Masonic Musings from ME!

“The darndest thing just happened out there in the parking lot. One of our members – I won’t mention who – started complaining that there wasn’t any pistachio ice cream! I just can’t get over it….” The Junior Warden had retreated into the coolness of the basement at the Masonic hall as the monthly chicken barbeque continued in full swing in the lodge’s parking lot. The Old Webmaster often stood inside to avoid the many, many temptations arrayed on the food-filled tables.

“He wanted pistachio? Really?” The Old Webmaster grinned broadly. “Why the NERVE….” He chuckled out loud.

“Well, it wasn’t exactly that. He just started carping about the fact that we always had only three flavors of ice cream and he felt that we needed to have something different. He mentioned pistachio….”

“I like pistachio myself,” replied The Old Webmaster “but it’s a pretty unique flavor and not one which sells particularly well anywhere. I wonder if our Brother is bothered by something else….” His tone became more serious.

The Junior Warden’s tone followed suit. “Yeah, the same thing crossed my mind actually. Fortunately he wasn’t making a scene about it but when he’d moved away and was standing alone, I approached him to talk about it. I was met with a barrage of complaints about the whole barbeque thing. I extricated myself pretty quickly and came in here saying that I needed to check on supplies. Think I should tell the Master?” The Junior Warden clearly understood the importance of harmony in the lodge and even went so far as to poll members on what they’d most like for meals and refreshments at each meeting.

“Always let the Master know what’s going on. When you’re in that office, you’ll understand just how important that is. And sometimes people just have a bad day and react badly to totally unrelated events. However, I’m willing to bet I know the Brother who made the comment.” The Old Webmaster was now staring intently out one of the cellar windows.

“You can still see him standing alone over there.” and they both peered into the parking area together. The Old Webmaster turned away and shook his head ruefully.

“Should I presume you know more about what’s going on than I do?….” said the Junior Warden, his voice trailing off.

“It’s the conundrum of the lost sheep, I’m afraid. You know that there have been problems and issues surrounding this Brother since the first week he was a member. Somehow he got sucked into a vat of negativity on the web and now nothing we do seems to please him. He goes online and gets pumped up with how Masonry is all wrong and then comes here to tell us all about it.” The Old Webmaster turned back to see one of the Past Masters of the lodge standing with the young man. Then, he watched, the young man turned and stomped out of the yard leaving the Past Master staring at his back. Peripherally, they also saw that the Master had seen this happen and a quick nod led them both into the hall where the Junior Warden and The Old Webmaster stood.

“I was probably way out of line, Worshipful, but I told him that if he didn’t like things – despite all the changes we’d made to accommodate him – then he shouldn’t let the door hit him in the butt on the way out.” The Past Master spoke without defiance or malice. He had spoken what he felt and although he was regretful, he also knew that a cancer can spread rapidly and often excising it is the only cure.

The Junior Warden piped in quickly: “He” and he nodded at The Old Webmaster “has just mentioned the Parable of the Lost Sheep. There is that to consider I guess. I’d just been castigated for not having pistachio ice cream available….”

The two recent arrivals simply stared. Pistachio ice cream….

“Any further sage thoughts on that parable you could share for our guidance?” asked the Master, turning squarely to The Old Webmaster.

“Sometimes there are no good answers to these things. We try our best but in the final analysis, Freemasonry isn’t for everyone. A man might have been at a different point in his life when he joined or – in the case of our new Brother – we may have allowed him to believe that the lodge would be all about HIM. I’m surprised that such a thing happened here but…. ” He shrugged his shoulders.

“From a pragmatic standpoint, I don’t think we want to stop carrying chocolate in favor of pistachio – and our Brother already knows that only three 5 gallon containers will fit in that outdoor freezer. Worshipful, I don’t think I want to take the blame for this one.” The Junior Warden’s voice was not defiant in the least. He was clearly facing a conundrum as to the food service however.

