A Letter of Encouragement to All Masons

The following letter was forwarded to me by Brother Jack Chasteen, DeKalb Chapter No. 52’s Secretary, Sycamore Commandery No. 15’s Emminent Commander and the Area Coordinator of the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons of the State of Illinois. It was given to him by a Mason we all know in DeKalb who was a Past Master, Past Excellent High Priest and Past Emminent Commander (and I’m sure many, many more honorable positions and titles).

The words of this letter resonate today as much as they did back in April of 1982 — 26 years ago. I encourage all readers to reflect on the wisdom many are about to read for the first time. See if you can guess who wrote this before you get to the end. And when you know who wrote this, be sure to express your feelings and comments — I know he will appreciate it.

“Brethren of DeKalb Lodge,”

“We are near the end of one Masonic year at DeKalb Lodge and the beginning of another.  Soon another Mason will be elected to the highest office in the lodge and empowered with all the rights and responsibilities that come with that honor.  Also, we will elect the Wardens who assist the Master in the Lodge, and a Treasurer and Secretary.”

“I want to say to those who may be elected to one of these offices that the successful operation of the Lodge depends upon their dedicated attention to the duties of these offices.”

“As a candidate, we are informed at the beginning of our Masonic career that Masonry will impose no conflict on our time that should be spent on some activity outside the Lodge.  We are free, as Masons and Members of our Lodge, to choose how much time we with to devote to Lodge activities.  There are many fine Masons who rarely attend Lodge.  This is their choice, and as long as they pay their dues and live according to the Masonic principles to which they have obligated themselves, no one can or should fault them.  They have made their choice and that is their right.”

“But, there is another side to all this.  By the same exercise of freedom to choose, those elected or appointed to fill the chairs in the Lodge can accept or decline.  If they decline, whatever their reason, it is their decision and should be respected.  If, however, they accept, they must realize that at that moment they are accepting the responsibilities that come with the Office.  This they do by choice, and the Craft has the right to assume that since a Brother has chosen to accept the honor of election, he will fulfill the responsibilities imposed upon him by his position.”

“The Craft has the right to expect that, excepting unusual or unavoidable circumstances that might prevent his attendance, the, the Worshipful Master should always be in attendance at every communication, as should every other elected or appointed Officer.  It is their duty, and it is their responsibility, not only because it comes with the Office, as it surely does, but also because they have freely chosen to take the burden of these responsibilities upon their shoulders.”

“Let us not criticize the Mason who chooses a path different from ours.  Make your own choice, and if it is to become involved in Lodge activities such as the ritual, or as an Instructor, or Carpenter, or Floor Sweeper, or whatever, do it freely of  your own choice.  Do it because you want to, but not in a spirit of criticism of those who do not choose your way.  When you volunteer to do these things, do them!   It is your responsibility, because you have chosen to accept it.”

“In Masonry, let’s remember, responsibility is not forced upon our shoulders.  But the responsibility is real. It is not just some game we play, but real.  The responsibility of doing things for our Brethren is real.  These responsibilities, in their own way in our Fraternity, are just as important as are those of any other organization or society.  They are important to our Masonic Fraternity, and we must have men fill these positions who know, believe, and accept this fact.”

“Yes, we are nearing the end of one tenure, but it only marks the beginning of another.  May the next elected officers do more and greater things than have been done by those in the past.  Let them do those things which they know to be their duty, and do them because they realize this is a responsibility they have freely chosen to accept.”

“Have a wonderful day, and remember our Creator to this, and all the days to come.  He is the sole source of all our good, and is ready to bestow all blessings upon those who believe in Him and follow His direction.  He speaks to us, and if we only listen, we hear.  And until we meet once more, May the blessings of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons!  May Brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us!  AMEN!”

Louis W. Meinert, Worshipful Master