Master's Masonic Message (March 2008)
PRESERVATION-(noun) The maintenance of something, especially something of
historic value; the keeping of something INTANGIBLE intact.
Charlie Fields was born January 9th, 1923, and at age of 33 decided to ask the
question and petition the Whitesburg Masonic Lodge on July 15th, 1955. Charlie was
Initiated on October 7th, 1955, Passed on March 15th, 1957, and Raised on August
3rd, 1957. Unfortunately, Charlie Fields was suspended on July 21st, 1961. I can not
attest to what my grandfather did while he was a member of the Whitesburg Masonic
Lodge, nor do I know if he was active, but I do know that he PRESERVED the
meaning and teachings of Masonry by showing his LIGHT outside the doors of the
lodge and to be honest I've never heard an ill word about my Papaw. I do know that in
the early 1980's Papaw was interested in getting reinstated to the lodge, but died on
July 18th, 1984, my third birthday, and did not have the opportunity to be in good
standing with this Fraternity we love so well. But, it was in his demeanor as a man,
and a mason that inspired somebody else to petition the Whitesburg Masonic Lodge,
my father.
I can't tell you when my dad asked for the petition but I do know this, Paul Fields was
initiated into the Whitesburg Masonic Lodge on July 17th, 1986, one day before my
fifth birthday, and one day away from two years of losing his father, and even more
ironic, Doyle Fields' petition was turned into the lodge that same night. Dad and Doyle
were active in the lodge again PRESERVING the meaning and teachings of Masonry,
and by watching the two of them, how they acted, how they treated people, what they
did for their community, sparked an interest in Masonry for me. I asked the question,
was Initiated on July 3rd, 2003, Passed on September 4th, 2003, and Raised
October 4th, 2003. We lost Doyle on May 27th, 2005 but his memory will live on with
us all, for he did his part in PRESERVING this great ancient and honorable fraternity.
Which brings me to Valentines Day, when seven brothers, Roland D. Brown II,
Brandon K. Moore, Arius Holbrook Jr., Sammy Frazier, Dale Everidge, Paul Fields
and myself, embarked on the task of delivering roses to our widows, undertaking and
completing this project, doing our part to continue to PRESERVE this lodge and show
that LIGHT outside the doors of the lodge.
Brothers I am very proud of OUR lodge, and am very very impressed and pleased
with the turn outs for the meetings in February. 33 members for our first meeting and
30 members and 1 visitor at the second. Brothers I applaud you for coming out and
attending the lodge, and I can say, they've been truly educating and exciting. I would
like to take this time to congratulate Roland D. Brown II, Charles Hall, and Ryan
Adams on turning in their proficiencies on the Masters Mason degree.
Brothers I would also like to inform you that on February 23rd, myself along with Doug
Holbrook, Robert Adams, Ryan Adams, Tom Adams, Allen Ross, James Absher, Dale
Everidge, Adam Collier, and Paul Fields went to Krypton lodge and left with the
TRAVELING GAVEL. While there, Dad presented a ring to Brother Tom Adams, and
let me tell you, it was an emotional experience for the Craft. Brothers for those that
don't know, Krypton Lodge 905 had caught on fire near the first of the month, and
they've basically lost everything, aprons, jewels, staffs, history in general was lost in
that fire, but the Traveling Gavel withstood the flame and shows the scars of the fire,
but came out intact and now in OUR possession. This Gavel has done its own part in
yet again PRESERVING a certain point in the history of our ancient and honorable
fraternity. Brothers there will be a pancake breakfast held at the lodge on Saturday
March the 8th, beginning at 6AM and lasting till 11AM, with all donations going to help
and assist Krypton Lodge to rise from the ashes that the fire has left.
Also I will inform you that we are now on the web, www.whitesburg754.org, that's the
address to the website, and on there you will be able to find a link that will allow you
to receive your newsletter via your email, that is if you wish, if not, then I assure you
that it will be still be mailed straight to your mailbox. Brothers if you can please come
to the breakfast and also the auction on March 14th. Brothers I believe we may be
having degree work on the first meeting in March so I would like all that can attend, to
attend. Brothers remember to always SHINE that MASONIC LIGHT outside the doors
of the lodge….and thanks to ALL THE BROTHERS that have done their part to
PRESERVE this Whitesburg Masonic Lodge. "From the Craft I came, and to the Craft
I'll return."