We Build….Time Travel?!
Hop in your Wayback machine or Delorean – time travel is possible!
Recently, I had the honor of turning back the clock and stepping in as an exemplar for the Entered Apprentice degree at a School of Instruction in my home lodge. I’ll admit, the strain on my knees felt quite different than it did in my early 20s! Yet, the experience was a good reminder of the physical and spiritual commitment we make as we take the first step in our Masonic journey. It was nice being on the other side of the obligation for a change too.
Time travel, in the science-fiction sense, may remain a fantasy—hopping into a machine to the past or future is beyond our reach (for now…). However, through our memories and shared experiences, we can revisit the moments that shape us as Masons. By tracing our rituals even further back, it’s easy to envision historical Masons who underwent similar experiences, forging a connection across centuries.
Ever wish you could go back to those early days in your Masonic journey? One of the favorite memories during my MM degree, I was told I’d be entitled to all the tools of Freemasonry, which were neatly laid out on the steps of the lodge…except someone snuck the subtle addition of a screwdriver to the mix. I had no clue what happened, but will never forget the laughs from the sidelines. Of course, it probably wouldn’t fly with our Grand Lecturer! What are your favorite Masonic memories you wish you could relive? Maybe your initiation? That first nervous moment when you took your obligation. Or perhaps your first time serving in an officer’s chair, the weight of responsibility settling in to lead your lodge. Maybe the pride of signing your first petition for a friend to join our brotherhood? Each of these moments is part of the fabric of our Masonic lives.
The sands of time keep flowing, but I encourage you to take a moment to revisit your favorite memories. Share them with a younger brother or a new initiate—they may find inspiration in your stories. Our fraternity thrives when we pass down these experiences, bridging the past with the present. Let us continue to build on this foundation, ensuring that the lessons of time travel through our rituals and fellowship remain vibrant for years to come. Get in McFly – time to go back to the future!
