Harmony Lodge # 8

Brethren:

 Recently, I have been very fortunate in that I have experienced a few shining examples of those noble deeds which define us as Freemasons.  The first occurred during our effort at Boy Scout Camp Wheeler.  Imagine the sight of several 50- and even 60-somethings doing arduous, manual labor for the sake of a worthy young men’s group.  The sense of pride in Masonry I felt was made even stronger by the looks of awe and thanks on the faces of the scouts who came up to inspect the work.  This feeling in my heart more than overcame the fatigue and sore muscles.

 The second event happened late in the evening, and was accompanied by a different type of fatigue.  After several very difficult days at my work, I found respite for the evening by attending the excellent conferral of a Fellowcraft degree at Samaritan Lodge.  When the meeting was over, I bid my farewells, thinking of the early hour at which the alarm clock sounds.  To my chagrin, I discovered that I had a flat tire.  Seated comfortably and reading this now, you may think “No big deal – call triple A.”  Although that is precisely what I did, this minor inconvenience was simply the last straw.  I must have worn a look of total defeat and despair, for it was then that I experienced a true act of Brotherly love and affection.  One of the members of that lodge came out, saw my predicament and produced a flashlight.  After he had assessed me and the situation, he told me to go inside, get something to eat, relax, and that he would wait for the repairman. He also handed me his flashlight saying “No car should be without one.”    Now this was no cheapie flashlight, it was one of those nice ones used by police officers.  Note also that he GAVE rather then LOANED the device.  This gesture of kindness was precisely what I needed, and I left that evening feeling wonderful.  This brother gave me, and more importantly, showed me LIGHT!

 I know that this is exactly the spirit that was in the hearts and minds of those men who established or beloved fraternity.

 Fraternally, and with much Brotherly Love,