MASONIC MEMBERSHIP CARD

I hold in my hand a little scrap of paper 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches in size. It is of no intrinsic worth, not a bond, not a check or receipt for valuables, yet it is my most priceless possession. It is my membership in a Masonic Lodge.

It tells me that I have entered into a spiritual kinship with my fellow Masons to practice charity in word and deed; to forgive and forget the faults of my brethren; to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo; to care for the crippled, the hungry, and the sick, and to be fair and just to all mankind.

It tells me that no matter where I may travel in the world, I am welcome to visit a place where good fellowship prevails among brothers and friends.

It tells me that my loved ones, my home, and my household are under the protection of every member of this great Fraternity, who have sworn to protect and defend mine, as I have sworn to protect and defend theirs.

It tells me that should I ever be overtaken by adversity or misfortune through no fault of my own, the hands of every Mason on the face of the earth will be stretched forth to assist me in my necessities.

And finally it tells me that when my final exit from the stage of life has been made, there will be gathered around my lifeless body friends and brothers who will recall to mind my virtues, though they be but few, and will forget my faults, though they may be many.

It tells me that and a great deal more, this little card, and makes me proud, yet humble, that I can possess this passport into a society of friends and brothers that are numbered in the millions.

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Be An Active Member

Be an active member ,
The kind that would be missed;
Don't be just contented
That your name is on the list.
Do attend the meetings
And mingle with the crowd;
Don't just stay at home
And crab both long and loud.
Do take an active part .
To help the lodge along.
And take time out to visit
A member who is sick.
Don't leave the work for just a few
And gripe about the clique.
There is quite a program scheduled
That means success if done,
And it can be accomplished
With the help of everyone.
So attend the meeting regularly
And help with hand and heart.
Be an active member
And take an active part.
Think this is over. Member
Are we right or are we wrong?
Be an active member,
Don't just belong.

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THE SPIRIT OF MASONRY

IT PREACHES THE GOSPEL
of brotherly love and affection for all mankind

IT BRINGS UNTO US
 the lessons of faith, of hope, and of charity

IT REVEALS UNTO US
 the light wherein we see the divine plan of the Great Artificer
of the Universe

IT BREAKS OFF
the corners of rough stone, the better to fit them for the
builder's use

IT FITS OUR MINDS
 as living stones for that Spiritual Building, that house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens

IT BRINGS INTO OUR HEARTS
 the secret of the lost word. The only secret there is in Masonry, the secret that comes to man through his own soul when in meekness and humility he kneels before God

IT TEACHES US ALWAYS
 the lesson of the ages, that we are born to die, that all things earthly pass away, and our souls alone keep step with the march of eternity

IT REVEALS UNTO US THE TRUTH
 that man must meet death to find life

IT PROCLAIMS UNTO US
forever the message of our Patron, St. John the Evangelist, who tells us; " I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord, He that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosever livith and believeth in me, shall never die."

THIS MY BROTHERS IS THE SPIRIT OF FREE MASONRY,
 and upon this auspicious occasion let us not mourn our departed brother, but rather let us rejoice and give thanks. In every age, from time immemorial, men have knelt before the altars of Freemasonry and have found faith in the immortality of the soul - Faith which gladdens our hearts with the knowledge our departed brother, Brother............. has found eternal membership in the Celestial Lodge above.

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Masonic

There comes a time in each mans life

When he should look around,

Might search out new knowledge

Might travel some new ground.

I too, did need direction

To balance out my life,

To give me some new interests

Way from daily toil and strife.

I had heard about Masonic

Who helped children when in need,

I also heard no one was barred

Cause of color or of creed.

I signed an application

And some time would pass before,

I was told I had passed the ballot

And was admitted to the door.

As I followed in the footsteps

Where so many men have trod,

I was asked in whom I put in trust

I said it was in god

As I knelt before the altar

And the lights I first did see,

I did not fully realize

What that light would mean to me.

Had repeated obligation

Saw the open bible there,

Was taught the meanings of the emblems

The compass and the square.

As I heard those early lectures

I was soon to understand,

That man's not judged by worldly wealth

When he holds a brothers hand.

When I memorized to prove myself

I thought 'twould never end,

What I did not know in masonry

Would be most trusted friends.

Have now given most the ritual

And heard it o'er and o'er,

Each time I hear the work well done

I learn a little more.

There is a valued teaching in that book

When e'er each page I scan,

'Tis a guide for me to live by

To be better man.

I am strong on visitation

I hope it never ends,

It is here we aim for better work

And we meet a host of friends.

Yes I've been a mason many years

And have passed three score and ten,

I have found a challenge in the work

And would like to do it all again.

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The Lambskin

It is not ornamental, the cost is not great,

There are things far more useful yet truly I state,

That of all my possessions, there's none to compare

With the white leather apron that all Masons wear.

