Last night the Brethren of Friendship Masonic Lodge came together for one purpose
To pass Brother Kevin Miller-Conley to the degree of Fellowcraft Mason. Every degree is special: it’s a unique, life-changing experience for the brother recieving it; and also for even the most experienced brethren working to give this gift. But Brother Miller-Conley’s Fellowcraft was truly a stand-out degree for us all.
I was surprised to see Brother Kevin helping to set up the Lodge (as best and as much as he could) when I arrived an hour before opening the Lodge. But that is the sort of Brother he is, and indeed his upright conduct and regular deportment have merited the honor we conferred. Furthermore, the fine example he sets, the way he raises his own standard and everyone else’s along the way – this was specifically pointed out to him after the degree, when toasting our newly passed Fellowcraft. during refreshment.
The work itself was nothing short of astonishing and uplifting. It marked several members’ first forays into degree work (on the bright side of the hoodwink). Bros. “Romulus” and “Remus” (Quinn Haase and Patrick Reilly to their birth parents) took point as Senior and Junior Stewards, respectively; practicing breathtaking precision in their floorwork. Our newest member, Bro. Jimmie Jaimes served as Senior Deacon (and without much, if any, California work slipping out). Recently returned WB James Peyor-Nelson played Senior Warden.
Some of our regular line-up was still in place: Brother Chris Chase gave the degree lecture (a personal favorite of his) with great aplomb, with our Worshipful Master conferring the degree and giving the “G-Lecture”. All this powerful work done with precise intention, this Fellowcraft Degree culminated in WB Schuman’s quietly contemplative delivery of the Fellowcraft Charge.
The hours of refreshment following the degree were boisterous and engaging. As previously said – Bro. Kevin was duly celebrated for his manifest commitment to Masonry and Friendship Lodge, and the various assembled Brethren all gave their two cents of advice and insight into this new step in our brother’s development as a man and Mason. As the conversation turned from the philosophical to the day-to-day, our dilligent Junior Warden called the brothers on to clean up house. After which we retired to the “secret lodge” (our preferred neighborhood pub), where everyone continued the good times and camaraderie – laughing, learning and connecting, well into the night.
Great work my brother