As I was preparing the October 2020 Issue of Masonic Education; I realized that on October 14th, I will be celebrating my 45th Anniversary of becoming a Mason.
A time for reflection and I remembered one of the mottoes that I try to live by.
“I try to learn from other people’s mistakes, because I am quite sure that I will not live long enough to learn all of them, from my own.”
Hopefully, the Brethren who read this article will learn from mine.
On October 14th 1975, I was initiated in Doric Lodge No. 455 G.R.C. in Little Current. My sponsors were my father, Bro. Robert South and my brother-in-law, Bro. Wilmer John Aelick. I could not have had a better father or a brother-in-law. Shortly after my Initiation, my father went off to Florida for the winter and my brother-in-law; who had been promoted and transferred to Iroquois Falls with the Ontario Provincial Police, returned to his home.
Early in 1976, I attended Lodge in order to prove my proficiency in the Entered Apprentice Degree and to be Passed to the Fellowcraft Degree. Early that morning, I was polishing door-knobs of various businesses in Little Current with a little yellow booklet in my left hand. “Polishing door-knobs” is an expression used to mean conducting property checks of businesses which might have had the entrance doors left un-locked.
I am embarrassed to admit that in proving my proficiency, I did a very poor job. After the proving, the Candidate is asked to exit the Lodge Room and the Worshipful Master inquires if the Brethren are satisfied with the proficiency of the Candidate. Of course; at the time, I was not aware of this. I was subsequently Passed and eventually Raised. For many years, I thought that there must have been serious debate as to whether or not I should proceed. W. Bro. Jack Hayes; in answer to my inquiry, confirmed this thought. He had reminded the Brethren about the situation with my sponsors and that it was the Lodge’s responsibility to make sure that I was prepared for the next step in Masonry.
A few years passed; embarrassed as I was, I didn’t attend Lodge. One day, I happened to meet my father on the street and I advised him that I wasn’t getting anything out of Masonry and Masonry wasn’t getting anything out of me. I asked him how to get out of it. We just happened to be near the office of W. Bro. Keith Legge, the Master of the Lodge. Father, advised me to see him. Bro. Legge made arrangements for V.W. Bro. Lawrence Peck to work with me. When I returned to Lodge to prove my proficiency in the Fellowcraft Degree, I believe I had it 100% correct. Similar results were achieved in the proving my Master Mason’s Degree.
Brethren; not every Mason who sponsors a Candidate is capable for whatever reasons, able to help with teaching ritual. It is incumbent on all of us to mentor a new member.
Shortly after becoming a Master Mason; in April 1980, the O.P.P. transferred me to Spanish. The Detachment Commander – was a Brother and a line officer in Espanola Lodge No. 527. Bro. Ralph Brown made my work schedule convenient for me to attend Lodge. I would subsequently affiliate with the Lodge become a line officer. Unfortunately, my performance of presenting the Junior Warden’s Lecture was not my best work. Should you have an opportunity to become the J.W., commence early to prepare this Lecture. Also, should you be in the position of having two or more Candidates for your presentation, assemble them on one side of you so that your attention is not divided. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to present the Lecture to my sister-in-law’s son and two other newly initiated members into a Lodge in Sault Ste. Marie. I was quite pleased with my presentation.
In the Spring of 1985, I received a telephone call from R.W. Bro. Kenneth R. Shore to visit him the next time I was in Espanola. The purpose of his request was to ask that I consider being elected as the Lodge’s Junior Warden. The end of my term in Spanish Detachment was approaching. I was concerned that I might be transferred to a location that would not be conducive to attend Lodge in Espanola. If this occurred, the Lodge would be needing to search again for another Junior Warden. I declined the offer. I returned to our home in Spanish and had another phone call. This one was from W. Bro. Terry Brouse. I reiterated my concern about the pending transfer. As I was now being encouraged by a second senior member of the Lodge, I reconsidered the offer. In June of 1988; the Brethren of Espanola Lodge entrusted me to serve as their Worshipful Master.
Should you have an opportunity to become the Worshipful Master of your Lodge; don’t miss it.
In recognition of the Centennial Celebration of Doric Lodge, the members issued a history of their Lodge in the Town of Little Current. A portion of the book reported that there had been many fraternal / social organizations instituted in the town; but many had failed, while the Masonic Lodge survived. Might it be that the “ritual” had made this possible. In many cases, the success of the Lodge might have to do with a Brother helping a junior member learn his work. This creates a bond and strengthens a Lodge.
One winter, a few years ago, I received an email from the Installing Master, requesting that I present one of the obligations. I accepted this opportunity. Unfortunately, I did not have an Ontario Mason to work with. As there is a bit of give in take in presenting an obligation, I should have known better. I was very embarrassed; and vowed to myself not to present any more ritual. After reflection; and presenting other work, I have regained my confidence.
Please learn from my mistake. If you are planning on presenting a new piece of work; especially if it is a give and take situation as with an obligation, find a Brother to help you.
Many years ago; my Father advised me that Masonry would not make me rich with money in your pocket, but it will make rich with what you will learn and the friends you will make.
I wish to thank my Brethren for their patience, support, encouragement, trust and the opportunities that they have provided me throughout my Masonic career.
R.W. Bro. Robert South