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VWB Greg Stewart Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2003-2004 Mailto: underthetable@earthlink.net 13316 3rd NE |
"Secondhand Lions" and Freemasonry (November 2003)
Sometimes I see a new movie and get more than simple entertainment value. In "Secondhand Lions", Michael Caine and Robert Duvall play two mature brothers who live a life based on simple moral standards and the secret of their fortune is not widely known. This secret generates rumors and stories of illegal activities. Does that sound familiar? After a bit of research I found Michael is a York Rite Mason. I can apply many parts of this movie to the current objective of our fraternity. There is a scene where they are having lunch and a car load of young men come into the store. Without knowing who they are dealing with they harass the brothers and pick a fight. After having their clocks cleaned the young men are escorted to the brothers' house and receive medical care. They are invited for a steak dinner and later are given the "when you are a man" speech delivered by the character who beat the tar out of them earlier. That certainly sounds like mentoring to me and it was delivered in a way that was required for those involved.
The young boy who was dropped off is having a difficult time believing his mother as she has constantly lied to him. He asks why his uncle is sleep walking and that goes into the story of how they got their fortune and where they have been for the past forty years. The story is unbelievable and when the boy asks what finally happened he is told and gets part of "the speech". The message here is about what you believe in and how that is a choice. It is edified by the upstanding character of the brothers. This is very important because the rule and guide of our conduct can only be demonstrated by the square of our actions.
As the movie progresses, the brothers go from sitting on the front porch shooting at unwanted salesmen to using their fortune to enjoy their retirement. They do little things in a really big way. This is what our Lodges can do to attract and retain members. They hear their words come back to them from a child and realize that life isn't over until you are dead. I would recommend this movie for entertainment and inspiration. Some people like me need to see ideas in the form of a story with pictures to get the full scope of the idea. That is why we have a lecture at the end of each degree.
On Saturday, November 15th The Doric lodge building association will be hosting a long range workshop. Brother Bill Werner has put together a program that will focus on individual Lodges and how they can get big things done over a period of years. The time will be from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and there is no charge at all. Everyone is invited including non-Masons. This type of workshop can be applied to all organizations with the desire for long term success. All that I ask is that you RSVP. You may call me at home (206)528-1320 or email me underthetable@earthlink.net . Light refreshments will be served and there is a good restaurant across the street for those who wish to enjoy lunch and discuss the ideas and concepts learned at the workshop.
Thanks to both the Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them. The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA. Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.