. Owing to my advanced age, I have many that come to mind, but they change and evolve through the years. We need to focus on the present and lift some brothers up who are destined to take up that role. 

It’s very interesting that the Masonic Heroes do in fact emerge. There’s a stable of great Masons that are right now heroes to some brothers. The word in the stable right now is, when are these young guys going to step up, especially in the work of the craft, degree work, installation of officers, and memorials. 

That thought I had privately with myself about 15+ years ago. In my mind I knew I had to step things up. Contrary to popular belief I’ve tried to seriously study and as we say in Linden “Get on the carpet.”

It’s up to the stable to lead but also encourage brothers, challenge them, this will smart a little…..but correct them, mentor them, include them, and praise their accomplishments. 

There were many lessons taught today at WB Jimmy’s memorial. Heroes pass on. In the end we have memories of their character and their life. The uniting and reuniting of brotherhood, you can’t get that feeling from scrolling on your phone. 

Frail brothers overcome their challenges and rally for one of their heroes. A memorial is truly the last offices we pay to the dead. 

We learned that we need to do a better job of explaining to the new brothers the importance of attending memorials. Granted, time does play a factor but the normal attendance is low from the newer brothers regardless of time. The stable needs to lead and mentor. 

Personally I learned the most from the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes. The literal meaning of the prose shined through dramatically. Perhaps Jimmy had a hand in that. 

Just as the brothers would show up for WB Jimmy to do the Second Section of the Master Mason degree they showed up for their hero one last time. Fare thee well WB Jimmy….fare thee well.