As a young lad I wondered just what it all meant

When Dad hustled round and so much time was spent

On shaving and dressing and looking just right

Until Mother would say, "It's the Masons tonight."

Then some nights she'd say "What makes you go

Away up there tonight in the sleet and the snow

You see the same things every month of the year."

And Dad would reply, "Yes I know it my dear."

For years I have seen the same things it is true,

And tho' they are old, still they seem new,

For the hands that I clasp, and the friends that I greet

Seem a little bit closer each time we meet

 
Years later I stood at that very same door,

With good men and true, who had entered before.

I kneeled at the altar, and there I was taught

That virtue and honor can never be bought.

That the spotless white lambskin, all Masons revere

If worthily worn grows more precious each year.

That service to others brings blessings untold

That men may be poor, tho' surrounded by gold.

I learned that true brotherhood flourishes there,

That enmities fade 'neath the compasses and square,

That wealth and position are all thrust aside,

As there on the level men meet and abide.

So, honor the lambskin and may it remain

Forever unblemished and free from all stain,

And when we are called to the great Father's love,

May we all take our place, in the Grand Lodge above

Author: Unknown

(But surely o)

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The Mason's Vow’s

Hearken Brothers, while r tell you,

What we Masons pledge to do,

When prepared at yonder Altar,

We assume the Mason's Vows,

Foot and knee, breast hand and cheek,

Listen while we make them speak:

Foot to foot on mercy's errand,

When we hear a Brother's cry,

Hungry, thirsty, barefoot, naked,

In GOD'S mercy let us fly,

This, of all our thoughts the chief,

how to give him quick relief.

chorus:

On yonder book that oath I took,

And break it will I never,

But swear by this, and this, and this,

For ever and for ever.

Knee to knee while humbly praying,

None but GOD to hear and heed,

All our woe's and sin confessing,

Let us for each other plead,

By the spirit of our call,

Let us pray for Brother's all:

Repeat Chorus:

Breast to breast in sacred casket,

At life's center let us seal,

All the truths to us entrusted,

Nor one holy thing reveal,

What a Mason vows to shield,

Let him die, but never yield.

Repeat Chorus:

Hand to back, a Brother's falling,

Look, his burdens are too great,

Stretch the generous hand and hold him

Up before it is too late,

This right arm's a friendly prop,

Just made to hold a Brother up:

Repeat Chorus:

Cheek to cheek in silent whisper,

When the Tempter tries to win,

Urge a Brother's bounden duty,

show to him the approaching sin,

Point out to him the deadly snare,

Save him by a Brother's care:

Repeat Chorus:

Of times, Brother's, let us ponder,

What we Masons pledge to do,

When prepared at yonder Altar,

We assume the Mason's vow's,

Foot and knee, breast hand and cheek,

Of times warning, let them speak.

Chorus:

On yonder book those oaths I took,

And break them will I never,

But stand by this, and this, and this,

Forever and forever.

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True Knighthood

In days of old, when men were bold,

and knighthood was in flower,

To watch and pray, to fight and slay,

gave Rank, and Fame, and Power.

They strove to kill the infidel,

and gather in the spoil,

With treasure trove, and lady’s love,

reward for all their toil.

With feathered Crest and lance at rest,

with shield and Armour bright,

On gallant steed, with headlong speed,

they dashed into the fight.

In these late days, in peaceful ways,

the Templar’s win their fame,

aid to the weak, kind words to speak,

their Knighted rank proclaim.

The maiden fair, their vows declare,

must shielded be from wrong,

For widows aid, each trusty blade,

be bright, and true, and strong.

To help to cheer the orphan dear,

when sorrow’s dark clouds lower,

These are the ways, in modern days,

True Knighthood is in flower.

From: A Library of Freemasonry, Vol. V.

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Last Night I Knelt Where Hiram Knelt

Last night I knelt where Hiram knelt
and took an obligation
today I'm closer to my God
and I'm a Master Mason

Tho' heretofore my fellow men
seemed each one like the other
today I search each one apart
I'm looking for my brother

And as I feel his friendly grip
it fills my heart with pride
I know that while I'm on the square
that he is by my side

His footsteps on my errand go
if I should such require:
His prayers will lead in my behalf
if I should so desire

My words are safe within his breast
as though within my own
his hand forever at my back
to help me safely home

Good counsel whispers in my ear
and warns of any danger
By square and compass, Brother now!
Who once would call me stranger

I might have lived a moral life
and risen to distinction
Without my Brothers helping hand
and fellowship of Masons

But God, who knows how hard it is
to resist life's temptations
knows why I knelt where Hiram knelt
and took that obligation.

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Show Me!

