Waller Newsletter 0507

There is a secret constitutional amendment on the ballet on May 12 and unless folks go out and vote for it the amendment may go down to defeat. Have you heard the Governor say anything about it or even spend some of his campaign money to inform the voters? Remember Perry's famous ad about the $2000 tax break we were all getting? Seniors did not get anything and this amendment will correct that.

It is an amendment to correct an error made by the lawmakers when they voted for a reduction in school property taxes in 2005. When the lawmakers voted for a one-third reduction on school property taxes beginning in 2006 and to be completed this year, they forgot about the homestead exemption for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The state constitution caps school property taxes for homeowners 65 years and older and those who are disabled. However, they DID NOT get the same reduction when the property tax cut for schools was voted on two years ago.

So an amendment is on the May ballot to correct this error. The problem is that most voters who are younger than 65 or not disabled probably won't even notice the amendment or care. PLEASE get out and vote for this amendment if not for yourself then for your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. Please get the word out to all your friends and families to vote for this amendment. The fear is that with a low voter turnout, the amendment could very well not pass.

So, please, please pass the word and VOTE for the constitutional amendment. Election day is May 12 from 7 am to 7 pm. So don’t forget to stop by your local polling place and vote.

During the April stated meeting, a reference was made about this story in a past newsletter. It was met with many blank stares because it was only in the E-newsletter and most Brothers don’t see it. For that reason, it is being reprinted here.

The New Brother's face showed a bad case of peeve, and his voice reflected it as he greeted the Old Tyler in the anteroom.

"S'matter, son?" inquired the Old Tyler. "You look like a cross between a thunder cloud and the Black Hole of Calcutta!"

"Politics!" snapped the New Brother. "I thought it was bad form, undignified, un-Masonic to electioneer for officers. It's bad enough any time, but when they electioneer for one who isn't in line for promotion and to throw out one who has served years in the chairs, I think it's terrible!"

"Yes, yes, go on," encouraged the Old Tyler. "Get it all out of your system."

"Tonight they elected Bill Jones Junior Warden. He doesn't attend regularly, does he? And Smith, who was in line for promotion, was dropped. Smith never missed a night last year and did his best as Senior Deacon. Jones is more popular than Smith, and may make a better officer, but the point is that Smith worked and Jones never has. So I'm peeved!"

"Wiser heads than yours have been peeved at politics in a lodge," answered the Old Tyler. "It's a difficult question. By Masonic usage any electioneering is taboo. The unwritten law and the theory contend for a free choice of officers by unbiased votes. But men are men first and Masons afterwards, and politics always have been played. I know of no way to stop a brother from telling another brother how he ought to vote!"

"That doesn't dispose of the injustice of Smith," answered the New Brother. "It isn't right."

"The majority thought it was right," countered the Old Tyler. "Now that Jones has the job, I'll tell you that I knew Smith wouldn't get it. He has been faithful to his work, never missed a night, done his best. But his best just wasn't good enough. You speak of Jones being more popular than Smith. There must be a reason, and if he is better liked he'll make a better officer."

"But it is still an injustice." The New Brother said.

"You argue from the standpoint of the man who believes that a man elected or appointed to be Junior Steward has a neck-hold on the job ahead of him," answered the Old Tyler. "According to your idea any Junior Steward who attends lodge and does his work ought to be elected to the succeeding position each year as a reward of merit. Actually the job, not the man, is important. The good of the lodge is more important than the reward for the man.

"You don't realize that Masonry is bigger than the individual, that the lodge is bigger than its officers, that the positions in line are greater than the men who fill them.

"A Master may make or mar a lodge. If he is a good Master, well-liked, popular, able, attentive to his duties and enthusiastic in his work, the lodge goes forward. If only enthusiasm and faithfulness recommend him and he lacks ability, and the respect and liking of his fellows, and he has not the equipment to rule, the lodge will go backwards. Smith is a nice fellow, faithful, enthusiastic. But he has more from the neck down than from the ears up. Jones hasn't attended lodge much, but he is a brainy man, accustomed to preside, knows men and affairs, and, if he bears out the judgment of the brethren, will carry this lodge to new heights.

