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LIBERTY LODGE #300s

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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE DECEASED PAST MASTERS OF
LIBERTY LODGE #300 A.F. & A.M.

Presented 10/27/2005

On January 10th, 1918, a group of 56 Lincoln Masons were granted a dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska to organize Liberty Lodge Number 300. On July 4th of that year, the Lodge was duly constituted under a charter granted by the Grand Master, Frederic L. Temple.

During the 87 years of its existence, 83 of its members have served the Lodge as Master. These Past Masters have given unstintingly of thier time and talents to the end that the affairs of this Lodge might be handled judiciously; that the principles of masonry might, by precept and example, be taught to those who seek after them; and that the virtues inculcated in Masonic teachings might become a living, vital part of the life of its members.

We are assembled here in observance of our annual Past Master's Night, as we enjoy the fellowship which such an occassion makes possible, it seems only fitting that we pause for a few moments to honor the memory of those who served the Lodge so faithfully, to the best of thier being, as Masters, and who have been called from thier labors here on earth to the Great Beyond. The now number 54.

Let us turn our thoughts to them, who, but a comparitively few years ago, were among us in the pride and power of life. Let us be mindful of the record of their wisdom, their good deeds, their words of truth, and their work of mercy and justice, that we may imitate them. Let us each rededicate himself to the high principles for which our great Fraternity stands.

Today they sleep, watched over by the sun, the moon, the stars, and by the God who fails not to mark the sparrow's fall. Dreamless and untroubled in thier slumber. Mighty forces may clash upon the lands, on the seas, and in the skies, but nothing of this reaches them. Utter peace they know and naught of this world's strife.

Rains give life to the turf above them, causing it to grow and shelter their resting places. All above them is life, and the turn of the seasons. When Nature rests, snowflakes sift down to cover their beds; when Nature wakes and all is green and glad above them, still they are sheltered. The years pass -- one-by-one -- and through them all, they sleep in peace.

This white flower is emblematical of that pure life to which they have been called. We deposit it upon the alter in thier memory, may we be reminded that, as this flower will soon droop and fade away; so too, we shall soon follow them. But let us then remember the evergreen; symbol of our faith in the immortality of the soul, and know that they are but sleeping, and that the imperishable part within, has survived the grave, and shall never, Never, NEVER die.

For in our archives, their names and deeds are written, and in our hearts and memories, there shall always remain a place for them.

The secretary will now read the names of our departed Past Masters and the years they served.

READING OF THE ROLL

As the sun sets in the West to draw to a close, so, one by one, we lay us down in the darkness of the tomb; to wait in calm repose for the time when the heaven shall pass away as a scroll; and man, standing in the Presence of the Infinity, shall realize the true end of his pilgrimage here below. Let this flower be to us, a symbol of remembrance of the virtues of those, our worshipful Brethren, who have preceded us to the silent land; a token of that Fraternal alliance which binds us together while on earth and which shall finally reunite us in Heaven.

Brother Chaplain, you will lead us in our closing prayer.

Prayer (by Chaplain)

O Merciful and Loving Father, encourage to perseverance all who labor in the cause of truth and virtue and the rights of men, and keep them from becoming weary, faint-hearted, assuring them that none shall labor without result, nor at the last are unrewarded.

Protect and perpetuate, we pray Thee, civil and religious liberty in this land, and prevent tyranny, subversion of constitutional government, oppression, injustice and usurpation, and defeat all mad and wicked schemes that, with plausible pretexts, lead to ruin. Teach all men the great truth, that peace, good government, political freedom, and religion walk hand in hand; and as Thou has united these, let none put asunder. Make the Order of Freemasonry worthy of its high pretensions. Persuade its initiates everywhere to illustrate its holy principles of truth, brotherly love, virtue, and tolerance; and when our labors in this earthly lodge and workshop in which we serve our apprenticeship are finished, admit us to the companionship of those who have worthily worked and gone away before us, in that temple of the heavens wherein Thy throne of love is established forever. Amen.

*NOTE: Memorial Service adapted from a presentation given by Lancaster Lodge #54 in honor of W.B. Guy O. Seaton in May 1993