Brethren, on the evening of November 2nd, 2023, under the crisp Thursday skies, a first Thursday of the month, I experienced something special unfolding in the heart of my Masonic journey. I was chosen to embrace the path of growth, knowledge, and public speaking as I took center stage at our lodge's stated meeting to give the evenings Masonic Education. This unique occasion marked a pivotal moment in my Masonic life, as I sought to achieve the prestigious Master Builders Award, an honor granted to new Master Masons within their first year of raising.
Masonic education, a cornerstone of our fraternity, serves as a means for newly raised Masons to begin taking initiative and charge within the lodge. It provides a platform to delve into the rich history and symbolism of Freemasonry, sharing the knowledge and insights gained during the journey of becoming a Master Mason. This act of sharing not only contributes to the collective wisdom of the lodge but also showcases the dedication and commitment of the individual, a significant aspect of the Master Builders Award. This is a small occasion for some who give education frequently but a big occasion for others who rarely participate in public speaking.
As I went about my regular duties at my part-time job, my thoughts were consumed by the evening ahead. I had been selected by our Worshipful Master to deliver the evening's education, a task that not only contributed towards my Master Builders award but also tested my abilities as a public speaker, a domain in which I had limited experience.
The day took an interesting turn when a close Masonic brother called me, inquiring about my upcoming role. Although initially hesitant about my chosen topic, he soon recognized its potential value to our lodge and district. However, that hint of uncertainty left me questioning my choice and wondering how it would be received by our brethren.
Later in the day, the lodge's secretary added to my anticipation by expressing his excitement for the evening's education. We joked back and forth about it as brothers do in our lodge. This banter, while fulfilling, further fueled my anxiety about the speech's reception.
The day was filled with texts, emails, and calls to brothers who were on committees with me as well as the leaders in our lodge to make sure I had things in order.
As the day sped by and the hour of the meeting approached, I realized that I had not yet printed a transcript for my education. Panic set in as I frantically searched for the chosen Masonic Short Talk Bulletin transcript. I resorted to an online converter to obtain the transcript as the only copy of the bulletin I could find was an audio file.
When the clock struck 5:45 PM, I arrived at the lodge, with my suit, paperwork, and committee reports meticulously prepared. Despite being an hour early, my heart raced, and I needed a moment of solitude to collect my thoughts, reflecting on the gravity of the evening for my Masonic journey.
Upon entering the lodge, I exchanged greetings with fellow Masons. I witnessed familiar faces and welcomed some new faces as well. Conversations with the Junior Warden about upcoming events and discussions with other committee members occupied my time before the meeting.
Masonic education not only fosters personal growth but also encourages the involvement of new Master Masons in the broader Masonic community. It provides them with the opportunity to interact with their brethren, participate in discussions, and actively contribute to the lodge's development.
Gradually, the lodge room filled with brethren, and the atmosphere became electric. The Secretary arrived, and the Tyler was ready to receive the brethren and take their signatures. I also signed in and collected an apron, an essential part of my Masonic attire.
As the minutes passed, my fellow brothers and I continued to prepare for the evening. It was during this time that the Worshipful Master and the Junior Warden approached me with a request for me to take on a chair in the lodge. Despite being a newly raised Master Mason of only three months, I accepted this unexpected challenge. I donned the regalia, including a sword, feeling the honor and pride of such attire. With white gloves and the emblem of this office, I took my seat.
The meeting commenced with the gavel's resounding thud, and I, now occupying the position of Senior Master of Ceremonies, observed the proceedings. While others recited their lines and the lodge's rituals unfolded, my mind wandered. I gazed at the Worshipful Master and the Junior Warden, who meticulously practiced their roles. Thoughts turned to the well-worn white gloves, bearing the signs of time and use. A small hole in each of the index, middle, and thumb tips, where the knockers are usually held.
Before I knew it, the flag ceremony and prayers had concluded, and it was time for my education. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I rose out of my seat, threw the penal sign, and began toward the steps. In my hands, I held the Masonic Short Talk Bulletin titled "Circle Getting Too Small" originally penned by Brother Raymond J. Hartman, a Past Master of Ivy Lodge No. 106 in Williamsport, PA, who had since passed away.
As I began to read, my anxiety manifested in my voice, stumbling over words and misplacing inflections. I momentarily paused, took a deep breath, and remembered that I was among brethren, all of whom had walked the same path of growth and self-improvement. With renewed confidence, I resumed my reading, sharing the story as if it were my own. As I went on my eyes began to water and my hands began to shake, making the words delve deeper into the blurry abyss. Despite this, I powered through to the end relying on memory for some of the words.
Upon finishing, I returned to my seat, noticing that all eyes were upon me. Smiles, nods of approval, and deep contemplation met my gaze. The Masonic bonds of brotherhood had provided me with encouragement, and I had successfully delivered the education.
In the end, what we must remember is that every Mason faces their first time for everything. Our brothers are there to offer support, guidance, and uplift us in moments of doubt. My experience was a testament to the strength of our Masonic fraternity, where encouragement and camaraderie reign supreme. I felt grateful to have a lodge filled with supportive brothers, pushing me to step beyond my comfort zone and achieve something important to me and the brethren in the lodge.
As we all continue our Masonic journeys, let us embrace the opportunity for personal growth and be there for one another, recognizing that it is the strength of our bonds that sustains us on this shared path.
Written by Brother Justin Derr-Carney, Columbia Lodge No. 286, Columbia, PA
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Masonic Short Stories
Short StoryThis is a collection of short stories written by Bro. Justin Derr-Carney. These stories recount the experiences had by a newly raised Master Mason and the growth within the lodge.