The Master looked each man in the eye and then spoke. He began slowly. “At the outset, we blamed ourselves for all our failings and you’ll recall that we changed a number of things, more to keep him happy than because they needed changing. It’s hard to tell whether his behavior is righteous indignation or simply wanting attention: either way, we can see it’s not helpful and the constant submission to every perceived slight is doing nothing but dragging the rest of us down. We can suggest that he should consider the others before himself but in the final analysis, if he’s determined to be unhappy, I think we need to be looking after the rest of the flock. We can rejoice when – or if – he returns and we can make him as welcome as if he’d never left but I think we’ve bent backwards as far as we should go.”

“I probably shouldn’t have said anything.” the Past Master said in a very resigned voice. “I’ll call him tonight and apologize.” He was certainly willing to take responsibility for any problems he might have inadvertently caused.

“But don’t take it personally if he hangs up on you….” replied The Old Webmaster. “I frankly don’t think this is about you or about us: it’s about him. At some point he will, hopefully, realize how immature he’s been and we can move on from there. I guess that from time to time there will be those who’ll chafe against whatever obstacle they encounter, even if it’s one of their own making. It’s too bad but that’s the way of life it seems – and even something like the tenets of Freemasonry never manage to fully sink in for some people regardless of what’s done.”

They all nodded. There was not much more to say. Suddenly The Old Webmaster put a hand to his ear as if to hear a sound from the outside. The others looked at each other and at him quizzically. “I thought I heard some chili calling my name from out there….” he said solemnly. They all laughed and immediately headed back into the friendship and fun which marked their monthly chicken barbecue.

Technorati Tags: The Old Webmaster, freemasonry, Masonic, working together, agreement, fraternity

As the miles passed, there was little conversation in the van. Funerals – particularly Masonic funerals – cause members to reflect on things like their own mortality. There were SO many funerals these days it seemed. So many men returning from military service in World War II sought and found a comradeship so similar to that of the military right there at home in their local Masonic lodges. Now, though, so many of them were passing to their eternal rest….

The Master broke the silence. “It was nice to see so many members of our lodge there today, don’t you think? It was a long way to travel and he was our District Deputy so many years ago that I was concerned that most of our younger guys would stay away. I’m proud of them for making the trip and I’m sure his family and his lodge members appreciated us travelling there.”

The Senior Warden who was driving nodded affirmatively. “All of the lodges in the District had a respectable representation. After the past several years of declining membership, I’m glad our Brother got to see the start of our renaissance. I’m told he’d worked hard for Masonry all his life.”

The Treasurer, the oldest of them all, sitting in the back of the van leaned forward. “He joined Masonry just a couple of years before I did and we’d met once or twice at district events. Many years later, we got to know each other while serving on a Grand Lodge Committee together. I remember one day at the annual Grand Lodge session about ten years ago, we happened to sit together for lunch. I told him that things at our lodge were looking pretty grim. Of course this was back well before any of you had joined.” He turned towards The Old Webmaster sitting in the co-pilot’s seat and grinned: “Or, in your case, before you moved to town and affiliated.” He resumed the story. “You know, he just leaned back and smiled. He said to me, ‘Stop worrying about your legacy. Get on with the good work of Freemasonry. The legacies will take care of themselves.’ Well, I was just stunned. I didn’t really know what he was talking about but he just smiled, slapped me on the arm, and went on about his business. To this day, I’m not really sure I fully understood what he was trying to tell me.”

The sounds of the motor and the wheels rolling toward home were the only sounds in the van for several minutes. Finally the Master broke the silence. He turned towards The Old Webmaster. “You knew him pretty well, I gather. Do you know what he meant?”

Everyone in the vehicle knew that the comment was directed to the man who, although sitting sideways in his seat so as to be a part of the conversation, had been staring out the front window seemingly lost in thought. “I think perhaps I do…” he said thoughtfully. “We’d actually discussed the issue of legacy at length once when we carpooled to a meeting in the capital. He fully understood that each of us as Masons leaves a legacy implanted on our lodge and on our Brethren. It might be powerful or it might be nearly insignificant but in any event, our passage as a Mason would leave a mark. That mark – good or bad – would be the legacy we left and if we tried our best to live our lives according to the tenets of Freemasonry, we’d live respected and die lamented…just as it says in our ritual.”

There was another long pause while each of those in the car assimilated that thought.

