The Evergreen
Courtesy of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba
The Evergreen, which once marked the temporary resting place of one illustrious in Masonic history, is an emblem of our abiding faith in the immortality of the soul.
By it, we are reminded of our high and glorious destiny in our Father’s Kingdom; and that there dwells within each of us an imperishable immortal spirit, which lives eternally.
In the steadfast faith of Freemasonry there is an enduring belief in the wisdom and goodness of God, and a trusting reliance that, like this Evergreen, our souls will hereafter flourish in eternal spring. It is an emblem of our Faith and of our Hope and we are comforted in the Belief that our Brother has found entrance to a fairer and brighter world. As we place our hand over our Left Breast we think to ourselves;
“ His Memory is Faithfully Cherished in our Hearts”.
As we extend our right hand over the Apron, dropping the sprig of evergreen we think to ourselves;
“ To the grave we consign the remains of our Departed Brother”
We raise our right hand and point it upward, we think to ourselves;
“ We commit his spirit to God who gave it”
Something we all need to remember
This is a tale of same Masons surrounding a campfire in the Old West, at night, and discussing the Fraternity and it’s teachings. One old Mason listened patiently, and finally spoke up.
“ I can tell you more about Freemasonry in a little example than some of the great Masonic Philosophers can in books. Everybody stand up, and gather in a circle around the campfire.”
They did that “ Now hold hands” They did that too. “Now what do you see looking ahead?. “ The face of a Brother Mason through the flames” “ What do you feel in front of you?” “ The warmth of the fire, and the comfort it brings on a cool night. “ What do you feel at you side?” “The warm hand of a Brother” “OK . Now drop you hands, and turn around” They did so. “Now what do you see, looking ahead?.” “Complete darkness”
“What do you feel, looking ahead?” “ A sense of loneliness, of being alienated.” “What do you feel at your side?.” “ Nothing at all” “What do you feel on your backside?.”
“The warmth of the fire”
“So it is with Freemasonry” said the old man. “ In Masonic gatherings, you can feel the warmth of Masonic interaction, you can see the face of a Brother through the light Freemasonry brings you, and you can always feel the warm hand of a Brother. When you turn away from Masonry, and are out in the World, you see darkness, feel alienated and alone, and do not feel the warm hand of a Masonic Brother. But Masonry, and the warmth it brings, are just a turn away from you.
An Interesting Quote
“ To laugh often and Love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; the leave the World a better place, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life that has breathe easier because you have lived… this is to have succeeded “
Ralph Waldo Emerson