You’ve known him – that extraordinary man who once was a beacon in the fraternity. His time was given freely to his brethren; a gift that was known to burn away the anxiety of the untested initiates who sought his counsel. His wisdom drove back the shadows so the rest of us could see the path we should follow. We watched with fascination as he rose through the Masonic ranks, fired by a thirst for discovery and all that the brotherhood might offer.
Then we watched him die…
There are many forms of death and most of them elicit sadness in some form. In this case, I speak not of the physical death, but the Masonic. And still it is sad.
Today, doctors are quite able to determine the cause of physical death, but there are no practitioners to ascertain why a Freemason loses interest in the brotherhood. This is a particularly disturbing phenomenon when it happens to be an elder in the organization – a once passionate brother who took his place in the East and was committed to leaving his mark as best he could on the lodge he loved. He was always eager to take on new responsibilities and he provided sage guidance to anyone who needed it. He was an inspiration.
When it happens, we are intrigued by the change. We sit not knowing how to respond when his attendance begins to drop off. We are bewildered when he slowly withdraws from the main body of the lodge to take a place in the back corner of the room with the others who have already begun to falter. As our connection with him begins to break, we are at a loss to intervene. We know not the cause or the remedy.
Freemasons are quick to proclaim that the young will keep our fraternity alive, but that is only a half-truth. We cannot hope to preserve stability without having our elders engaged in our business. After all, these are the men who provide the experience, wisdom and continuity that will secure the future of our Order. They are the foundation of our institution and we must remain attentive to any change of heart they might present. If we maintain close relationships with them and provide opportunities for them to remain active in their lodge, we will have done our part. The rest is up to them.
Let us never fail to remember that a Masonic death is a symbol of mortality for the entire brotherhood, and it will be our action or inaction that will determine the future.
Brightest Blessings,
W. Bro. Daniel Boyco W.M.
Exemplar Lodge #175
A.F. & A.M., G.R.A.
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