By Brian Hollenbeck, WM Ozaukee Masonic Lodge
Not long ago, when the winds of winter did sweep across the land, our Worthy Brother sat silently within his humble dwelling, gazing through panes of glass that bore the icy etchings of Jack Frost’s unseen hand. The drafts that crept through the fissures of his aging windows whispered to him of hardships present and yet to come, for the cold of winter and the heat of summer alike did conspire against his comfort. As the cost of maintaining warmth and cool respite grew ever more burdensome, our Brother could feel the moment approaching when such trials would prove insurmountable.
Yet as the plumb admonishes the Mason to stand upright, so too does the Lodge, in its upright stature, serve as a sanctuary wherein the trestle board of benevolence finds its home and upon which noble plans are drawn.
It was upon an evening of assembly, not long ago, that a newer Brother, inspired by the spirit of fraternal care, did propose that the windows of the Lodge itself be renewed. Upon investigation, the Brethren became discouraged, as the sum first quoted was as a mountain, high and unscalable. But dedicated Masons do not easily give up. Through due diligence and the earnest labor of a kind Brother, a price was obtained that cut the burden in half. In witnessing such an act of frugality and wisdom, our Brother did wonder if providence might yet shine upon his own hearth, though he dared not yet hope.
With openness and humility, our shivering Brother asked for advice about his own drafty home. What would it cost to do a small repair? Maybe he could afford to replace one of the draftiest windows. It would be a start. Having many years of experience installing windows, the Junior Warden, like the true Craftsman he was, made inquiry and measured well the needs of his Brother. Yet the truth became evident, that even if the labor for the repairs were to be freely given, the means to procure the materials remained beyond the grasp of our Brother Bob.
Thus did time pass, and with it, the warmth of summer did come. In those days, at the call of duty and with cups in hand, Brothers did gather in the public square to serve the good people of Saukville, raising such funds as could be had. Yet the sum garnered, though gained with honest toil, fell short of that which was needed.
Through the turning of seasons that year, a new light did shine in the East, and a new Worshipful Master was installed. With the square upon his breast and the compasses to guide him, Worshipful Brother Brian did receive counsel from Brother Tim, who counseled: ‘Behold, our Brother Bob, who hath given forty-five years of steadfast service to the Fraternity, is known in many Lodges, honored among the Shriners, devoted to the Eastern Star, and faithful to the Scottish Rite. He has honored us all and is upright and true. Shall we not, in turn, bestow upon him a gift worthy of his years?’
So was the call made to the Lodge, and with hands raised in solemn accord, did the Brethren unanimously resolve to draw forth from the Fund of Family Aid and Assistance that which was required. And so, by the square and on the level, all was made ready, so that upon the appointed day, our Brother Bob should receive more than just the commendation of years, but the tangible warmth of fraternal love.
Thus, at the hour of his recognition, Brother Bob was summoned to the East, where he was bid to sit. And there, before all assembled, was he praised for his long and faithful service. Yet even as the certificate of honor was placed into his hand, Worshipful Brother Brian did recount the tale of another Lodge, wherein a Brother in need had been lifted by the hands of many.
And then did he ask: ‘Who among you would, in token of sincerity, do likewise for one of our own?’ And lo, as one body, all raised their hands in the sign of fidelity.
Then was the great revelation made, that it was he, Brother Bob, of whom the Worshipful Master had been speaking, and it was he who had been chosen for this benevolence, and that his Brethren had come together to purchase for him that which he had long needed but could not obtain.
Struck silent by the weight of such generosity, our Brother could scarcely find words. And to lighten the moment, Worshipful Brother Brian did jest, asking if there was room in his garage, for the next day new windows would arrive, just in time to honor his forty-fifth year as a Mason.
And so it was that, with the aid of skilled and willing hands, the work was completed in two days’ time. And in the end, when all was done, Brother Bob did marvel at what had been wrought for him, speaking oft of his gratitude, moved even to tears. ‘I must do something great for the Lodge in return,’ he declared, but love and wisdom – the Spirit Of Freemasonry, did reply, ‘You have already given so much, and it is for that reason that this has been done for you.’
Thus, let this tale be inscribed upon the fabric of our memory: That true Brotherhood is not found in words alone, but in the earnest application of our principles. As the rough stone is made smooth by the chisel’s edge, so too do we refine our souls by acts of charity and love. For this, dear Brethren, is what it truly means to be a Mason.
