Page 18 - Jan 2019 MFM.indd

Another course correction - For a Lodge in a crisis In writing the previous article one of the thoughts
situation, that knows it will have to Consolidate or that occurred to me, was many of the things that I had
Surrender the Charter, don't put it off . You need the observed while serving as a DeMolay Advisor. So
membership of the Lodge to conduct the business of as many others have done, I off er the following for
the lodge in order to surrender or consolidate. Keep consideration - as Masons, we can perhaps can take a
in mind that while your fi rst thought might be to give lesson from the Order of DeMolay.
your assets to the community where the Lodge is
located, consider this if the community cared about Read through the following lyrics of "I'm Living
your Lodge you would see more support and members DeMolay" by Brother Howie Damron.
from it. We should not fear losing a Lodge building or
a Lodge, the shame in losing a Lodge or a building is
when not recognizing when it is time to do so. Strive to I'm Living DeMolay
conduct the process as a good steward and do so with
honor and grace. Since the days of old knights Templar
Been taught the humble way
Course correction - Civility, we need to demonstrate To stand for truth and honesty
civility in Lodge and Grand Lodge, with our family Like Grand Master DeMolay
and friends, ever remembering that we are a sacred
band, or society of Friends and Brothers, among We shine the light of honor
whom no contention should ever exist, save that noble In a dark and misty land
contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work And for each other
and best agree. George Washington wrote, "Every We will proudly take a stand
action done in Company, ought to be with some sign
of respect, to those that are present." I have lots of big ambitions
There will be some who do not agree with this article, That I’ll one day share with all
and that's okay. But, understand that doing business as I must heed the words from leaders
usual is not the way. Who have also heard the call

Foundations for the future
O Ship of State Are instilled within our minds
My dreams I’m sure
Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State! One day I will fi nd
Sail on, O Union, strong and great!
Humanity with all its fears, Chivalry’s alive and well
With all the hopes of future years, And goodness still abounds
Is hanging breathless on thy fate! Where integrity and friendship
We know what Master laid thy keel, And loyalty is found
What Workmen wrought thy ribs of steel, Where leaders of tomorrow
Who made each mast, and sail, and rope, Teach the goodness of today
What anvils rang, what hammers beat, I’m proud to tell the whole world
In what a forge and what a heat I’m living DeMolay
Were shaped the anchors of thy hope!
Fear not each sudden sound and shock, I will gladly share with others
‘Tis of the wave and not the rock; What I’ve found in DeMolay
‘Tis but the fl apping of the sail, For I’m sure that all it’s teaching
And not a rent made by the gale! Are needed in our world today
In spite of rock and tempest's roar,
In spite of false lights on the shore, It’s great to have a friendship
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea! And be part of such a cause
Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee. Humbly telling all the world we’re one
Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, And one will stand for all
Our faith triumphant o'er our fears,
Are all with thee, -are all with thee! Yes, I’m proud to tell the whole world
That I’m living DeMolay
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1850)

Page 18 Montana Freemason January 2019