Tonight Arcadia passed three new Brothers to the degree of a Fellowcraft. There is a lot of meaning in this degree. It represents the years of adulthood and responsibility."In this stage, his task is to acquire knowledge and apply it to the building of his character and improving the society in which he lives. As the father of our Masonic lectures, William Preston saw Masonry as a means to educate men in the liberal arts and sciences. A Fellowcraft Mason is urged to advance his education in these fields during the ritual of this Degree. "
The second part of the degree consists of a long lecture given by the Senior Deacon.
In it the candidates are taken up a flight of winding stairs consisting of three, five, and seven steps. Marty is our Senior Deacon and he has learned the lecture. It isn't learned by everyone. Tonight was the first time Marty had given the lecture and he did a wonderful job. The lecture is what we call "monitorial" in that it is not ritual and is not always the same lecture. I have heard several Brothers give this lecture and each one does it differently. They pass between two great pillars on their way to the "middle chamber" and have to go through two "gates" and eventually they find the Middle Chamber where the significance of the letter "G" is explained to them and they have their names recorded by the secretary as Fellowcrafts entitled to receive "wages" the wages are corn, wine and oil.It is a very impressive degree and you learn a lot from it and you are encouraged to make learning a life long habit.
Another passing. George Carr died this morning after a long struggle with cancer.
I think that you can describe George as the "Grand Old Man of Masonry" - I first met George
when he was the Secretary-Registrar of the Des Moines Consistory. He was just a person you liked. And you liked him because he liked you. He was a very very special person and you really can't say too much about him. He always was ready with a smile and he was glad to see everyone. George and I worked together in the Red Cross of Constantine. He was the Sovereign and I was the Recorder. He had a good term and I enjoyed working with/for him. The last time I had a really nice conversation with George we sat in his office. He worked for the Scottish Rite Foundation right up until he could no longer handle it. I will always remember those conversations. There was a lot of wisdom to be gained sitting at his feet. I am grateful to Masonry because I have been able to meet men like George.Everyone is going to miss George. I know I will. The Scottish Rite will be a little bit darker with his passing. But I know that at this moment the Grand Architect of the Universe is welcoming him into the Grand Lodge above with those welcome words. "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord." And I also am pretty sure that the Great Healer will clasp his hand with the Lion's Paw and whisper the Word of healing and take away the pain and suffering. Rest in Peace my friend. You are already missed.
Thanks for stopping by, Keep George and his family in your prayers. Hug someone. It helps. jcs
Addendum: Kurt Hoffmann has a beautiful tribute to George on his blog.Read it here.
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