From July-August
2004
My
First Lesson in Masonry
By Michael A. Buchan, 32°
“So you want to be a Mason?” the ferryboat
pilot asked. "Yes," I replied. That was the extent
of my interview after I petitioned Harmony Lodge #6, Galveston,
Texas, in 1942.
As a little kid delivering newspapers in the commercial
part of town, I noticed the cornerstones on various buildings.
They fascinated me. The signatures of the Grand Lodge of
Texas and the frequent square and compasses insignia were
most impressive. As I grew older, I began to notice in the
obituaries that prominent citizens were likely to be Masons.
When this was mentioned to my mother, she told me that she
had known and admired many of the deceased. She had a special
respect for Masons, although she really didn't know much
about their organization.
Then one night a few years later, while having coffee with
a night school classmate, our conversation wandered onto
public service. I was teaching Red Cross first aid to air
raid wardens. The year was 1942. My friend, Bernie, mentioned
he was involved in some work being sponsored by a Masonic
Lodge. This was my first known encounter with a real, live
Mason. After some discussion about what made Masons tick,
Bernie asked me if I might be interested in being one. “Yes,
I thought I might,” was my reply.
At our next meeting at school, he handed me a petition.
Later, while filling it out, I realized that I didn’t know
any local Masons who could sign my petition. Bernie’s
Lodge was in Iowa. So the petition was mailed to Harmony
Lodge with the signature spaces blank.
A couple of weeks later, as I was boarding the ferry that
took me to work at the ship repair yard across Galveston
Bay, the pilot motioned for me to come into the wheelhouse,
where he conducted my “interview.”
Life was much simpler 61 years ago. To this day, I don't
know who signed my petition. But I do know that learning
about the universality of Masonry over a cup of coffee
with my Jewish friend, Bernie, was my first lesson in Masonry.
