Brethren,
I wish that we could all be together for the Annual Grand Lodge Communication, but alas, such are the way of things right now. Over the last several months I have done my best to offer you stories of Masonic Light in this time of darkness. I have sent out 32 stories in 75 days, many written or greatly expanded during this time. I hope that I have been able to entertain and educate you about some of the great men and Masons in Oregon History, and given you some ideas for your Lodge Histories.
Today a new Grand Master will be elected and his officers appointed, we wish them all the best of luck in what will likely be another challenging year. Thank you MWB Eggers for allowing me to serve in your Grand Line this year, and thank you Brothers for taking the time to read my ramblings.
For my last act as Grand Historian, for the year, I present WB Joseph A. Sladen 33º. Through his long military career, he was the embodiment of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. A Peacemaker who worked across the color lines, serving as an office of Colored Troops during the Civil War and helping Gen. Howard bring opportunity and education to former Slaves during Reconstruction. Soldier, Hero, Doctor, and Professor, he repeatedly put himself on the line to bring Peace between Whites and the Native Americans tribes of the west. He left a legacy of service to this country, that rippled through several generations. I started his story with a biography written by Seth Pope, about one and a half pages; with some effort I was able to expand that a bit.
I have also included a Masonic Biography sheet as well. Print it out and fill it in, give one to your Past Masters, heck give one to every member of the Lodge and file them at the Lodge, Brothers in the future will love you for it.
There is a lot going on right now that boggles the mind of the Historian, destructive heavy handed patterns from the past are playing out in front of us again with little likelihood of obtaining anything but the same horrible results. In the interplay between opposing ideas we as Masons are called to a Higher Standard. Yet, in the age of social media many appear unable to restrain their vitriol. We have Brothers on both sides of most issues and I’m sure reasoning is varied. It is our duty to stand up for what we believe, and in this age of lies to stand for the Truth, but when we start down the path of the “other side is evil or stupid or not American enough” (that’s right I see what some of you post) like everybody on one side or the other are the same, we forget our obligations and play into the divisive game that is being perpetrated against all us as a whole. As hyperbolic and divisive rhetoric is thrust upon us, resist it, look at the facts and seek a constructive solution. There is an active effort to divide us at a time when we should be coming together for the betterment of all. Compassion on both sides is needed for understanding. We are called to tolerate the intolerant while defending against the intolerable. While the intolerant just get to be A… We have chosen the harder path. Sometimes I think my head is going to explode, so I remind myself Audi, Vide, Taci si vis vivere in pace and Virtus Junxit mors non seperabit…then look for something constructive to do.
Brethren, as we get back to our Masonic Lodges, be safe, and be careful. Let us be happy ourselves and endeavor to promote the happiness of others. Let the benign Genius of the Mystic Art preside over our dealings with one another and the World. Finally, my Brethren be ye all of one mind, live in Peace and many the God of Love and Peace delight to dwell with you and Bless You.
Michael D. Robinson
The articles presented here, will likely be put into a book and made available. They can also be found at the Oregon Scottish Rite Blog, as will future articles.
