Remembering my roots

On Saturday, I attended the New Jersey DeMolay Grand Masters Class in honor of Joseph H. Rival, Jr, Grand Master of Masons for the State of New Jersey.  It was almost 36 years ago to the day when I started my masonic life in a similar Grand Masters Class for MW Malcolm Wernick.  It brought back some great memories.

One part, however, made me feel old.  In the Orator's part at the beginning of the DeMolay Degree, which portrays the trial of Jacques DeMolay, has a line describing the events as occurring "nearly 7 centuries ago."  The Orator was the first big part I learned, but when I learned it, these events occurred "more than 6 centuries ago".  Have I been around that long that the ritual has to be changed to remain accurate?  LOL

But seriously, I feel it is important we all remember our roots, where we started, not only ourselves, but every brother.  Every Masonic Brother who you see and say "He is a great Mason, and I respect his opinion on all things Masonic" was once a candidate, knocking at the door of his lodge, not knowing what to expect.  But what is really important, next time in your lodge, when you hear the knock on the door of a candidate, just remember that could be a future "great Mason whose opinion on all things Masonic is greatly respected".  But to become that great Mason, he needs the proper guidance and mentoring at the start.  It doesn't even have to be a formal mentoring program.  For instance, sit next to a new brother at a meeting, just to give him a heads up on all the little things that go on (how to vote, observing the East, etc).

While I don't think I'm that "great Mason whose opinion on all things Masonic is greatly respected", I am grateful for that guidance and mentoring I received from my days in DeMolay, and that continues to this day.  It doesn't only make me a better Mason, but more importantly, a better man and citizen.

RIP Dick Burton

Earlier today, New Jersey Freemasonry lost a giant, as RW Brother Richard "Dick" Burton was called to the Lodge on High.

I don't think I have the room here to list all of Dick's Masonic accomplishments, but for about the last 18 years, he has served as the District Ritual Instructor (DRI) of the 2nd Masonic District.  This is a job that most brothers will do for three years before they move on.  But Dick had a passion for Masonry and its ritual which he showed up to his death at age 89.

He often said at DLI's that "We aren't here to criticize, but to teach".  He really didn't need to say that, you could tell that from the way he ran a DLI.  But he also pushed everybody in the District, including myself, to be their best.

When I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in 1983, Dick gave the Lecture.  On Thursday night, I'll be giving that Lecture at a Degree in Tenafly.  I'm dedicating it to you Dick.  I hope I do you proud.