The Treasurer broke the silence once again. “Not every Mason leaves a positive legacy though. He had some major problems in his own lodge a few years back I recall.” His voice softened even as he was completing the sentence. He began again, “I think, though, that they were ultimately the better for it. Those who stayed, ignoring the din from that fellow who was out for his own glory, seemed to really grow and prosper. They’ve got a very strong lodge now and the negativity seems to have been superseded by many some ongoing positive legacies that are being created. I guess he was right, now that I think about it: ‘Get on with the good work and the legacies will take care of themselves.’”

The Old Webmaster coughed slightly. Only the Senior Warden, driving, didn’t stare – although he too glanced towards the passenger’s seat. “One of the things our late Brother knew was that we who’ve ‘been around the block’ as Masons can be Legacy Coaches. We can help the newer fellows understand that what they do today – what they do tomorrow – creates a legacy, good or bad, and that it’s entirely up to them how they’ll be remembered. Leader or loser, winner or whiner: what they are to be, they are now becoming.” He paused but for several miles and several minutes, each man was deep in his own thoughts.

“Legacy Coach….” the Senior Warden finally said quietly, so quietly that the Treasurer in the back seat could barely hear him above the road noise. “Helping others make a positive difference. Darn good thing – and something I’d sure like to be remembered for….” His words trailed off as he nodded affirmatively.

Other heads in the car bobbed gently in agreement as well, each realizing that this day they’d perhaps taken on – quite unexpectedly – a new role. The Legacy DID take care of itself.

Technorati Tags: The Old Webmaster, freemasonry, masonic, legacy

“Do you need to head right home?” asked the Lodge’s Treasurer as they walked together through the parking lot after the officer’s meeting. It was a balmy evening, the sky just beginning to darken as night fell. Things had run smoothly, there were few issues which needed longer discussion, and the homemade cookies brought by the Junior Warden had been delicious. It was still early in the evening.

“What’s up?” asked The Old Webmaster.

“Well, before the meeting this evening I got into an interesting discussion about our charitable spending with the fellow who’ll become Junior Steward at the next installation. Has he talked with you about this?” They’d reached the Treasurer’s van and he put his case inside. He opened the back hatch so they could sit but still enjoy the fragrant evening air.

“He hasn’t said anything to me. Is there some reason why he would have?”

“One of his suggestions – requests, actually – was that we list all of our charitable giving we do on the lodge’s website… and keep a running dollar total of it” said the Treasurer hesitatingly. “I’m not really sure what to think about that. It seems an awful lot like bragging but maybe I’m just too ‘old school’ and feel that charity is something that gentlemen don’t need to brag about.”

The Old Webmaster nodded. It wasn’t the first time he’d thought about the conundrum. “We Masons really are schizophrenic when it comes to charity, aren’t we?” he mused. “We don’t give our time, talents, and cash because we’re hoping for some sort of recognition and yet so many men are drawn to the organization initially from having seen our extensive charity work that to not acknowledge it publicly could lead many to believe that we only do things for ourselves. Some – even some Masons – quibble that our charity is 99% involved with the Shrine hospitals and most of that money comes from invested funds. They ignore the many bequests made by Masons in their wills which brought the invested funds to the point where it could achieve such returns. And we both know well that there are hundreds upon hundreds of little-mentioned charitable programs occurring throughout Masonic jurisdictions that the public will likely never know about. While on a business trip a couple of years ago I visited a lodge whose members actively refurbish various types of medical equipment: wheel chairs, canes, crutches, and that sort of thing. There are a goodly number of folks who don’t have the funds to buy those things – or don’t want to spend the money for just a few weeks or months of use so here’s a great Masonic charity that never gets ‘counted’. We both know the things our lodge and its members do – but many would feel uncomfortable being recognized for those efforts….” His voice trailed off and he stared up at the stars now beginning to populate the darkening night sky.

“Freemasonry’s not about charity, though…” said the Treasurer similarly gazing skyward. They both stared upward watching the miracles of the Creator slowly present themselves.

“Do I remember someone saying that he enjoyed photography?” asked The Old Webmaster. The Treasurer’s thoughts were yanked back to earth.

“I think I recall hearing that…. but what….?”

