A perfect bookend for 2018; Friendship Masonic Lodge’s first Entered Apprentice Mason of the year is also the final Brother to be Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason this December.
Brother Kevin Miller Conley‘s desire to become a Freemason was fulfilled this year in March, when he was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason. Exceeding expectations in his proficiency, he was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft in August; and now proven especially proficient, he has been honored with the gift of being made a Master Mason.
Exemplifying the year, a blend of fresh and familiar faces each assumed roles in carrying out this singular event for our brother.
Worshipful Brother Leo Schuman took on one of his favorite services to the Fraternity, conferring the Degree upon Brother Kevin. WB Rick Schleining delivered yet another spot-on lecture, while Brothers Jaimes and Vederman debuted their chops in the Master Mason Degree ritual. Perhaps most notably, RWB Hopkins asked to participate in the ritual – we haven’t even balloted on his petition yet – and his work was some of the most impressive of the night.
The brothers then observed one of our most cherished traditions
Immediately following the meeting, we assembled in the dining hall to toast our newly raised brother and enjoy some refreshments and fellowship.
It’s customary that the new Master Mason be the first to speak
once everyone has dished and poured their portion. Brother Kevin surprised us once again; failing to have an abundance of immediate reflection to share, he simply thanked everyone profusely for the “gift we’ve given [him]” and the deep sense of inspiration the night had left him with.
The assembled brethren all had their own words of congratulations, encouragement, and advice to offer up; but one of the highlights was WB-Elect Chase congratulating Bro. Kevin, thanking him for assisting with his installation the Sunday prior, and giving our youngest Master Mason a high-level brief of his lecture on the lessons this degree teaches us.
The Worshipful Master was the last to speak. Assisted by his father-in-law who shared a piece of work he’s been tailoring to Oregon – the Ballot Box Lecture – a blend of practical and moral instruction for the conduct of a Master Mason in lodge business. WB Lee closed with remarks about the great trust Friendship Lodge has placed in Bro. Miller-Conley and how sure we are that he is at the start of a bright career in Masonry.
Friends and fellow travelers
In a night full of joy and pride, the brightest jewel was when Brother Kent Smith (long-time friend, and Masonic mentor to Kevin) offered a few words about how proud he was to play a central role in the two most important ceremonies of Kevin’s life – Bro. Kent was the pastor at Bro. Miller-Conley’s wedding – our beloved brothers embraced, punctuating the deep bond they share.
an Ancient Tradition Lives On: a Long, Sublime Night
After the degree. After the toasting. After the hours of good cheer and fellowship. Though the hour was late Kevin and several of us just weren’t ready to quit this sacred retreat of brotherhood. Staying back for another hour or two, we traded stories of our own Master Mason degrees; the rememberd highlights, curiosities, and ultimate insights that these experiences have given us.
We found that though intended to be uniform in design, the initiatic experience of the Masonic Degrees is a unique experience for every individual. In coming together to share these experiences afresh and recount our own gives us a greater, collective light.
Just another part of the perfection of this institution I suppose.
