I AM FREEMASONRY
I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men first dreamed of God. I
have been tried through the ages, and found true. The crossroads of the world bear
the imprint of my feet, and the cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my
hands. I strive for beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength
and courage for those who ask. Upon my alters is the Book of Holy Writ, and my
prayers are to the One Omnipotent God, my sons work and pray together, without
rank or discord, in the public mart and in the inner chamber. By signs and
symbols I teach the lessons of life and of death and the relationship of man
with God and of man with man. My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful
age and good report who seek me of their own free will. I accept them and teach
them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereafter, find direction in
their own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain. I
lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphans' cry, the widows
tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not church, nor party, nor
school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to
neighbor and themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and
alert to lurking danger. At the end I commit them as each one undertakes the
journey beyond the vale into the glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand
within the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe.
Always have I taught immortaility, and even as I raise men from darkness into
light, I am a way of life. I Am Freemasonry.
- Ray V. Denslow
Copyright ã 2005 – Jackson Masonic
Lodge #45 F&AM – Jackson, Tennessee