more light #271
Candles
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
Dear Masonic Student,
Before I get in to this week’s topic for More Light I would just like to
comment on some books that are likely in your Lodge that contain some very good
Masonic information and history. Many times these books are either overlooked or
thought to be of little value, but if one were to take the time to read them
with an eye for learning there is information in them that is well nigh
impossible to find elsewhere. These books are the proceedings of the annual
communications of every Grand Jurisdiction in the world.
Over the years, having attended a few Grand Lodge Communications in
various jurisdictions, I have seen but a few Masonic Memorial Services conducted
at Grand Lodge Communications. Masonic Memorial Services have been and can be
conducted at year end for a Lodge or a Grand Lodge at its Annual communication.
The following is from the 1960 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. As
you read about the candles below, please know that each candle is presented by a
Brother Mason, who could be a Past Master or Past Grand Master in addition to
the Grand Master or Master of a Lodge. I have left the names of the departed
Brethren from 1960 in place, but these names are left in as an example and ought
to be replaced with current names if used for an annual memorial service by your
Lodge or Grand Lodge.
Candle No. 1
I light this candle, symbolic of God. In Him we live and move and have our
being. “The heavens declared the glory of God and the firmament showest His
handiwork. 0, Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thine Name in all the earth!”
Candle No. 2
I light this candle, symbolic of the Holy Bible, The Great Light in Masonry.
“Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates
thereon day and night. Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Candle No. 3
I light this candle in memory of Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Keith M.
Brown, who, held fast to the ideals of the Founding Fathers and served wherever
and whenever his country called, whether in peace or war. He was always active
in community life in all its facets. He gave much of his time and self in
dutiful, diligent and dedicated service to the welfare of all. Those who knew
him best, as well as those with whom he came in contact, say of him: “As a man,
Mason and public servant, there was inculcated in his thinking and action, the
principles and tenets of brotherly love, friendship, and all that is best for
everyone that their welfare might be forever fostered and nurtured.”
Candle No. 4
I light this candle in memory of Most Worshipful Brother Leroy E. Matson, Past
Grand Master, a distinguished lawyer, excellent judge of our Supreme Court,
lover of youth and especially De-Molay and Boy Scouts of America, and of young
people everywhere. A community builder and ever a loyal citizen, devoted to the
American way of life, as defined by our Constitution and Bill of Rights, may his
zeal, his motivating force for the Craft, his upright living, interest and
devotion to the welfare of America live long in the memory of his host of
friends and all who knew him and had the privilege of his association. He was
truly a disciple of brotherly love, relief, truth and justice to all.
Candle No. 5
I light this candle in memory of Most Worshipful Brother J. Miles Martin, Past
Grand Master of Masons of this Grand Jurisdiction. He was a truly devoted,
dedicated Mason. His work and efforts above and beyond the call of duty in many
of the Masonic bodies brought to him high honors and elevated him to high
offices. A devoted family man, good husband and father, outstanding Mason and
citizen, who loved his country; he left a legion of friends who mourn his death.
It has been truly said of him that in his lifetime he crowded in more
accomplishments than any two people ordinarily do in theirs.
Candle No. 6
I light this candle to signify the glory of life as lived by those Brethren of
the Craft in Minnesota, who since our last Annual Communication entered the
Celestial Lodge, where presides the Supreme Architect of the Universe, the
Grand Master of all mankind. “Those whom virtue unites, death can never
separate”.
Candle No. 7
I light this candle in memory of Master Masons, “Known but to God,” who,
answering the call of Country, made the supreme sacrifice that this Nation
might live, and that freedom become the heritage of all mankind. God grant that
Masonry may ever hold aloft the flaming torch of Liberty, and pass it on to the
generations to come.
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