by Christopher Hodapp
(UPDATE 8:38PM 7/30/20: An earlier version of this story erroneously said Oscar Alleyne, the Senior Grand Warden of New York was in attendance. He was not. I regret the error.)
There is a post-script to Wednesday's Masonic funeral service for U.S. Congressman John Lewis in Atlanta. Before the service began, the brethren filed in, and Prince Hall Grand Master Corey D. Shackleford introduced the honored Masonic visitors. In addition to the large number of Masons from the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia, there was the Grand Master of the MWPHGL of Tennessee L. Lamont Banks.
And representing the Grand Lodge of Georgia F&AM were Most Worshipful Grand Master Johnie M. Garmon, Senior Grand Warden Donald C. Combs, and Grand Tyler William T. White.
In the Scottish Rite, the motto and message of the 14th degree is "Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit - Whom Virtue Unites, Death Cannot Separate." My Latin is truly miserable, so I'll leave it to others to adequately recaption this story as "Death Unites Masons Who Have Otherwise Remained Separated."
Let us all hope that this brief moment of unity and brotherhood is only the first opportunity for Georgia's brethren to explore greater cooperation and eventual recognition, and not just a momentary, fleeting contact never to be repeated. If recognition came from the the seeds planted at this particular funeral, there would be a certain symmetrical, symbolic properness to it.
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| Photo: Atlanta Journal Constitution |
If you have a Facebook account, you can see the video of the Masonic service HERE.
(My apologies for not knowing who the original source was for these photographs - I assembled them from various Facebook posts today. Let me know and I will properly credit them. And yes, everyone properly wore their masks for the service, only removing them for the photos.)
UPDATE 7/31/20:
The Atlanta Journal Constitution website features a short interview with Grand Master Shackleford HERE.
May your light continue to shine /G\
ReplyDeleteA shaft of light in the darkness.
ReplyDeleteAnd John Lewis would be thrilled if his funeral caused unity. I knew Congressman Lewis, although, admittedly, not well. His office and mine were in the same building for 13 years. He was my Congressman for years until I was gerrymandered into another district. The last time I saw him was in the parking lot shortly after the election of 2016. He was very approachable. We all owe a great deal to him and his courage. Let's hope his death leads to Masonic unity in Georgia.
ReplyDeleteTrue Masonic Unity is when we all can sit down together in a titled Lodge!
DeleteEuropean freemasons cannot understand why recognition is still not general in the US as this is a completely un-masonic phenomenon
DeleteMany of us Prince Hall Mason's wonder the same thing!
DeleteIt is a beautiful sight to see even if it be 2020. I am the stone carver who made the Limestone Obelisk in front of the Atlanta Masonic Center on Peachtree Street. I duly support and implore that the Grand Lodge of Georgia recognize Prince Hall Masons. It is high time Brethren now.
ReplyDeleteIt is great Honor to a part of this this illustrious Brotherhood. Ti see Brother from all walks of life diverse Religions Colors etc Celebrating Brother John Lewis life and Legacy. Freemasonry all the way . Byron m Tolliver 32degree Mason Eberbach Germany
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ReplyDeleteMany of the pictures show brethren without masks. The actual service showed most in masks, but the photos here show a great deal of risk taking and poor examples.
Perhaps they have been vaccinated, shouldn't jump to conclusions, plus we try not to Covid shame here the south
DeleteIt is a shame we are still having this discussion in certain jurisdictions😔ALAS my Brother!
ReplyDeleteLovely. Many thanks for the overview.
ReplyDeleteBrethren thanks to tgaou I was ìn the March on Washington with bro John.So honored to call him brother.A.Guy Morris PM Jòhn James Mills lodge Linstead Jamaica
ReplyDeleteTrue! This photo may have been dangerous to their health.
ReplyDeletePerhaps from such an acorn...
ReplyDeleteVery lovely indeed. Thank you for sharing. WJW Darren Sawyer Lodge St. David 1741SC Nassau Bahamas
ReplyDeleteGod be with us in a time of decision
ReplyDeleteI long for the day when we can all sit together in a Tyled Lodge with ALL differences behind us. Freemasonry is UNIVERSALLY SPREAD over the surface of the globe so it is time to recognize the we are all of the Fatherhood of God.
ReplyDeleteI too long for that day
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