Grandpa Roy

My mom found an old dues card from her dad. He's the one with the jewelry .

He was a member of Woodland chapter 46 of the Royal Arch Masons, and a Past High Priest. There are two dates on the dues card: 1960 and 1977. There's a lot I'd ask him now, if I could, but he passed over twenty years ago.

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.

The 007 Degree

This is a busy week, Masonically. I've been asked to take a part in the 7th degree, and that will be presented Saturday. Every Monday this month has been degree practice; Tuesday we had a cribbage tournament with Lakeshore Lodge (we lost!); and this weekend is the fall reunion for the Scottish Rites, so I'll be attending Friday and Saturday.

On Monday there was a lodge of instruction for our district, and I really wanted to attend, but I felt that degree practice took precedence. There's another lodge of instruction tonight, but I'd like to be home a couple of nights this week, and for me, Dowagiac is a hike.

During practice Monday, I was asked to take a walk-on role in the 31st (limp-on, with my knee still sore).

Doing the 7th degree has taught me something: memorization is hard. I've never memorized well, even knowing all the mnemonic tricks. I have four lines, and thanks to my wife's help, I can say them in practice. We'll see if I can say them any other time.

Senior Deacon

Last meeting we discussed who would fill what chair next year. Our Junior Deacon does not want to move up; his job is very demanding right now, and he has two small children. So I'll enter the officer chain as Senior Deacon. As a side note, we have a West who hasn't been in the officer chain in a few years, and our South will be moving to the sidelines, so next year looks to be a different make-up.

The Senior Deacon is the NCO of the lodge. All the other officers do a lot of talking, but when something needs to get done, guess who wades through the metaphoric mud? He sets the social tone for the lodge, and he also does a lot of kneeling, which at the moment is worrying me (I had my knee scoped last week).

Opening and closing the lodge is a piece of cake -- the floor work is familiar and unless we open in the EA degree, there isn't much to say.

The real work is during the degrees. He's got his own lecture; no one is closer or more important to a candidate during rituals. During my degree work, I was astounded at the level of effort put forth by our current SD.

I have to work on my memorization, but I keep forgetting.