Masonic Lodge is Still a Great Fraternal Order

To the Editor:

I read the article in the Fayette County Record entitled: “Lafayette Masonic Lodge Past Members” (July 3 issue.) Actually, the article was honoring the lodge’s past presiding officers. I am a 5th-generation Freemason, and have been honored to join additional Masonic organizations such as the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, the Shriners, Grottoes, Knight Masons, Royal Order of Scotland, Masonic Sojourners, Heroes of ‘76, Robert-the-Bruce Association, Masonic Rosicrucians, The Red Cross of Constantine, and others.

I might mention that one of the degrees of the York Rite is called “the Virtual Past Master Degree.” Since only one man per year can serve as the presiding officer: this allows for many men to experience the solemn pageantry of the Chair of King Solomon. I was age 18 when I joined and I’m 61 now and still thrilled I asked to join. I would encourage any young man of good moral character over age 18, who believes in Almighty God and who wishes to elevate his character to consider joining. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Since good men such as Mozart, King George VI, John Wayne, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Tex Ritter, Nat King Cole,Anson Jones, David Crockett, James Bonham, William B. Travis, BuzzAldrin, Dr. Red Duke have been Masons, I think that is a great path for a man to emulate. It isn’t a secretsociety. It has a password (like your computer, solely to assure a legitimate person gains access) but it is totally honorable, having existed for centuries. Even Danny Thomas (founder of St Judes was a Mason and a member of the Catholic Church). It added to his life.

James A. Marples Longview (with family in Fayette County)