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All Hail Our Past Masters
Masonic Moment, Jacques DeMolay
#1390
May 11, 2000
(Also published in Veritatem Petite,
Transactions of the Lodge of Research
of New South Wales, Vol. 12, No. 9., pages 186-187, October 23, 2001)
 "Once
in so often," King Solomon said,
Watching his quarrymen drill the stone,
"We will club our garlic and wine and bread
And banquet together beneath my Throne.
And all the Brethren shall come to that mess
As Fellow-Craftsmen—no more and no less.
"Banquet Night"(first stanza)
Brother Rudyard Kipling
Brothers as we gather each week
to dine and then call our craft to labor, we are gathered as
fellow-craftsmen. But, our brothers have made varying contributions to
the good of the craft; none have labored harder than our Past Masters.
This speech is for you. The Master wanted to take some time to honor
you for all that you have done. All of our lodge’s members owe you a
great debt of gratitude. Recently I ran into a friend who had been the
Master of Friendswood Lodge, who said they did not need him any more.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Thank you for the sacrifices you
have made as you worked to attain that
lofty position in the East. We have had many Masters, all of whom had
different abilities and motivations, yet they have done their best to
improve Masonry. The work required to be seated as the Master kept you
away from home more than it should have. Your years of commitment are
appreciated.
Thank you for the assistance and
guidance you have given our Master
during his term of office and indeed all of us who are active with the
lodge have benefited from your help. The Master has expressed his
gratitude for the aid you have granted to make his job a little
easier. When questions have been posed, we merely had to turn to you
for the answers.
Thank you for the active roles
you have played in lodge. This year we
have conducted many degrees. Without your active assistance, many of
these degrees would not have been possible. Even opening and closing
lodge would occasionally not be possible, had you not stayed active.
Many of you have risen above expectations, not content to rest on you
laurels. You have been there, when we needed you most.
 We
not only thank you but, we ask for your continued assistance
in making this a premium quality lodge. As we are on the brink of
electing a new Master for the coming year, we will look to you our
Past Masters as brothers worthy of emulation. In the words of our
brother, Teddy Roosevelt, "The first requisite of a good citizen in
this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his
weight.". While it would seem much of our country has forgotten
the importance of this quote, we have had fine examples of pulling
ones weight. Actually, you have been inspirational for doing more than
was necessary.
While we meet and as we part,
our Past Masters again deserve each and every one of our thanks. We
will always hold you with warm regards for all you have done. The
following poem by an unknown author describes the position you have
held. May we continue to find others among us as worth as you.
Once in the east he sat,
The jewel about his neck;
And with a hat, he covered his head
When other heads were bare.
The brethren came and went
In answer to his beck;
And stood and offered up the signs
To him who wore the square.
Once like the coursing sun
He rose up in the east
And all the brethren rose as one
As work began or ceased.
Once he guarded treasure:
The secrets of the craft-
The, charter, ritual, ancient work
By which the craft increased.
But when the year had closed
Three steps he did take down;
Down to the floor to take his place
Among the brethren there.
So like his brethren, he;
Yet somehow different, too;
For he had sat up in the east
And he, had worn the square.
He is a man apart,
A mason marked for time.
To him who has with honor served,
To him must honor be.
All Hail Our Past Masters
Masonic Moment, Jacques DeMolay #1390
Scott Hill Bumgardner, Master of Ceremonies
P.O. Box 710770 Houston, Texas 77271-0770
713-981-0599
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