DDGM Messages for 2006-2007

Right Worshipful Sirs, Very Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful Sirs Distinguished East and Brethren All.

Tonight I would like to talk to the Brethren about ropes and I believe this subject is pertinent to this lodge in particular because of the ropes that wrap the columns at the entrance to the lodge.

These two ropes caused great grief for some brothers, who then gave the Grand Sign of Distress, there by revealing they were masons and their lives were saved.

Another rope that will help to enrich the lives of the brethren is the rope that every Mason was restrained with when they entered the lodge as an entered apprentice. I am talking about the Cabletow.

I would like each one of you to give serious consideration to its significance. It's used as a physical restraint to guide the newly admitted brother to the boundaries of the lodge.

In Introduction to Freemasonary Carl Claudy gives this definition of a cabletow.

"It is the Masonic cord by which the Masonic infant is attached to his Mother Lodge. As soon as the infant is born the physical restraint is severed, but never the Knife was ground which can cut the spiritual cord which ties a man to his Mother.

In Masonry the physical restraint of the cable tow is removed as soon as the spiritual bond of the obligation has been assumed, but never the means been made by which to cut the obligation which binds a man spiritually to his Mother lodge and to the Craft. Expulsion does not relieve from the obligation; unaffiliation does not dissolve the tie; demitting to a new lodge can not make of the new lodge a mother lodge.

The Fellowcraft wears the cable tow so that it may be an aid to his journey and urge to action a girding up, a strengthening for the Masonic life to come; by it a brother may assist him on the way. He learns that the cable tow is more than a rope it is at once a tie and a measurement."

In the master Mason Degree the candidate pledges himself as fully as it is possible for him to do so. He is brought fully to the light. Spiritual bonds are completed and the physical shackles Forever are removed; for we do not care to restrain by physical bonds one whom spiritual bonds will not fetter.

What is the length of a Cabletow? Thousands have asked, but few have attempted to answer. Who can define the length of a spiritual tie? Each Brother must decide for himself the length of his Cabletow.

The rope that circles the lodge tonight represents the cord that binds you all to this lodge specifically and to the craft in general. May you all think of the strength that it has afforded to you during your travels as a Mason and that bonds that you all have towards each other.

Brethren I thank you for the kindness that you have afforded me this evening but in the words of my grandfather: "The best thing that you can put into a speech is shortening."

Great Architect of the Universe as we your humble
Servants gather to partake the joys of Masonry and
Fellowship may we be mindful of others in thoughts
and actions. May we pray for the men who are not
with us tonight due to illness and distress? We wish
everyone a safe journey home after lodge. Amen.