... "Joppa is one of thousands, neither better or worse. It possesses its enthusiastic brethren, its little "ring" or "gang" which carries on, fills the chairs, does the committee work, loves and labors for it. It also has its "Knife and fork" Masons who turn out en masse for an entertainment, a "feed" or a District Deputy Visitation, but who are conspicuous by their absence at funeral and Fellowcraft's degrees. Among Winty's brethren in Joppa were several real students such as Past Master Tolliver; Masons who delighted in the Craft's romantic history, the quiet but important part Freemasonry has played in secular history, especially that of the Untied States, her symbolism, her antiquities an her ramifications. Like the Masons of many another Lodge, Joppa members will vote freely from the treasury for relief and fight bitterly among themselves over the question of raising dues a dollar a year. Her leadership was average. Joppa elects to the foot of the line and moves officers up year by year nine times out of ten. Too often the Junior Steward was elected because of personal popularity, occasionally from indifference. Seldom was he picked by thoughtful consideration as the best possible brother to be Master seven years hence. Just an average lodge, sturdy in Masonic ideals, sometimes wavering in Masonic practice, it muddled through somehow, showing a steady growth.
I stayed up last night until 1 AM to finish the book. I enjoyed it even if the story was somewhat predictable as I read through it. It was obvious to me that Claudy loved Masonry and he wanted to convey his perception of what we are all about. I recommed that you read it. j
1 comment:
Winty's story is just a nail on which Claudy hung his personal picture of the Fraternity. And yes, it was a predictable story line.
The biggest contrasts though were the two tragic figures in the story. Ben was the "user", who caused great pain, yet suffered tremendously and was the recipient of Masonic Charity. Kathleen was the long suffering girl, loving Winty forever, being largely ignored by him and then being used most cruelly (at least in Winty's mind). Her reward? Winty named his daughter in her memory. Somehow, that just doesn't seem like enough.
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