On Wednesday the 24th Friendship Masonic Lodge conferred its first degree of the year and the last of Patrick Reilly’s initiatic experience, as he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.
It was a night of marked difficulty, abundant joy, and effusive brotherly love. Despite being short handed by sickness and travel Friendship pushed onward to give our Brother one of the most special gifts of our fraternity. The ritual (and evening in total) was all the better for the efforts of our beloved brothers Tom Binkerd and Doug Auld who traveled to Friendship and pitched in after learning we were short-staffed.
This particular night was a unique privilege for Worshipful Brother Leo Schuman, too as Patrick’s mentor. After perfectly conferring the degree upon Brother Reilly, Leo presented him with a precious, antique Master Mason ring; composed of Mexican silver and genuine turquoise. Brothers Reilly and Schuman hugged and exchanged a few words of mutual affection before we retired to the dining hall for toasts, libations and words of wisdom and encouragement for the newest Master Mason of Friendship Lodge. The ensuing celebrations went on well into the night, everyone delighted to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience for our brother, Patrick.