Valley of Grand Rapids Reunion.

We do not "act". We do not perform "plays". In the Scottish Rites, we Exemplify Degrees. There are scripts and lines and costumes and stages and props... all in the name of Exemplification.

Well, the 7th degree went off without a hitch. By "without a hitch", I mean that the things said on the stage resembled the script; the pace was reasonably brisk, and no one had a costume malfunction. My four lines came out audibly and I think they could be recognized as English.

I also played non-speaking roles in the 14th and 31st degrees. I carried a cross in the 31st, and the director carefully explained how to walk on to the stage. As I took my seat on stage I realized I had no idea how I was supposed to leave the stage. This added an undertone of tension to the degree which is normally dramatic enough.

During one of our sessions, a list of members who passed since the last reunion were read. This list was long, and looking at our dozen or so candidates, it was a stark reminder of how membership is declining.

Looking at the class of Fall 1957, there were a couple hundred candidates. Two of these are active members of my lodge -- including our Worshipful Master Dick Burrows. Dick was honored for his 50 years of service and his work on our newsletter. I was the only other member of my lodge who could attend the reunion, and it was wonderful to have my wife with me at the banquet -- even if it was nowhere near as enjoyable as the spring, when I was a candidate. Does anyone know what happened to the quilt raffle?

Dick showed me another notable member of his class in the class picture: Gerald R. Ford.

As I was getting ready for the 7th degree, I wondered if President Ford had exemplified any degrees. It was an intimidating thought, at first. Then I looked in a mirror, and decided I didn't want to think about him in pantyhose and makeup.