"Smith was given his chance for four years. In that time he could not demonstrate to the satisfaction of his brethren that he would make a good Master. It was a kindness to drop him now and not let him serve two more years. It is hard to be told 'we don't want you,' but the lodge showed wisdom in choosing as Junior Warden a man in whom it believes, rather than merely rewarding faithful effort.

"I am sure the Master made a nice speech to Smith and thanked him for his work. His brethren will show him they like him as a brother if not as a Junior Warden. Smith will not be as peevish about it as are you. He has been a Mason long enough to know that the majority rule is the only rule on which a Masonic lodge can be conducted. He won't understand his own limitations, or believe he couldn't be as good an officer as Jones, but he will bow to the decision of his fellows and keep on doing the best he can. That is Masonry at its best. Politics is often Masonry at its worst, but in the long run the right men get chosen to do the right work. Sometimes it is a bit hard on the man, but the good Mason is willing to suffer for the love he bears his mother lodge."

"As a peeve-remover you are a wonder!" smiled the New Brother. "But I wonder how you'd like to be supplanted by another Tyler?"

"When the lodge can find a better servant, I shall be glad to go," answered the Old Tyler simply. "I try to be a Mason first, and an Old Tyler afterwards!"

The Powers of the Worshipful Master

by "Corky"

There has been a question or two, regarding the powers of the Worshipful Master. The G. L. Laws are very specific and as follows.

“The parliamentary focal point in the Masonic Blue Lodge is the East. The Worshipful Master, unlike the presiding officer of any other deliberative assembly, is vested with virtually limitless parliamentary power, so much power, in fact, as to be awesome. It is his paramount duty to preserve order and decorum in the lodge room, and he may take just about whatever steps he deems necessary to fulfill this duty.

The W. M. has the right, indeed the responsibility to preside; however, at his pleasure he may request and permit another Brother to do so, provided that the Brother Is a current Warden or a Past Master of the W. M's. lodge. The W. M. may then resume the gavel whenever he so desires.

Unique among presiding officers, the W. M. may propose any motion; may second any motion (except an incidental motion); may initiate, participate in, and terminate debate; and, subject to Grand Lodge Law and his own Lodge Bylaws, may open and close Lodge at his will and pleasure. The W. M., furthermore, may reject any motion which he deems to be in violation of Grand Lodge Constitution and Laws, in conflict with the landmarks and customs of Freemasonry, or in danger of jeopardizing the peace and harmony of the Lodge itself.

The W. M. decides and rules on all points of order, and there is no appeal from his decision except to the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge. Such an appeal must be in writing and signed by three members of the Lodge, pursuant to the provisions of Grand Lodge Law.”

The W. M. must supervise both the business and the work of the Lodge. He Is the custodian of the Lodge Charter, Is responsible for its proper display in his Lodge, and Is charged with its safe-keeping. He is also responsible for the accuracy of the minutes, and he may order any correction thereto at the next stated meeting.

When the W. M. raps the gavel, he takes charge of his Lodge, demanding silence in the room and requiring every Brother to be properly clothed and seated. Any Brother who disobeys the gavel may be reprimanded by the W. M. and/or may be ordered from the room.

Under Grand Lodge Laws the W. M. may require every member of his Lodge present to vote upon any pending question. The W. M. himself is not empowered with a casting vote, i.e., a second vote; if he has already voted and there is a tie, the proposition under consideration is defeated.

Celebrations For May

Masonic Anniversaries
Brother	Years
C.L. Garrett	60
Tom A. Kenney	53
Calvin C. Trapp	47
Derwood O. Ralston	43
Mark A. Herrington	25
James P. Brown	03
Happy Birthday To
Brother	Age
L.C. White	76
Richard E. Patterson	65
Leslie Kit Scruggs	63
Robert Podvin	58
John A. Garrett	42

The Patriot Guard Riders

The Patriot Guard Riders at another funeral.
“Aw poop” (or something like that), I mumbled as I drove into a parking space in front of the Cannon Funeral Home. It was Saturday morning April 7 and I was there for Brother David M. Rattray's memorial service. Brother Rattray was a long time member of Waller Masonic Lodge #808 AF & AM. He had been a Mason for 32 years, a 32 degree Scottish Rite, a Shriner, an ex-marine and a member of the Waller Chapter of the VFW.

