The History of Unity Lodge No. 36, Part 5
Leaving the old lodge behind and after carefully traversing the dangerous stairs back down to the street, one cannot help but wonder how many men have passed up and down these stairs to attend that old lodge. What kind of men were they? What did they leave behind?
A casual stroll down Main Street where it intersects with GA Hwy 11, heading East towards the town of Arcade and as Hwy 129 continues towards the college town of Athens beyond, you will eventually come to Woodbine Cemetery. It is there that an answer, of sorts, may be found. What kind of men were those men of old Jefferson? What did they leave behind? There is no one around to say for certain anymore. But standing on the edge of that old city cemetery, you just have to listen to the stones that can be found there.
How do you tell future generations that will come after you what cannot be said in a hundred books that will turn to dust? What can you say about your life that will let those descendants know your thoughts and your mind and the things that lived eternal in your heart?
Well, those men of Jefferson figured out a way to say it. They told the stones and the stones told me. And the stones said, "He was a Mason..."
And in the end...
Old lodges, like men, are born, live for a time, and eventually pass on. The measure of a mans life, like the life of an old lodge, is in the wake that is left as it passes. If the ripples touch nothing and no one, they just fade away into the distance. If the ripples encounter something or someone, they spawn new ripples and continue on and on.
So, what did the men of Jefferson leave behind? They left a legacy for their sons to follow in their footsteps. They left their good names and the lasting impression of the quality of their lives in the memories of those who came after them. They were the builders of their families and their communities. They were humble architects of life in all that they set their hands to labor upon.
What they left behind would last longer then anything built of wood or brick or even stone. Their gift is engraved eternally on the hearts of all good men who strive to recognize in a stranger the face of their brother. Who would rather raise their hand to help another in need than to cause hurt or pain.
Who were they? They were Georgia Freemasons--- and in the town of Jefferson, GA--- their spirit and the legacy of their passing gift lives still and continues on Right Here!
So Mote it Be!
Written by Brother Bill Valles, York Rite; 32° Scottish Rite, Valley of Atlanta, Orient of Georgia and a proud member of Unity Lodge No. 36 of Jefferson, GA.
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