From the Office of the Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer
February 18, 2010
TEN MASTER MASONS
Author Unknown
Ten Master Masons, happy, doing fine;
One listened to a rumor, then there were nine.
Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;
One didn't like the "Master," then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;
One joined too many clubs, then there were seven.
Seven Master Masons, life dealt some hard licks;
One grew discouraged, then there were six.
Six Master Masons, all very much alive;
One lost his interest, then there were five.
Five Master Masons, wishing there were more;
Got into a great dispute, then there were four.
Four Master Masons, busy as could be;
One didn't like the programs, then there were three.
Three Master Masons, was one of them you?
One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.
Two Master Masons with so much to be done;
One said "What's the use," then there was one.
One Master Mason, found a brother -- true!
Brought him to the Lodge, then there were two.
Two Master Masons didn't find work a bore;
Each brought another, then there were four.
Four Master Masons saved their Lodge's fate;
By showing others kindness, then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, loving their Lodges bright sheen;
Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.
Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;
Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.
So we can't put our troubles at the Lodge's door;
It's our fault for harming the Lodge we adore.
Don't fuss about the programs or the "Master" in the East;
Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.
This poem is quite true as we look as Masonry today. Many of our lodges over just the past few years have had a strong base of Brothers who come to lodge on a regular basis. They are the Brothers who believe in Masonry and are quite proud to be a Mason, but for some reason just as this poem goes on to state they start to drop off. We need to remember what we joined Masonry for and how it can enhance our lives and the lives of others.
We need to come to meetings and be and active participant. We need to help with charity events and show that we can do more than just have a party by giving back to our community. We also need to help with fundraisers on a regular basis. We need to let the little disagreements, be just that disagreements not deal breakers that make us leave the lodge to become only a card caring member. We need to remember the lodge meets more often than election night and when the Grand Master and his staff come for his annual visitation. We need to be a presence in Masonry and our community so we can return to the lodge so we and make a difference.
Edward J.A. Moore
RW Grand Lecturer