The temperature was in the 40s and it was drizzling rain, but the circular drive in front of the building was full of motorcycles and a bunch of scruffy looking men dressed in blue denim, black leather jackets and some also wore black leather chaps. Many of them had tattoos, ear rings, bushy beards, full mustaches and white hair and you probably wouldn't have stopped at a bar where they were congregated. These men were lined up along the circular drive way and the main thing I noticed was that every one of them was holding an 8 foot flagpole with a big American flag. Then I remembered, I had seen them before on TV. They ride with the funerals for the fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Services.

After the service they lined up at attention with their flags on each side as Brother Rattray's remains were carried from the funeral home and then accompanied them to the Waller cemetery.

By the time everyone got back to Waller Lodge dinning room and a huge table full of some good homemade food I had figured out who they were and why they were there. I made it a point to shake their hands, get to know them a little and personally thank them for what they were doing. I discovered that when requested they do this for fallen service personnel and veterans all over Texas and even into Louisiana

After I got home I looked them up on the internet and found the Patriot Guard Riders Web Site. I think their mission statement tells the whole story;

“The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America's freedom and security.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

I would advise everyone to never say anything detrimental about our troops, or anything unpatriotic in front of the Riders. Every one of these fellers are some kind of serious patriots and it makes me feel good to know them better.

Happenings At Waller Lodge
by "Corky"

Betty Locklear is much better after having to spend three more days at the hospital to have fluid drained from the site a few weeks after her surgery.

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Brother Bob Scarborough had one little cartilage replaced in his knee a couple of weeks ago. I called to check on him last week and he had dreadful stories about pain, pain pills, endless therapy and having to use a walker, just to get to the bathroom.

Now, Calvin Trapp had a total knee replacement a couple of years ago and talks about walking around the block a few days later. Well, he did mention a little pain at first.

So what, you may ask? That’s easy to answer, I’m joining their club. I have a total knee replacement scheduled for May 30th..

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At the April stated meeting an allegation was made, that to save money, the newsletter is no longer sent to Masonic Widows. The idea is almost laughable since caring for widows and orphans is a primary principle of Freemasonry. The mailing list used is exactly the same one long used and given to me by the Secretary with the following exceptions. Brothers who requested the electronic version and Brothers Cox and Rattray have been removed from the list and Mrs. Frankie Wren and Mrs. Toya Cox, were added to the list (the only two widows I know). If anyone knows a Waller Lodge widow who wants to receive the newsletter, please let me know the name and address. E-mail me at pineilse@swbell.net.

It was also alleged that the electronic newsletter is a failure because someone may not check their e-mail for a few days and may get their newsletter late. If any Brother is dissatisfied with the electronic version please let Corky know and you will be returned to the printed version.

This Month's Humor

An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat high into the air. Then it opened its mouth to swallow both.

As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"

At once, the ferocious attack scene froze in place, and as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!"

"Oh God, please give me a break!!" the man pleaded. "Two minutes ago I didn't even believe in the Loch Ness monster!"

History Of The Mother Lodge

Lodge Mother Kilwinning #0 of Scotland

Chapter House
The history of the Mother Lodge dates back to the year 1140 at the building of the Abbey , the ruins of which lie to the rear of the Lodge . The Lodge was founded in the chapter house within the Abbey and remained there until the reformation in 1560 when the Earl of Glencairn , a blood enemy of the Earls of Eglinton who hold a long tradition with the Lodge , sacked the Abbey. Little is known of the masons at this point but they still met at various locations including the Abbey in 1598-1599, the house in the Crossbrae in the town centre in 1643 (the "masons howf "[house] ) and the court house of the Earl of Eglinton. In the mid 1700,s the masons decided to build a new Lodge and in 1779 the old Lodge was built at the entrance to the Abbey. Unfortunately 100 years later due to decay and fear of the building collapsing it was demolished and a new Lodge was built 30 yards from the former site and remains there today. The present Lodge was consecrated in 1893.

