Thursday, November 20, 2014

A Present at Christmas, and some Pinology

Spent a lot of time today on conference calls and being busy with Grand Lodge, which may result in an announcement of epic proportions for the Fraternity.  Stay tuned, as a Present in the form of a big Announcement may very well be on the verge of happening.

Lets talk about metal for a moment.  The very first lecture you receive as an entered Apprentice reminds you that you were divested of all metals when made a mason.  There are several reasons for that, primarily that as you were then destitute, it reminds you of your obligation to care for those around you.
Even more interesting is that once you put that metal back on, or in your pocket, Masonry takes on a whole new life of its own.  From that day forward, you collect pins, medals, collars, jewels and all manner of intrinsic items for a collection that rivals the rarest of the Royals.

Once you have all this stuff, a man feels compelled to wear it, all, at the same time, on one side of his suit coat.  I can scarcely look in a man's face when I shake his hand, because I have to take so much time reading all of his pins, metals and stuff, that it totally detracts from who he is.  Sometimes I never remember his name.   As Grand Master I dutifully scan the assortment of pins, passing through several years of Grand Masters, looking for my pin or 3 to be proudly displayed.3 you say !! Blasphemy !! Oh yeah, even yours truly has been Associate Grand Guardian, Most Illustrious Grand Master, and now Most Worshipful Grand Master.  All necessitate the casting of a pin.  I will post all three designs in a future post, but suffice it to say, I rarely wear a lapel pin, and when I do, it MUST have a square and compass within its design.  My rule of thumb is (2) TWO pins on your lapel is a maximum.  One relating to the Square and compass, the other for the organization you may be honored by or representing for the evening.

Please don't find yourself in the precarious position of this old chap on the left, and if you do, don't be surprised if I cannot remember your name.........