On February 17, 1978, I walked into the center lodge room of the Dayton Masonic Center. The Master of John W. Durst Lodge asked me a question, “In times of difficulty and danger…” You know the rest.
This pandemic of 2020 is difficult and dangerous.
I saw a young man on the news arguing that this virus was not going to stop him from having fun in Florida. He sounded like the old Beastie Boys song, “You Gotta Fight.. for Your Right.. to Party.” He had heard the early news that this illness particularly affected those over 60 years of age or those with a compromised immune system.
Well, we find now that such a prediction was early and ill-advised. Ohio has residents from one year of age to 91 suffering from coronavirus.
In earlier days, I might have wished a pox on his house or someone to punch him in the mouth. From 42 years of Freemasonry, I realize that youth is sometimes wasted on the young. Relief is one of the tenets of our profession and perhaps he might learn from our Masonic teachings.
In 1978 I gave the correct answer. If I were asked the question today, I would most certainly give the same answer.
I think many of us have learned a great many things about life over the years we have been involved in Freemasonry. I especially like your referral to the tenets of Freemasonry. As a Scottish Rite Mason, I was
so impressed when I received a call after the Dayton tornadoes hit. I was asked if I had been affected by the storm and needed any help.
Even though I had not been affected, I was so proud of the great relief efforts made by the Dayton Valley. This is only touching on the reasons I enjoy being a Mason. Thank you to all my Brother Masons for their generous help and companionship.
In the past there was always an “older generation” to serve as an anchor that would pull the younger generation back before they strayed to far. That worked because the younger had a “learned” respect for the older generation. Now I’m not so sure that respect is still there. That and a society that seems to have little need for God in their lives gives me all the reason I need to be thankful that I’m a Mason. It also gives me a purpose for seeking out men that would be a good Mason.
“THANKS Terry so true”