Rear of old Lodge from the Abbey
Before the forming of Grand Lodge in 1736 Mother Kilwinning was a Grand Lodge in her own right issuing warrants and charters to Lodges wishing to enjoy the privileges of Freemasonry, many Lodges still carry Kilwinning's name today. Scotland being a small country it was undesirable to have two Grand Lodges so Mother Kilwinning gave up this right. However in 1745 Grand Lodge decided to number lodges by seniority and oldest records, unfortunately Mother Kilwinning's minute books date back to 1642 , previous records thought to have been smuggled by the monks to France during the reformation or destroyed in the disastrous fire at nearby Eglinton Castle. Mother Kilwinning was placed second on the roll of the Grand Lodge a position she strongly disagreed with, so withdrew and continued to issue charters as before .

This dispute lasted until 1807 when the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand Lodge of Kilwinning met in Glasgow and settled their differences and a new and binding agreement was reached, that being that Mother Kilwinning was placed at the Head of the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and now has the famous and distinctive Number '0'. The master of the Lodge would by right of that office become Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire .Mother Kilwinning also gave up the right to issue warrants and charters. In 1860 during a search in Eglinton Castle the now famous Schaw statutes of 1598 and 1599 were found. William Schaw the " Maister o' Work and "Warden o'er a' the masons " wrote that Kilwinning was the "Heid ( Head ) Ludge o' Scotland. Had these statutes been available in 1745 there would have been no doubt about Kilwinning's position in Freemasonry. This agreement lasted for 176 years until amended 1983, where once again Masonic change was required of Mother Kilwinning. The Master of Kilwinning no longer becomes Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire, instead,

1 . Mother Kilwinning has the right for all time being to nominate a Brother to become Grand Lodge Bible Bearer.
2 . There was erected and consecrated the Provincial Grand Lodge of Kilwinning with Mother Kilwinning having the sole right to nominate the Provincial Grand Master in the Province of Kilwinning. These changes further ensure Mother Kilwinning's still present singular position and autonomy in the Masonic world.

The Famous Masons Series

The Ringling Brothers

The sons of German-born harness maker August Rüngeling, the Ringling brothers founded the Ringling Brothers Circus in 1884. Conceived by Albert and headed by John, August T. had little involvement in the circus.

They were all members of Baraboo Lodge No. 34 in Baraboo Wisconsin. The minutes of a special meeting on April 8, 1891 show the regular officers opening the lodge then the following taking the chairs: WM: Af T. Ringling, SW: August, JW: Al, SD: Charles, JD: Otto, SS: Henry. Their father (d. 1898) was Raised on August 19, 1891.

Alfred T. 1861-1919 r. January 22, 1890
John Nicholas 1866 - 1936 r. March 1, 1890
Albert Charles 1852-1916 r. March 29, 1890
Charles Edward 1866-1926 r. April 9, 1890
William H. Otto 1858-1911 r. April 9, 1890
August George 1854-1907 r. February 4, 1891
Henry William George 1868-1918 r. March 18, 1891

Will Rodgers

November 4, 1879 - August 15, 1935

William Penn Adair Rogers was educated early in his life mostly at Indian territory schools. He began his show career in 1902, when he was "The Cherokee Kid" with Texas Jack's Wild West Show in South Africa.

A syndicated, daily columnist for 400 newspapers worldwide, Hollywood's biggest box office star for more than a decade as the star of over 70 films, host of the country's most popular radio program, author of over six books, aviator, star in the popular Zigfield Follies Show, famous for rope tricks and a popular wit, Rogers was a loving husband and father of four. He is remembered as a humanitarian, often using his popularity and position to raise money for those in need. He is often referred to as the "Cowboy Philosopher."

Initiated: Feb 18, 1905
Passed: March 10, 1906
Raised: March 13, 1906
Clairmont Lodge No. 53, Oklahoma

Colonel Harland Sanders

September 9, 1890 - December 16, 1980

American businessman, and founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant franchise, Harland David Sanders started the business in 1952 and sold it in 1964, although he remained their corporate spokesman until his death. Governor Ruby Laffoon made him a Kentucky Colonel in 1935 in recognition of his contributions to the state's cuisine. And in 1939, his establishment was first listed in Duncan Hines' "Adventures in Good Eating."

