1. My Father was a 50 year Master Mason. Raised in Hinesville Ga. I know he was active in the Eastern Star and was a Shriner. My Mom was in the White Shrine and in the Eastern Star. I rarely asked Dad what Masonry was. I do remember him telling me once that he could not ask me to become a Mason.

Once while I was helping him survey some property, I remember him catching me looking at the plumb at the bottom of the transit. I remember him saying something to the effect that it should remind me to walk upright and keep a good reputation. That all men could then know me as an upright person.

I never thought about the lodge much after that. Guess I was too busy as a young man in college, Maybe I was more interested in work, chasing girls or even just running around with my buddies. In any event I forgot all about the lodge. Years later after he passed away, I remember seeing the people that were picked as pall bearers for his coffin. Though it was not a Masonic funeral, I noted that of the six, five were Masons. I looked and also realized they were all me of good reputation in the city. The manager of the city utilities department, my fathers boss. The owner of the furniture store who once was my supervisor at a piano plant. The commander of the local National Guard Armory, a Mississippi Highway Patrol Officer, and a City Councilman. It got me to thinking. I started remembering the Eastern Star spaghetti suppers I enjoyed. The people I met. How nice they were and friendly. 

Years later, I as a Paramedic was traveling down a road not too very far from my home. I saw the familiar square and compasses. I was surprised as I had lived there for years and never knew it was there. A few weeks later I just couldn't knock that memory from my mind and decided to check it out. After all, with all those men in my memory and their reputations they all held it just called me to find out just what it was that made such men join the fraternity. 

I remember knocking on that lodge door and no answer was made. I cracked the door open and stepped inside the dining area. I saw no one but did hear the sounds of gavels within. The fear of the unknown made me finally turn and walk out without going around the corner to look to see if anyone was about I could talk to. But again my curiosity got to me and I returned a couple of weeks later. That time I found men gathered around a table loaded with cake, pies, and coffee. We talked and I finally got the nerve to ask for a petition. I guess, some need a little nudge to get past the fear of the unknown. Past the personal intimidation. So when you find some one that appears curious, well, just be a friend until that time where he will confide to you. The desire to himself become a just and upright man. 

1. Walter Raymond Paschal, Past Master of the lodge in Holly Springs Mississippi... I miss you man.