Deputy's Message
Robert W. Schrader Deputy of the Supreme Council in Wyoming
Charlie says it is time for me to write another article for the magazine. I thought I had
just done one, but ok!
It's hard to find something to talk about each time. I had something really good to write
about, but I forgot it before I could get it on paper, or the computer. It should have really motivated you to
greater production as a Scottish Rite Mason, and made outsiders really bite at the bit to become members. Unfortunately,
I don't remember. Oh, well!![]()
I do remember looking around the room at my house, while I am trying to write this. There
is the goose hanging on the wall that was the first one I ever shot. I know that because everyone else was shooting
the other direction. My youngest daughter went out of the pit and went for it. She carried it out across her arms,
rather than by the feet, and was so proud to do it. (She kind of likes hunting with us.) And I looked at the picture
my wife painted when we went south to visit her folk. (They are in there mid 90s.) And then I thought about what
I would do with my Masonic "stuff". Lots of things to think about!![]()
But, the most recent to think about was my two grandsons, who went to the Maudy-Thursday
services (now known as the Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal). They were impressed. They were so impressed that
when we had a prayer, they imitated their Papa (grandfather) and crossed their arms in the sign of the Good Shepard.
I lightly pushed their arms down and told them they could get that privilege when they were a little bit older.
They did, and maybe they will be ready to explore Masonry when they are just a little older.![]()
My own father (and my grandfather and my uncles) did not even give me that much information
about Masonry. I was lucky. I was a medical company commander at Fort Riley Kansas and in the field with my First
Sergeant. We shared a tent. Top (nickname for company first sergeant) was sitting on the back of his cot and looking
at a small book. He was moving his lips and concentrating. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was learning
Masonry. I asked what that was and he told me. I mailed my father and asked to join. I did, the work was done in
Kansas, and I sat as a first time visitor in my own Lodge in Cheyenne, WY.![]()
The lesson is that we need to let others know who we are and how to join. That is the best
kept SECRET in Masonry. Don't let it be!![]()
Can
you do it! I think you can. THAT'S WHAT SCOTTISH RITE MASONS DO!