02Apr
02Apr
Challenges for the True Mason – A Poem By William Arthur Ward
Challenges for the True Mason
By William Arthur Ward
I will do more than belong –– I will participate. I will do more than care –– I will help. I will do more than believe –– I will practice. I will do more than be fair –– I will be kind. I will do more than forgive –– I will forget. I will do more than dream –– I will work. I will do more than teach –– I will inspire. I will do more...
02Apr
Brotherhood – A Poem By Edwin Markham
Brotherhood
By Edwin Markham
The crest and crowning of all good, Life's final star, is brotherhood For it will bring again to Earth Her long-lost Poesy and Mirth Will send new light on every face, A kingly power upon the race. And till it come, we men are slaves, And travel downward to the dust of graves. Come, clear the way, then, clear the way: Blind creeds and kings have had their day. Break the dead branches from the path: Our Hope is in the aftermath-- Our hope is in...
02Apr
Always a Mason – A Poem By Douglas Malloch
Always a Mason
By Douglas Malloch Let no king quite put off his crown! I still would have him kingly when In some old inn the king sat down To banquet with his serving-men. I love a mild and merry priest, Whom Brothers toast, and neighbors prod Yet would I have him, at the feast, A little of the man of God. So with a Mason: I would see Him somewhat of a Mason still, Though far from Lodge-rooms he may be, In court, or counting-house, or mill. Whatever garment he may...
02Apr
The Masonic Shoe/Masonic Blue Slipper
The Masonic Shoe/Masonic Blue Slipper
The Blue Slipper, also known as the Masonic Shoe, is a tangible representation of a spoken act. The Blue Slipper Pin was used to identify Masonry's Loved Ones. Giving shoes to someone else in ancient times was a way of confirming a contract.The First Degree:
The Shoe symbolizes a Promise Boaz, a wealthy landowner, proposed to Ruth's nearest kinsman to exercise his legal right by redeeming Naomi's land and marrying her daughter-in-law, according to the Book of...
01Apr
Adieu, A Heart-Warm, Fond Adieu – Poem
Adieu, A Heart-Warm, Fond Adieu
By Robert Burns Adieu, a heart warm, fond adieu, Dear brothers of the mystic tie! Ye favored, ye enlightened few, Companions of my social joy! Tho' I to foreign lands must hie, Pursuing fortune's slidd'ry ba', With melting heart and brimful eye, I'll mind you still, though far awa! Oft have I met your social band, An' spent the cheerful, festive night Oft, honored with supreme command, Presided o'er the sons of light And by that Hieroglyphic bright, Which none but Craftsmen ever saw, Strong memory on my heart...
01Apr
We are Two Brothers
We are Two Brothers
By H. L. Haywood
Give me your hand; You are rich; I am poor; Your wealth is your power, and by it you tread A wide open path; where for me is a door That is locked; and before it are worry and dread. We are sundered, are we, As two men can be But we are two brothers in Freemasonry So give me your hand. Give me your hand; You are great; I'm unknown; You travel with permanent fame; I go on a way unlauded,...
01Apr
THE TEMPLE – A POEM BY EDGAR ALAN GUEST
The Temple
By Edgar Alan Guest You may delve down to rock for your foundation piers, May go with your steel to the sky You may purchase the best of the thought of the years, And the finest of workmanship buy. You may line with the rarest of marble each hall, And with gold you may tint it; but then It is only a building if it, after all, Isn’t filled with the spirit of men. You may put up a structure of brick and of stone, Such as...
01Apr
The Road – A Poem By Carl H. Claudy
The Road
Carl H. Claudy
So many men before thy Altars kneel Unthinkingly, to promise brotherhood: So few remain, humbly to kiss thy rood With ears undeafened to thy mute appeal So many find thy symbols less than real Their teachings mystic,--hard to understand So few there are, in all thy far flung band To hold thy banner high and draw thy steel, And yet--immortal and most mighty, thou! What hath thy lore of life, to let it live? What is the vital spark, hid in thy vow? Thy...
01Apr
