Look Well In The South

JW Randall E. Beem

After a conversation with our Worshipful Master earlier this week (which occurred during a particularly frustrating afternoon), I found myself thinking “Why am I spending time away from my family and my business to be a part of this fraternity?  What am I getting out of this?  Why am I here?”

I started thinking about the men I see in Lodge time after time, and realized something I never had before…these are men that I respect and enjoy being with; men who are proud of Masonry and what it stands for.  In the several organizations I’d been a part of before becoming a Mason, I never could say that about the members, nor could I say that those organizations provided a common “long term” platform for the members to work from.  Certainly they had projects where everyone could pitch in and help, but when the projects were over, so was the common interest.

Then I recalled the wonder and excitement I experienced when I was progressing through the degrees of Masonry.  I remember feeling that I now belonged to something with a deeper meaning than most “civic-minded” clubs contained – that there was something special about Masonry that made its fellows actually treat each other with a little extra patience, caring and trust, instead of just mouthing the words.  At the time, I didn’t quite know what that special quality was; I only knew it was there.

In our rituals, these qualities are repeatedly defined as “friendship, morality and brotherly love”.  And yes, I learned that phrase well enough as I did my memory work for the degrees.   However, I never really gave the words themselves much thought until I began associating with my brothers on a regular basis and saw how the words were put into action, and could be a code to live by.

I began to understand…I am in Lodge because I enjoy the company of good men.  More importantly, I associate with these men – these Masons – because by their examples and who they are, they teach and inspire me to be a better man.  Since none of us are perfect, the examples may be good or bad, but we each have something we can teach to, or learn from, one another.  

Then I realized that these men are my traveling companions on my journey from the West to the East.  I’m just starting to grasp some of the truth of Masonry, so my travels have just begun, but who could ask for better friends to accompany him along the way?

I wonder if you’ve ever had similar thoughts.

Grant me a favor…think awhile on why you first petitioned the Lodge, and what you felt when you first were made a Mason.  Try to recall the feelings you experienced during your early Masonic life.

Now tell me if you’ve missed the fellowship and support you used to get from keeping company with your fellows, or if you’ve ever said to yourself, “I really should visit the Lodge more often.” 

If over the years, you’ve lost interest in Masonry, ask yourself why.  Was it because of family commitments, or the demands of your job?  Did your commitment decrease as the Lodge became less active?  Did you find that, over time, it was just easier not to attend?

Maybe the family is a bit older now, and you’re able to find a little more free time.  Perhaps your career is now established, and you’re not working all those long hours.   Whatever the original reason, if your situation has changed, your Lodge brothers would enjoy becoming re-acquainted with you!  It may take a little extra effort, but we are all traveling the same road, in search of the same secret – why not journey together?

You may have noticed that last year as well as this year, the Lodge officers have established community and family oriented activities as priorities.   Lodge functions are no longer just monthly business meetings.  This year, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to become reconnected with your fellows, and we hope you’ll find time to include us in your plans. 

Watch the Compass Points for upcoming events and activities, and join us for an exciting year!