The Masonic Giants of Our Craft

While attending a Red Cross of Constantine meeting, I found myself talking to two Brothers whom I personally consider to be, two of the “Giants of our Craft”. It all started with the usual chit-chat conversation, then quickly turned to where they were going back in their minds, talking about the previous generation of Masonic brothers that they knew.

These men were the ones that they had considered to be, the Giants of the Craft of their younger years. They went through all of the intricate details of how these men impacted their journey of Masonry. Brother number one is of Lebanese decent and is fluent in 5 or more languages. He has lived in many places in the world, such as Africa, France, Lebanon, and United States. He is a highly respected retired Engineer with degrees specializing in both Civil and Mechanical engineering. And yet all he talked about is how proud he was to become a Mason.

He began to tell about how he became involved in Freemasonry; and the year that he served as Master of his Lodge. As he spoke, it was obvious to me that he was still literally beaming with pride to be a Mason. I was intrigued at how his eyes lit up when he reminisced about those earlier days of Masonry. His body mannerisms, expressed his excitement and his love of being a Mason.

As he shared his memories, he then began to exchange “old war stories” with the second brother present. Soon, both men showed great excitement as they both began to reminisce through those old times. They named the “old brothers of that day”, who were responsible in the formation of their love for the Craft. It went somewhat like this. “Do you remember old so & so”, “oh yes he used to do” “this & that”.  “And if you didn’t get it right; well he would get on you until you got it right. And by george once you got it right, you never forgot it.”

As I watched and listened carefully, it became clear to me that these two veterans of the craft still got very excited when they talked about these Masonic Mentors that they knew, loved and respected. These men were their Masonic Heroes, who were responsible for transferring their legacy of love for Freemasonry to them.

As we said good-bye; I was so inspired by their conversations, I decided that I must commit myself to do more to reach out and connect to the younger Masonic brothers of our great fraternity. And most importantly share my adoration and recognition to those that are worthy.

            Have you ever asked yourself, what am I leaving behind for the next generation of Masons?

My Brothers, look around you carefully. Take time to Lift up those who are worthy; because you just never know who may be listening, and consider you to be one of the Giants of our Craft.

R:W: Steven L. Jennings, Grand Senior Warden