Initiated: April 6, 1917
Demitted: February 27, 1920
Lodge No. 651 (Indiana), Henryville, Indiana
Passed: 1919
Raised: 1919
Courtesy to 651 (Indiana) by Clark 40 (Indiana)
Affiliated: October 27, 1953
Demitted: April 13, 1976
Hugh Harris Lodge No. 938, Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky

MOUTH TO EAR
By Ernest Borgnine

In 1946, I traveled with a friend down to a little town called Abingdon, Virginia, to see what the Barter Theater had to offer. It offered nothing except hard work and board. My friend, not accepting the work they offered him, stayed one day - I stayed five years. In that time I grew to love the town and all it offered. The people, in particular, were simply marvelous.

Occasionally I would be assigned to go down to the printing shop and get posters made for the upcoming shows at the Barter Theater. One day, in talking to the owner of the print shop, one Elmo Vaughan, I found that he belonged to the local Masonic Lodge, No. 48, in Abingdon. My father was also a Mason and had advanced to the 33rd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, and I told this to Elmo. He was pleased, and sensing his pleasure, I asked him if maybe I could join. He said nothing, continuing his work, and a short while later, I took my posters and left.

The next time I saw Elmo, I asked him again about joining the Masonic Order - again he said nothing - and again my work took me away. We became good friends and finally one day I passed by and again I asked if I could join the Masons. Instantly, he whipped out an application and I hurriedly filled it out. I didn't learn 'til later, that in those days, you had to ask three times. I was thrilled! Not only was I going to be the first actor ever in Lodge No. 48, but I could just imagine my father's surprise when I would spring the old greetings on him! I wanted only to surprise my Dad - and was I surprised, when after I was made an Entered Apprentice, I found I had to remember everything that happened to me at that event and come back and answer questions about it!

I was assigned to a dear old man of about 92 years of age who, I felt, must have been there when the Lodge first started. He was really of the old school - and he started me out with the foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee and mouth-to-ear routine of teaching. Besides doing my work for the Barter Theater and a little acting to boot, I was also going to that dear Brother for my work in Masonry. I would tramp all over those lovely hills and work on my "Whence came you's" and one day - oh, one fine day - I stood foot-to-foot with my Brother and answered every question perfectly! I was ecstatic! I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to get to Lodge to show my ability as an Entered Apprentice.

After I quieted down, that dear Brother said, "You've done fine, but aren't you really only half started?" I couldn't believe him! I knew my work; what else was there? He said "Wouldn't it be better if you knew all the questions too?"

I couldn't believe my ears! All that hard work and only half done? He gently sat me down foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee and mouth-to-ear and taught me all the questions. That didn't come easy, because I was almost doing the work by rote, but with careful listening and by really applying myself, I was soon able to deliver all the questions and answers perfectly!

The night that I stood in front of the Lodge and was asked if I were ready to answer the questions of an Entered Apprentice, I respectfully asked if I could do both - questions and answers. I was granted that wish and later found that I was the second man in my Lodge to have ever done so! I am truly proud of that, never having demitted, I am still a member in good standing in Abingdon Lodge No. 48.

I tell this story not for the merit it might gain me, but to tell you that learning the Entered Apprentice obligation taught me a great lesson in acting as well: that before I ever attempt to do a part I should work, rehearse, feel, almost live that part to know what I am talking about!

As I've advanced in Masonry, I have found we are an elite group of people who believe in God, country, family and neighbors. We work hard to help our fellowman; and through our charitable work, such as support for the Childhood Language Disorders Centers, we have made it possible to help many children grow Into good American citizens. We should always be proud of the Order we belong to. Where in all the world do you find so many great men and Brothers who have helped the whole wide world? But we are hiding our light under a bushel basket!

Recently I attended a dinner for a friend, and I ran across a Brother who identified himself in a hushed voice. I asked why he spoke in a whisper when talking about Masonry, and suddenly I realized he wasn't the only one who had ever done that. I speak out loud about Masonry to everyone! I'm proud of the fact that I belong to an organization that made me a better American, Christian, husband and neighbor; and all it took was a little self-determination by going foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee, and mouth-to-ear!

I recently discovered an excellent source of cartoons that were printed in newspapers during the 1900's, 1910's and 1920's. I thought we might enjoy seeing the "funnies" our grandparents enjoyed.