I would rather see a Mason
than hear one any day,
I would rather one would walk
with me than merely show the way.

The eye's a better pupil and
more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but
examples are always clear.

And the best of all Masons
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see the good in action
is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it
if you'll let me see it done,
I can watch your hands in action,
but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver
may be wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson
by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and
the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
how you act and how you live.

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The Lodge Room Over Simpkins Store

Dated November 19, 1898

Written by MW Lawrence N. Greenleaf, the Grand Lodge of Colorado

The plainest lodge room in the land was over Simpkins' Store,
Where Friendship Lodge had met each month for fifty years or more.
When o'er the earth the moon full-orbed had cast her brightest beams,
The Brethren came for miles around on horseback and in teams,
And O! what hearty grasp of hand, what welcome met them there,
As mingled with the waiting groups they slowly mount the stair,
Exchanging fragmentary news or prophecies of crop,
Until they reach the Tyler's room and current topics drop,
To turn their thoughts to nobler themes they cherish and adore,
And which were heard on meeting night up over Simpkins' Store.

To city eyes, a cheerless room, long usage had defaced,
The tell-tale lines of lath and beam on wall and ceiling traced.
The light from oil-fed lamps was dim and yellow in its hue,
The carpet once could pattern boast, though now 'twas lost to view.
The altar and the pedestals that marked the stations three,
The gate-post pillars topped with balls, the rude carved Letter G,
Were village joiners clumsy work, with many things beside,
Where beauty's lines were all effaced and ornament denied.
There could be left no lingering doubt, if doubt there was before,
The plainest lodge room in the land was over Simpkins' store.

While musing thus on outward form the meeting time drew near,
And we had a glimpse of inner life through watchful eye and ear.
When Lodge convened at gavel's sound with officers in place,
We looked for strange, conglomerate work, but could no errors trace.
The more we saw, the more we heard, the greater our amaze,
To find those country brethren there so skilled in Mason's ways.
But greater marvels were to come before the night was through,
Where unity was not mere name, but fell on heart like dew.
Where tenets had the mind imbued, and truths rich fruitage bore,
In plainest Lodge room in the land, up over Simpkins' store.

To hear the record of their acts was music to the ear,
We sing of deeds unwritten which on angel's scroll appear.
A widow's case - Four helpless ones - lodge funds were running low.
A dozen brethren sprang to feet and offers were not slow.
Food, rainment, things of needful sort, while one gave load of wood,
Another, shoes for little ones, for each gave what he could.
Then spoke the last: "I haven't things like these to give - but then,
Some ready money may help out: - and he laid down a Ten.
Were brother cast on darkest square upon life's checkered floor,
A beacon light to reach the white - was over Simpkins' store.

Like scoffer who remained to pray, impressed by sight and sound,
The faded carpet 'neath our feet was now like holy ground.
The walls that had such a dingy look were turned celestial blue,
The ceiling changed to canopy where stars were shining through.
Bright tongues of flame from altar leaped, the G was vivid blaze,
All common things seemed glorified by heaven's reflected rays.
O! wondrous transformation wrought through ministry of love -
Behold the Lodge Room Beautiful! - fair type of that above,
The vision fades - the lesson lives! and taught as ne'er before,
In plainest Lodge room in the land - up over Simpkins' store.

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The Level and the Square

We meet upon the level and we part upon the square
These words have precious meaning and are practiced everywhere
Come let us contemplate them, they are worthy of a thought
From the ancient times of Masonry these symbols have been taught
We meet upon the level, every country, sect and creed
The rich man from his mansion, the poor man from the field
For wealth is not considered within our outer door
And we all meet on the level upon the checkered floor.

We act upon the Plumb the Junior Warden states
We walk upright throughout our lives, we seek the pearly gates
The All-seeing Eye that reads our hearts doth bear us witness true
That we shall try to honor God and give each man his due
We part upon the square as all good Masons do
We mingle with the multitude a faithful band and true
So the brotherhood of Masonry from every corner come
To meet upon the level and act upon the plumb.

There's a world where all are equal we're coming to it fast
We shall meet upon the level there when the days on earth are past
We shall stand before the altar and our Master will be there
To try the blocks we offer with his own unerring square
We shall meet upon the level there but never thence depart
There's a Mansion---‘tis all ready for each trusting, faithful heart
There's a Mansion and a welcome and a multitude is there
Who have met upon the level and been tried upon the square.

Let us meet upon the level then while these earthly ties we share
And just hope we're there to answer when the roll is called up there
As we travel through our lifespan time aids us prepare
To gather up our working tools and part upon the square
So remember all our teachings, that bright fraternal chain
We part upon the square below to meet in heaven again
These words have precious meaning and are practiced everywhere
We meet upon the level and we part upon the square.

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