TAKE MY HAND; FOLLOW ME

 

 

When I was a young man, a long time ago, The secrets of Masonry I wanted to know. Of a Mason I asked what those secrets might be. He replied,"First, we talk, then we will see." A petition he granted and ordered it filled. To be read at a meeting and a judgment be willed.

 

Then questions I answered about God and home; Of habits and friends; a wife or alone. In time I was summoned - a date to appear Before an assembly of men gathered near. I entered the building and looked up the stair; Does pleasure or pain await me up there?A hazing by paddle, taunting by joke?

 

My petition accepted or maybe revoked? Introductions and handshakes welcomed me there. And lessons symbolic, an aid to prepare. For a journey in darkness, a predestined plight,To a Holy of Holies, the source of all light.

 

How well I remember what I heard someone say,To enter God's Kingdom there is but one way, Be ye naked and blind, penniless and poor;These you must suffer 'fore entering that door.The journey ahead is not yours to know, But trust in your God wherever you go.


Then assurance from the darkness whispered tenderly,
"My Friend, be not afraid;
TAKE MY HAND;
FOLLOW ME."

      50+yrs                               40+yrs                                     

  Thomas W. Allen                  Frederick l. Carter

                                          Roosevelt B. Chisolm

                                          Arthur L. Jackson

                                          Ford Johnson

                                          Lonnie H. Jones

                                          Ernest J. Morine

                                          Henry L. Oney Jr.

                                          Robert M.L. Walker

 

                                                  30+yrs                               20+yrs  

                                              Ell T. Crocker                       Henry C. Banks

                                              Carlton E. Wyatt                  Richard A. Banks Jr.

                                                                                      Ervin Farmer Jr.

                                                                                      Howard R. Jones

                                                                                      Mitchell Mckeller Jr.

                                                                                      I.J. McNeil

                                                                                      Parnell Miles

                                                                                      Wallace M. Owens

                                                                                      Les J. Reid

                                                                                      James O. Wright