The Guiding Light April 2016 | Page 11

THE SOUTH GATE

We learn in one of our earliest degrees to pledge to come to the relief of a needy Brother. Personally, I took this to mean to come to financial relief of a needy Brother. While this is a very noble and worthwhile goal and endeavor, I learned that there is much more to this pledge!

While recovering, at home, from surgery, I discovered that I was needy, and that many of my Brothers came to my relief! I did not need financial support, I needed and yearned for friends and Brothers that genuinely cared, and were willing to display that part of friendship and brotherly love!

One Brother, who volunteers at the hospital, arranged his schedule to meet my wife and I at the admissions desk. He then escorted us to pre-op and stayed for some time to ensure our needs were met. He then stopped in several times during my stay to check up and make sure my needs were being met.

Over the next several days, while in the hospital, numerous Brothers stopped by to visit. Each of them offered their help and assistance in

any way they might provide.

After returning home, there was a steady stream of phone calls, text messages, and visits to ensure that I was recovering and that all my needs had been met. Again, came multiple offers to help around the home place, or to drive me to appointments, and much more.

One Monday evening, two brothers made the trek (12 miles out of town) to help me with the esoteric work and the upcoming certifications. One of those Brothers drove over 40 miles one way to help!

It is very reassuring to know that the obligation and pledges these Brothers swore, many years ago, still resonate within them. May each of us learn and come to the relief of a needy Brother.

In closing, we always try to pay wages if aught be due. To my Brothers of Fredericksburg Masonic lodge #794, THANK YOU!

George Hahn, Junior Warden

The Guiding Light / March. 2016 11