Table of Contents

As his family and friends gather,

forming a mournful congregation.

Rest ye now, O' Master Mason,

you've fulfilled your obligation.

He was known to be a good man,

but a better man he'd become.

Clinging to the symbolic tools,

the square, level, and plumb.

The Masonic Rites are given,

apron clad Freemasons on display.

He looks back, smiles, and nods,

while ascending the stairway.

All the brethren left behind,

will remember his good deeds.

As he travels Heaven bound,

they all wish him Godspeed.

His body here, but spirit gone,

the earthly bonds now broken.

Where St. Peter is the Tyler,

and passwords never spoken.

Designs upon the trestle board,

this craftsman is set to hasten.

The Supreme Architect orders,

"Rest ye now, my Master Mason."

© May 9, 2003

True innocence of conduct,

and purity of the heart.

A man prepares himself,

a journey about to start.

The brethren had been told,

the candidate was freeborn.

As an Entered Apprentice,

this was the first time worn.

Revealing tangible evidence,

proudly tied about the waist.

His unmistakable character,

proving to be moral and chaste.

Traveling twice to the altar,

with deity always in thought.

Bib down with the corner up,

a Fellowcraft is thus taught.

Positioned neat and proper,

always tied steadfast and right.

This apron made of lambskin,

unsoiled and brilliantly white.

Raised to the sublime degree,

having repeated furthermore.

The Master Mason squares it,

and dons it this way evermore.

This basic pure white apron,

worn square, level and plumb.

Seen as the badge of a Mason,

for centuries past and to come.

© December 26, 2003

My life was merely average,

prior to Masonic exposure.

Receiving the right of passage,

I've gained a new composure.

The brethren have accepted me,

with fellowship and brotherly love.

A truly sublime gift you see,

from the Supreme Ruler above.

I now see the good in all men,

that I'd overlooked before.

The world seems to be new again,

passing through the Tyler's door.

In the South I prepared the feast,

now in the West I can be found.

Working my way toward the East,

for tis' there that I am bound.

In just a short year from now,

the lodge will be in my care.

The Master's hat upon my brow,

and sitting in the Oriental Chair.

And I'll do my best to convey,

what Freemasonry means to me.

Laboring harder day to day,

that a better man I might be.

© December 19, 2004

The first three degrees of Freemasonry,

are the fundamental core.

Although another twenty nine are there,

to assimilate and explore.

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,

is where they can be found.

Beautiful theatrical presentations,

that will impress and astound.

Not to be mistaken for higher degrees,

but merely additional.

While on life's Masonic journey,

they are simply transitional.

Fourteen are from the Lodge,

that being of Perfection.

The ineffable degrees,

to which you'll have an affection.

Two are from the Council,

of the Princes of Jerusalem.

Referred to the historical degrees,

of Cyrus' and Darius' Kingdom.

Two are from the Chapter,

known as the Rose Croix.

The philosophical and doctrinal degrees,

of hope, truth, and joy.

The final eleven degrees,

are those of the Consistory.

Culminating with the thirty second,

rounding out a complete history.

These all should be viewed,

with an open and inquisitive mind.

Then you'll understand,

the trials and tribulations of mankind.

A Master Mason's journey,

is not educationally fulfilled.

Lest all thirty two degrees,

are experienced and instilled.

If you're seeking further enlightenment,

and you're ready to pursue.

Then the Scottish Rite,

is here and waiting for you.

© December 29, 2006

I skillfully worked the stone,

it was hard, rough, and cold.

Then taken from me and thrown,

only square work I was told.

I felt so useless and ashamed,

the Overseers were on guard.

They sent me whence I came,

in quarries where I labored hard.

The weeks end came about,

and I went to collect my pay.

"Impostor", the others shout,

and I was abruptly taken away.

The Craftsmen began to protest,

then they all started to roil.

An end was put to the unrest,

and then all returned to toil.

Others would watch to see,

as I continued on my piece.

When their eyes were on me,

my drudgery would increase.

Arrival of inspection day,

hearing the words, true work.

Then listen to hear them say,

after another glance, good work.

Facing the men behind cages,

this time was not a disaster.

Taught to collect my wages,

now, I am a Mark Master.

© April 8, 2007

This is the story of my degree,

all were taken on bended knee.

From one, two, and then three,

darkness to light, now I see.

Ask me, a Mason, I'll tell you,

about the first degree I took.

Unsure what I was getting into,

how I was nervous and shook.

Every Mason has felt this way,

once blindfolded and in the dark.

Then at the door I'm told to stay,

patiently waiting to embark.

My initiation, about to begin,

my conductor held me tight.

Clamminess described my skin,

square corners to my right.

Silence broke at the gavel's rap,

and a sweet prayer filled the air.

Then on my hand a gentle tap,

I'm asked to promise and swear.

Then I was brought into the light,

many brethren were there for me.

This was a very special night,

but it was just the first of three.

Ask me, a Mason, I'll tell you,

about the second degree I took.

Knowing what I was getting into,

a little nervous, but not shook.

Every Mason has felt this way,

twice blindfolded and in the dark.

Then at the door I'm told to stay,

but patiently waiting to embark.

My passing, about to begin,

my conductor held me tight.

A little clammy described my skin,

square corners to my right.

Silence broke at the gavel's rap,

and a sweet prayer filled the air.

Then on my hand a gentle tap,

I'm asked to promise and swear.

Then I was brought into the light,

many brethren were there for me.

It was another very special night,

this being the second one of three.

Ask me, a Mason, I'll tell you,

about the third degree I took.

I knew what I was getting into,

not even nervous nor shook.

Every Mason has felt this way,

thrice blindfolded and in the dark.

Then at the door I'm told to stay,

excitedly waiting to embark.

My raising, about to begin,

my conductor held me tight.

Not even damp described my skin,

square corners to my right.

Silence broke at the gavel's rap,

and a sweet prayer filled the air.

Then on my hand a gentle tap,

I'm asked to promise and swear.

Then I was brought into the light,

many brethren were there for me.

It was the most special night,

the last and final one of three.

Just when I thought I was done,

a Master Mason I'm not yet.

Another journey must begun,

once again I start to sweat.

Into the Temple I had to go,

retracing the steps of others.

Three men there I did not know,

they appeared to be brothers.

The first two gave me a threat,

but meeting them I don't regret.

The last one seemed to be upset,

meeting him, I will never forget.

Many things I've been taught,

a sign, a step, and a token.

Passwords that were sought,

and others never to be spoken.

This is the story of my degree,

all were taken on bended knee.

From one, two, and then three,

darkness to light, now I see.

© April 14, 2007

Brad Koehler (1955- )

I am a proud Master Mason, Past Master, Past High Priest, Knight Templar, 32° Scottish Rite Mason, and a Senior Demolay. I am 51 years old and have been a Mason for less than 5 years. I am currently the Worshipful Master for my second year at Newton Lodge No. 216 in Newton, IL, and I hold office in the Council Princes of Jerusalem at the Valley of Danville A.A.S.R.

bk, 4/15/2007