Grand Master Lays Centennial Cornerstone At Masonic Temple

[Alex Belisle]

http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... ornerstone

One hundred years ago, in the spring of 1915, the hopes and dreams of the Lakewood Masonic Family became reality. A century later 0n May 30, 2015, the centennial cornerstone was laid. There was a procession with the members wearing their finery leading into the main entrance with the ceremony taking place in their ballroom/auditorium.

[Michael Deneen]

I wish I had a top hat!

[Gary Rice]

Alex,

Thank you so much for being with us today and documenting this historic occasion.

Beautiful and professional photos indeed.

Thanks also, to Mayor Michael Summers for his presence today.

Thanks also to the Gospel Group of the Lakewood United Methodist Church for performing the song that Dad and I wrote for this occasion "A Temple Stands In Lakewood". That was one of the last collaborations that Dad and I had before his passing.

The Lakewood Masonic Temple is a magnificent edifice, and a wonderful part of downtown Lakewood. There are opportunities to tour the building during the year and yes, Mike, if you look closely at our lodge room balcony, you will see metal rings under the seats that would have held those top hats of the brethren, back when that style was in vogue. These days, those top hats are primarily ceremonial.

American Freemasonry is a religious-respecting non-sectarian fraternity based on God and brotherhood. There are also Masonic-related women's groups like the Eastern Star. Men of all faiths and political persuasions meet within those walls as Masons, leaving their particular political and religious opinions temporarily at the door of the Lodge, and centering instead, on activities within the Lodge that all moral people could agree with.

In spite of what you might read on the internet, Masonry is not a conspiracy-laden dark thing at all, nor is it a secret society or a religion. It is instead simply a private fraternity that has a few secrets; indeed it is perhaps the first private organization that was not affiliated with powers-that-be. Wealthy and poor could meet on level ground and work on whatever unites humankind, rather than what divides us. True, we have secret signs and means of recognition. Because we did exist outside of the control of kings and other powers, we were therefore the subject of much suspicion and many lies that continue on the internet today.

I could only say this. Many of you know me well, or you knew my Dad. Many of you know a Freemason, or had an ancestor who was one. Look at the Freemasons you know, and you will then have a good idea about the kind of organization they belong to.

No one can ask you to be a Mason either. To be one, you must ask them. Many of your fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers belonged to this group, and the Masons continue to serve this community and the world with quiet distinction.

Again thanks to all who helped to make our day a special one indeed!

Back to the banjo/drum/guitar, you-name-it!