Just after his birthday Brother Gustavo Ramirez received the final and highest degree of ancient craft Masonry.
After successfully passing his Fellowcraft proficiency examination this past September Brother Ramirez delighted us with his original research into one of the central symbols of that degree at our October Stated Meeting; and was found ready, willing, and abundantly qualified to be advanced to Master Mason.
With most roles being filled by our usual first string degree team, we were joined by several Brothers worthy of mention, all of whom brought their rarefied ritual skills to the degree:
This band of friends and brothers
Every Master Mason Degree – indeed every step of the initiatic experience – is a deeply intimate and unique experience for the man going through it. But it is a rare treasure to have someone who’s been with you throughout pivotal moments of your life to help bring it together.
Brother Ramirez knew that his dear friend of 15 years (and fellow Master Mason) would be there. He’d been with us at every one of Gustavo’s degrees, and alongside him throughout his Masonic career.
Brother Valan joined the fraternity around the same time as Gustavo. Undoubtedly the powerful memories of his own experience were fresh. Paired with his love of his dear friend, he was intensely motivated to be a part of Gustavo’s Master Mason Degree. Valan volunteered to serve two roles – the two with the most contact with Gustavo that night.
While he is the duly installed Junior Steward of Kenton Lodge, he stepped up and served as Senior Steward so well as to eliminate (in our minds) any doubt he would hold that office next year. But the show-stopper was his debut performance as the roughest of ruffians (a favorite role of our Worshipful Master) a vital part in the experience of every Master Mason.
Wages Paid
Unbeknownst to Brothers Primus and Binkerd they had not only contributed inestimable value to Bro. Ramirez’s Masonic life, but also achieved WB Chase’s 2019 Master’s Challenge.
And in gratitude for their efforts the Worshipful Master took a few moments to meet these diligent brothers on the level and present them with Friendship’s challenge coin in open lodge before the night was out.
The Worshipful Master closed the meeting on the Master Mason Degree and called everyone to the East for a photo with our esteemed brother. After which we retired to the dining hall for some refreshments and libations. As we dined, Brother Ramirez shared some heartfelt comments about his experience and his enthusiasm for Freemasonry.
As is our custom every man present offered his own toast to our newly raised brother, imparting some insight or inspirational sentiment. The last to speak was as always the Worshipful Master who stressed the value of brotherly love and the shared experience of Master Masons.
The celebrations continued for some time into the night, with the occasional man reluctantly peeling himself off, knowing that it was time for him to prepare for the next day. Ultimately it was Brother Ramirez who was left, reveling in the power and meaning of today.
