WB. George E. Moore is an officer in Datyon Consistory.
“An Empty Chair” – A Masonic Poem by George E. Moore
It’s every Mason’s dream to fill up all the chairs;
A Brother in every seat, just like yesteryear.
When a Masonic function was “the place to go”;
Back when we used the folding chairs to make a second row.
When Brothers would fill every seat to watch the work be done;
Then retire to the dining room: food, fellowship and fun!
But in our zeal for this task, to fill every one of them;
Perhaps leave “an empty chair” for our Departed Brethren.
For the Brothers that have gone before us, some many years ago;
And some that used to sit in Lodge and tell us all “hello”.
Some of them we’d shake their hands, many we never met;
But they’re all our Masonic Brothers, ‘n may we not forget:
We perform the same Rituals, wear the same Aprons and Jewels;
‘N we all took to heart the lessons of the Working Tools.
Some sat in the Officer’s chairs, some even in the East;
We miss them all regardless, their Labors have now ceased.
But it matters not what chair they took, or how often they’d attend;
For they are all our Brothers, that’s all that matters in the end.
Masonry is timeless, the same throughout the years;
We thank them for the path they blazed, which helped us all get here.
They’ve laid down their earthly working tools the Master handed them;
To serve the Supreme Grand Master, whose Lodge is up in Heaven.
But their Labor is but far from done, in far and distant lands;
Serving in that Lodge above, that “House Made Not With Hands”.
And may they continue to help us here, to guide us down the paths;
That serve the Supreme Grand Master, from the first to the last.
Yes, we strive to fill all the seats, but maybe leave just one;
For our departed Brethren whose work down here is done.
Author: George E. Moore
P.M. of Celina #241 F. & A.M., Celina, Ohio; K.Y.C.H.
November 23, 2020
Excellent poem. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Beautiful!
The poem should every Mason’s heart and show the endearing qualities of the fraternity. May the blessings of the Almighty be with each and everyone.
Richard Krewson