The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-03-08
AMONG THE LODGES.


A good story is told of how DIR. Gale
Joined the Masons. OF the, moro than
two hundred and fifty Masons in Roa-
nole, not more than one-eighth of them
know the doctor is a bright member of
the great fraternity.
Twenty years ago the doctor was
practicing physician at Cave Spring, in
Roanoke county. lie desired to join the
Masons and was recommended to Taylor
Lodge in Salem by two members who
live in that town.
The application was received and laid
over till the next full moon, when the
doctor was elected and received the de-
gree of entered apprentice. After the
ceremony was over, and the doctor got
ten into shape again the master said:
"Now. Doctor, as you live several miles
out Of town where there are no Masons,
and as it is necessary for you to learn
the work before you can become fell
low-craftsman, the brethren here will
be glad to lecture you at any time you
come to Salem"
The doctor promised and departed
late at night He unused over what he
had to learn and could form no concep-
ton Of what the strange and mysterious
words could be. But the doctor didn't
go back to Salem to get lectured. He
u
to his brother, Mr.. A. J. GAZE. As it
happened this brother was one of tho
brightest Masons in the State, being at
that time master of the Blue Lodge,
M. e. Ii. p in the Chapter and COM
mander in the Templars.
With many secret conversations, curl
GUS forms, grips and positions, the doc
tor, after his two weeks visit, came
back one of the brightest entered ap-
l.,
he had learned was perfect and came as
smoothly from his lips as the lecture of
master rhetorlcian.
AT the next full moon the doctor was
in Salem to got his degree. While
seated in the ante-room some one came
out and asked him if he had been over
to get lectured by the Salem brethren.
''No, have not"
"Then you can't get through this
lodge. We are very strict"
"Well, don't you think my case will
far from any MasoAs?"
eff you were excused you would be
subject to ridicule on account of your
failure before the lodge"
"Do what you can for me-"
''I'll report the matter to the East"
said the friend and vanished beyond the
tyler, who sat with his drawn sword in
his hand, grinning slyly at the doctors
ignorance.
The matter was brought up in the
lodge and much discussion followed.
The ancient landmark Of this lodge had
been to take in no candidate who had
not learned the prescribed work. To
deviate from the rule now would be set
ting a bad precedent.
AS large crowd was out, it was
finally decided to bring the physician in
for examination, and knowing the
failure he would make, to thrust him
out with severe reprimand.
The doctor was brought in, and the S.
ID. proceeded to examine him in tho
center of the lodge.
The first question was answered
promptly, and so were the many others.
and when the doctor got to that part
which "Makes man Mason" he went
through it US the school boy in Casa
Blanca"
Sometimes the doctor would correct
the examining officer, until finally that
Mason began to lose confidence in him
self, and before he asked the glib
tongued doctor another question looked
appealingly toward the East
When the last question was asked and
answered, the whole lodge applauded
and rising to their feet pressed around
to offer congra tulations. Even the wor-
shipful master took his hat down where
it was hanging on the peg of knowl
edge" and came forward with words of
praise. Every one was astonished, and
asked the doctor many questions about
where he was lecturcd, but he pretended
that he knew all the time.
The doctor got his degree and when
he came over to be ''raised,'' someone
asked him if he had taken another trip
to Norfolk. The Secrect had leaked out.
NM
The funeral of the late George w.
Wright, which was conducted by the
Odd Fellows last Tuesday morning was
an imposing affair, and reflected great
credit upon the order, both in strength
and fraternity. The staunch looking
body of Red Men who led the procession
was typical of years gone by, when the
friendly sons of the forest often pilotcd
the pale face, either in the doing of some
sad rites or into a land favored with
peace and plenty. 1t was all fraternity
here, made sacred by the hand of death.
The death benefit of Mr.. Wright. in
Mountain Dale Lodge, /. o. o. f.,
amounted to S112.
Southwest Council, No. 81, Jr. o. U.
A. NJ, promises to be ''staver" before
the next State council meeting. Tho
boys have secured now regalia, elected
good officers and are pushing ahead with
vim. They were visited by their
deputy on Friday night, also several
other members of Reliance. No. IS.
Tho Patriotic Sons of America are
growing rapidly, and the new camp in
this citv PROMISES to he ono Of copa;d nro