“While he’s been active at meetings here, I never seem to see him at any of our other events. I’ve just figured he was off attending to other matters. I wonder if he feels somewhat odd about just ’showing up’ – and I was thinking that perhaps if we encouraged him to start coming for the purpose of being our ‘lodge photographer’, he might get more involved. I’d then have some pictures to put with the stories about our activities on the website and we’d be letting people know about our charitable AND our fun activities without making a big deal over it. Do you think that might work?”

The Treasurer rose from the back bumper seat. “I’m going to give him a call on my way home!”

“It’s still dusk when lots of accidents happen and there’s a fair amount of wildlife moving around this time of year. Why not wait a few extra minutes until you’re safely home. Just don’t stay on the phone too very long – and tell Marie it was my fault that you were here late. She’ll understand.”

The two men shook hands. The handshake they used was different from that of others but to them, it was the most natural way of shaking hands in the world.

Technorati Tags: The Old Webmaster, freemasonry, Masonic, friendship, photography, charity

“You looked awfully glum this evening, Brother.” said The Old Webmaster to the young man as they both waited in line to grab a snack after the meeting had finished. “Have you got just a minute to talk?” asked the latter with a sigh.

The Old Webmaster gently placed his hand on the young man’s elbow and guided him to the side of the room where, in plain view of all, they could speak without being overheard. The young man cast his eyes on the floor as he began speaking hesitantly: “I’m going through a rough time at home. My wife wants a divorce and I’m just not sure what to do. I thought things were pretty good but…” The young man was close to tears. He kept his back to the rest of the room while The Old Webmaster scrunched his shoulders down to signal the intensity of the conversation to any who might come near in an attempt to be friendly.

“Please don’t say anything about this to anyone.” the young man added. “I will keep a Brother Master Mason’s secrets as my own.” replied The Old Webmaster quickly. “Is there anything I can do? Anything the Lodge can do?”

“Well, just bear with me I guess. I can’t believe that she wants to break our marriage vows. It hurts me so deeply inside.”

“Things happen – and people sometimes change. That’s life and there’s not much anyone can do to change that. Some women chafe too at the ‘obey’ part of the ceremony….” This was not the first time The Old Webmaster had heard this same story but each time was unique – just as the individuals involved. “May I offer a small amount of advice?”

“I would certainly appreciate ANYTHING.” replied the young man.

“You promised to love, honor and cherish her. There’s no reason to break those vows, either now or ever. Your love may come in a different way in the future and the amount of ‘honoring and cherishing’ may be diminished greatly but you’ve had some good times together and there’s no reason whatsoever – no matter how provoked – to allow your life to be diminished. You need to stay on the moral high ground and not allow excuses like things she might do in her anger or confusion to take you away from that.” The Old Webmaster put a hand on his forearm. “You MUST avoid becoming bitter. If you do, you’ll lash out and lose all credibility – even with yourself. I’ve watched it happen far too many times. Do the right thing – and stay on the moral high ground!”

The young man looked up and saw in the eyes of The Old Webmaster a lifetime of compassion and caring. He nodded slowly but affirmatively.

“Just because someone else does something wrong – violates their obligations as in this case – doesn’t give you the right to do likewise. If you’re half the man I think you are, you’ll remember always that two wrongs don’t make a right – and that using someone else’s actions to justify your own is cowardice in the purest sense. Others do that all the time; you have the chance to be different – and at the end of your days, you’ll be able to look yourself in the mirror knowing that you did the right thing regardless of what others might do.”

“Do you think I’d be missed if I headed on home now?” asked the young man tentatively.

“Call me or e-mail me if you need something. Any hour! Just one last thing: is it ok for me to mention this to the Master so he’ll have a heads-up on it?”

“Absolutely. I’d appreciate it. Just between the two of you for now though.” and with that the young man headed directly to the door. The Old Webmaster watched him go. Eyes followed his passage and then turned to see if they could read something in the face of the man with whom he’d been speaking. The Old Webmaster, however, was already back at the table, intent on pouring a cup of coffee for himself. To onlookers, he was taking great care not to spill; in reality, he was oblivious to what he was doing, his mind frantically searching for things that might help ease the Brother’s pain but knowing there would be little at all.

Technorati Tags: The Old Webmaster, freemasonry, Masonic, obligations