Walter B. Brookshire, 32°, K.C.C.H.
1766 Elgin Drive
Morristown, Tennessee 37814

A State Senator in Kentucky has established an annual "Masons' Day" to honor Freemasonry.

One of Masonry's contemporary giants is the Honorable Albert Lee Robinson, 32°, State Senator, District 21, in Kentucky. Brother Robinson combines vision and planning with plain hard work. For example, he tactfully initiated and brought to fruition "Masons' Day at the Capitol," a day when Masons gather at the state capitol in Frankfort to be honored and to stand tall for America.

A man in Brother Robinson's position had every reason to think: "If I want to be reelected, I better play it safe and watch my actions. With some critical of Freemasonry, I, as a public official, better let someone with less to lose try something." Yet Bro. Robinson tried, he succeeded, and other Kentuckians and Freemasons joined him!

Brother Robinson began "Masons' Day" during the 1996 legislative session. With short notice, nearly 100 Masons congregated in Frankfort. Such success caused the Senator to decide to make it a tradition, and on February 10, 1998, over 300 Masons overflowed the largest legislative committee room in the Capitol Office Building. Governor Paul Patton, Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry, and legislators from both chambers of the General Assembly addressed the group made up of Kentucky Grand Lodge Officers, representatives of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shrine, Eastern Star, 75 Kentucky Lodges, and a large group of Scottish Rite Freemasons from the Valley of Knoxville, Tennessee.

To these men and women, the Senator said: "I am proud to stand before this impressive yet humble group of men who are so dedicated to public service." He continued, "Based on the enormous success of this event, I hope to make Masons' Day a national event in the future."

In the afternoon, Masons visited the legislative houses and heard congratulations, citations, and resolutions. The following is Brother Robinson's resolution as passed in the Senate:

"A Resolution adjourning the Senate in honor of Masons.
"Whereas, the Masons are the largest and oldest fraternity worldwide whose recorded history dates back nearly 1,000 years, and whose fellowship was founded on friendship, charity, brotherly love and benevolence; and
"Whereas, many of our founding fathers were Masons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Henry Clay—men who were instrumental in establishing and development of our great nation, and
"Whereas, many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were Masons, and the significance of their allegiance to this great nation is unparalleled and will have lasting impact; and
"Whereas, noted for being great arbitrators and for their unbounded loyalty to God, to their country, and to their fellowman, their humanitarian contributions have given them global distinction;
"Now Therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Section 1. The Senate is proud and honored to recognize the Masons for their genuine love and concern for humanity, and they are held in highest esteem for their dedication to worthy causes without prejudice to or judgment of their fellowman.
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor of the Masons.
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Senator Albert Robinson."

What about the new millennium? "Masons' Day" in the year 2000 should be spectacular as Brother Robinson, with tall helpers, plans the event and sends forth the word. Once more, visiting Masons will be permitted to stand in the shadow of the great, stretch ourselves, and envision a future populated with giants like Senator Robinson who has served the people of Kentucky for 28 years, 20 years in the legislative bodies and eight years as a $1.00 a year man. Being a Senior Member of the Kentucky Legislature, he is chairman of the powerful and prestigious State and Local Government Committee.

Brother Robinson and his lady, Lucille, have three children and reside in the London, Kentucky, area where Bro. Robinson owns Robinson Realty and she teaches in North Laurel Middle School. They are dedicated members of Faith Assembly of God Church where Bro. Robinson has served on the board and Mrs. Robinson is the Missions Director.

The Senator is a dual member and Past Master of both McKee Lodge No. 144 and C. D. Ward Lodge No. 961. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite Bodies, Oleika Shrine Temple, and Eastern Star. For a lad who followed the south end of a mule, he has plowed his way to places of high honor and service. With pride, we title him "A Giant of a Man."

Imagine the consequence, if Masons in other capitals accept the challenged to walk tall. What if Robinson's idea spreads? I think I hear the sound of footsteps, the sounds of "giants walking in the land."

Walter B. Brookshire is a retired Baptist pastor and educator. A native of Gilmer County, Georgia, he is a World War II veteran and, after years in industry, was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1951. A Past Master of Kyle Lodge No. 422, Whitesburg, Tenn., he is Prelate, 1998–99; Executive Committee, 1998–99; and presently is a member of the cast of the 29° of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Knoxville, Tenn. Other Masonic affiliations include: York Rite Bodies, Morristown, Tenn.; Ambassador, Ritual Cast, and Chaplain, 1998, of Kerbela Shrine Temple, Knoxville; as well as Chaplain and Past President of the Morristown Shrine Club.