My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Bitter sweet moments in Freemasonry

Bloke

Premium Member
Freemasonry brings me many thinks, but last meeting of my mother lodge I had a very bitter sweet moment.

I've been put in as Assistant Director of Ceremonies (my first experience in the job) in both my Craft Lodges and due to absences have run the last two Third Degrees, one in each lodge. An DC here leads the Deacons around the lodge and prompts forgotten words; you need a very high level of knowledge to do the job. It was commented I did a great job (and without sounding big headed, I think I acquitted myself well) and the first time I did it I had the District Inspector of Workings there who endorsed my performance.

The last Degree was in my mother Lodge. I lost my proposer and mentor to cancer last May - he'd been at our April meeting, only missing May dying 2-3 weeks following it. At the end of the night I was washing glasses (LOL... it seems to be my final station of the night, but I enjoy it because the conversation is always good) and I was with my proposer's best mate who was wielding a tea towel. With the mind finally in idle and no longer focused on something beyond washing a glass which does not exactly consume a lot of grey matter, I was overcome with sadness that the man who guided me along to the Chair and beyond did not get to see me working on the floor as DC. He had been our DC for many years, and as I am likewise now such a mentor, I know how rewarding it is to see a guy you proposed and/or mentored hit a home run at a job on the floor.

With the hands in the soapy water, I felt so sad he had not got to see me work to the high level I did last meeting (but he did get to see me installed three times as WM in two lodges....). I didn't say anything to his friend, I did not want to upset him, but man I missed having my proposer there to enjoy seeing the effect of years of work and a lot of effort. Because of his absence, my success became very bitter sweet over the sink at the end of the night. If there is one thing I know about the human condition, is that regardless of your problem, someone as had the same feeling or challenge before.

Have you had a likewise similarly bitter sweet moment in Freemasonry ? Willing to share it ?
 

Randy81

Premium Member
Freemasonry brings me many thinks, but last meeting of my mother lodge I had a very bitter sweet moment.

I've been put in as Assistant Director of Ceremonies (my first experience in the job) in both my Craft Lodges and due to absences have run the last two Third Degrees, one in each lodge. An DC here leads the Deacons around the lodge and prompts forgotten words; you need a very high level of knowledge to do the job. It was commented I did a great job (and without sounding big headed, I think I acquitted myself well) and the first time I did it I had the District Inspector of Workings there who endorsed my performance.

The last Degree was in my mother Lodge. I lost my proposer and mentor to cancer last May - he'd been at our April meeting, only missing May dying 2-3 weeks following it. At the end of the night I was washing glasses (LOL... it seems to be my final station of the night, but I enjoy it because the conversation is always good) and I was with my proposer's best mate who was wielding a tea towel. With the mind finally in idle and no longer focused on something beyond washing a glass which does not exactly consume a lot of grey matter, I was overcome with sadness that the man who guided me along to the Chair and beyond did not get to see me working on the floor as DC. He had been our DC for many years, and as I am likewise now such a mentor, I know how rewarding it is to see a guy you proposed and/or mentored hit a home run at a job on the floor.

With the hands in the soapy water, I felt so sad he had not got to see me work to the high level I did last meeting (but he did get to see me installed three times as WM in two lodges....). I didn't say anything to his friend, I did not want to upset him, but man I missed having my proposer there to enjoy seeing the effect of years of work and a lot of effort. Because of his absence, my success became very bitter sweet over the sink at the end of the night. If there is one thing I know about the human condition, is that regardless of your problem, someone as had the same feeling or challenge before.

Have you had a likewise similarly bitter sweet moment in Freemasonry ? Willing to share it ?
Thanks for sharing your story Sir! I'm sure he's smiling down on you Brother!
 

Pscyclepath

Premium Member
We being a strictly mouth-to-ear state for learning the work at this (or any other) level, there is indeed an enduring, super-special bond between you and the fellow(s) who helped you in getting your certifications. My mentors are still my best friends within the Craft. I am sorry for your loss, brother...
 
Top