Touching bits of history...

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit my hometown during their annual historic pilgrimage, when several antebellum private homes are open for tours, along with mid- to late-nineteenth century churches, businesses and other buildings.  Among those open for tour is the town's Masonic Lodge building, which was built in the late 1890's.  The Lodge as a body was organized in 1834 and received their own charter in 1838.

This lodge is special to me.  While I was not made a Mason in this building, three generations before me were: my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  All passed on long before I became a Mason.  I regret not starting my journey earlier, to enjoy that connection in person.

This picture was taken from "the West", you Masons will know what that means.  My father occupied both this and the Southern desk for a year each.  As I sat at the West to take this picture, I was struck that each had gone through the same rituals that I have passed through.  From the anteroom, through the door and into the lodge filled with brothers, I wondered if the thoughts they had were similar to those I had when my turn came.  After spending time alone in the lodge room, I was granted access to the Lodge's minute books to research my ancestor's time here.  The words changed little from one instance to the next, but I felt connected in a new way to my predecessors as I touched and read the pages and words that detailed each of their petitioning, acceptance, initiation, passing and raising to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. 

This ritual is what impresses the first lessons of Masonry on new initiates.  In a world where change rushes at us faster than we can comprehend, Masonry may seem anachronistic to most.  But that odd quality is why Masons stand out; we practice time-tested methods of inculcating lessons of morality, humility, and honor among men.  Despite the span of four generations over some seventy years, the lessons and the pathway to those ancient mysteries is unchanged. 

We do not invite prospective members.  The door to Masonry is open to all good men, and we aspire to make them better men.  The oldest, and one of the most respected fraternities in the world has room for you.  "Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."....Ask for a recommendation to our fraternity, seek admission to it, and knock at the door of the lodge.