From the Archives: The 50 Year Member: Part Five - The Office

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Bill Hosler, PM

The football game was about to begin. Brethren with their friends and family wearing their team’s colors were beginning to gather around the 90 inch flat screen in the newly renovated Social room. The room was packed to capacity. The smell of chili wafted though the air as people were filling their plates with tasty delights that everyone brought to the gathering. You could hear the people talking, laughing, and having a good time. It was like a family gathering.

The 50 year member, pouring himself a glass of ice tea was smiling to himself. It had been many years since he had seen this room full of people. The scene reminded him of a time long ago when the Temple was a gathering place for the Brethren of the lodge. These weekend football games and the other activities being held here had brought in a lot of men who were interested in Masonry. Not just the possibility of new members but men who had joined the lodge and rarely returned again. All these activities in this social room brought a new buzz to the temple. Something that had been lacking in this building for a long time.

Pudge wearing a red jersey and his team’s baseball cap, smiling and eating a bowl of chili. He was smiling and enjoying a conversation with the Master of the lodge. As the 50 year member walked to Pudge’s table the Master walked away.  “Were you talking football or lodge?” The 50 year member asked. “Little bit of both” Pudge replied. “I just got asked to take an office.” Pudge said. “Well congratulations Pudge!” The old man exclaimed “What office?” The old man asked, “Junior Steward” Pudge replied. “But I am not sure if I am ready for it.” “Junior Steward isn’t bad. It’s not like you have to chair the meeting.” The 50 year member said. “Unless there is degree work you just sit in your chair.” “True” Pudge said but then next year it’s Senior Steward then Junior Deacon, Pretty soon you are Master! What if I am not ready?" The old man smiled and put his hand on Pudge’s shoulder. “Pudge my friend, you have more ability than many men I have known to sit in the Oriental chair. Look around you at this room. A few months ago this room was unused, covered in dust. There had not been a soul in this room for nearly three decades. You got all these men together, shared your vision, raised the funds and transformed this room into a vital part of our Temple again. Look at all these people having fun and fellowship.  This was your doing.” The old man continued “You have brought something back to this lodge that had been missing here for a long time.” 

“Anyone could have done that.” Pudge said “But there is so much more to being an officer. The memorization, learning all the floor work…I’m just not sure if I would be good at it.” “The old man looked Pudge straight in the eye “I can work with you on memorization, the floor work will come in time. If you continue your Masonic studies all the pieces will come together. As wise as King Solomon was, do you think he was born that way? No! It was his life experiences and his studies which molded him into what he became. Those years you sit in the various officer chairs gives you the experience you will need to sit in the East. Reading Masonic writings will also help you in your journey and common sense will complete your education.” The old man said, “Pudge you have been working on your rough ashlar. You have been chipping away at it, knocking off the rough corners. Your vision and your actions have shown your abilities. We just need to keep chipping away until you have created your perfect ashlar." 

Pudge began to blush “Thanks” he said. “I hope I can fulfill the faith you have in me.” The old man smiled “You already have my Brother.”

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.