Maggie and Jiggs

Masons, both young and old can still benefit from the "Old Tiler Talks" stories that started in 1921. It's funny how these stories (lessons) that taught our Masonic grandfathers, are just as significant today as they were 80 years ago. The book with with 70 of the "Old Tiler Talks" stories and 2 other Carl Claudy Masonic books may still be purchased from Temple Books

Masonic Talk
By Carl Claudy

From the Old Tiler's Talk - by Carl H. Claudy, The Temple Publishers

"I'm seeking a little light," said the New Brother, sitting down by the Old Tiler and reaching for his cigar case.

"I think I have a match-" the Old Tiler felt in his pocket.

"I get you!" grinned the New Brother, "But that's not the light I am looking for. I want light on a Masonic subject."

"I don't pretend to be the only Masonic illuminant," answered the Old Tiler, "but if I have what you want, be sure I'll let it shine."

"Every now and then," began the New Brother, "I hear Masonic talk in public places. At a poker game in a club where I was recently, I heard one man say, 'Them you have passed, but me I shall not pass!' Lots of men say they will do this or that on the square or on the level. I run across 'and govern yourself accordingly' in print every now and then. Are such public quotations from Masonic work against good Masonic practice?"

"It seems to me your question isn't very complete," answered the Old Tiler.

"Why not?"

"It takes no account of motives. If you hear a man say that the stream rose and his house and his children were in danger, but a tree fell across the rushing waters, so that in His mercy God damned the stream, you have heard testimony to His glory. And if you hear some man couple the name of Deity with the word which begins with D, you listen to profanity. Same sounds in each case; the difference is, the motive, the meaning."

"If I declare that I will do what I say I will do 'on the square,' any one understands that I mean I will act honestly. If any hearer knows the expression is Masonic, surely the fraternity has not been injured. But if I say to a stranger, or within a stranger's hearing, 'these are certain Masonic words, and we use them in the degrees' and then repeat various phrases, I skirt dangerously close to breaking my obligation, and by the very fact that I seem to be careless with Masonic business, I am doing it harm!"

"That's very plain, said the New Brother.

"Suppose some man wants to learn if I am a Mason? Suppose I meet a man with a Masonic pin and want to examine him Masonicly? What about that?"

"You shouldn't want to do things which can't be done!" laughed the Old Tiler. You might, indeed, put the stranger through an examination as to what Masonry he knew, but it wouldn't be Masonic. You have no right to constitute yourself an examining committee. That is the Master's prerogative.

"Suppose he wants to talk Masonic secrets with me?"

"No Mason wants to talk Masonic secrets with any man he doesn't know to be a Mason! The man who wants to talk secrets, without having sat in lodge with you, or being vouched for to you, is either very new or a very poor Mason or no Mason at all!"

"But surely one can talk Masonry with strangers; if they wear the pin and have a card they are probably Masons, and-"

"Talk all the Masonry you want! But make sure it is the Masonic talk you could utter in the presence of your wife. Your true Mason won't want you to talk any other kind in public. Not long ago I was on a train, and behind me two men, neither of them Masons, arguing about Masonry. The things they knew which were not so wonderful! But I never opened my mouth. And the conductor, whom I have known for years as a Mason, heard them, and all he did was wink at me. We knew the truth; they didn't. What was the use of stirring up an argument?"

"What about giving some sign or word in a mixed company, so I can let the other fellows know I am a Mason?" asked the New Brother.

"Oh!" cried the Old Tiler. "You've been reading novels! You have an idea that when you go to a card party you should wiggle your ears or something, so that other Masons will know you are one, too! Nothing to that! Masonic recognitions are not for pleasure, but for need and use. You have been taught how to let others know, if you need to. You know how to recognize a Mason when he lets you know. But these are not for social gatherings, and the man who lards his speech with Masonic expressions is merely showing off."

"I asked for light; we could substitute you for one of the Lesser Lights," said the New Brother.

"If you mean that for a joke," the Old Tiler answered slowly, "I shall think my words were wasted."

"I didn't," protested the New Brother. "I was only trying to say, perhaps clumsily, that I thought you'd make a good Master!"

"Then I shall think only of the motive, thank you for the compliment, and forget the way you put it!" smiled the Old Tiler.

See You Next Month

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