“For the time shall come, and the wisest of us know not when, that we shall be summoned from this sublunary abode…”

This refrain has been on my mind lately. I recently had the opportunity to meet with a former colleague. We had not seen each other for several years but he contacted me about the passing of his stepfather. His stepfather was a Mason and a Shriner but nobody else in the family was, and they had no idea what to do with his regalia. My colleague knew two things: I am a Mason and he had lots of respect for the work that the Masons and Shriners do. He wanted to see that his stepfather’s regalia was passed on respectfully so that it didn’t wind up in a pawn shop (or worse). We met, had a lovely visit, and I was able to collect the regalia and to direct it to the proper places to be used if in good enough shape or to be disposed of properly.

I’m sure that we have all heard stories of rings, aprons, pocket jewels, and other regalia being found in pawn shops and second-hand stores because the family was unaware of its significance and didn’t know what to do with it. By reusing items we honour the legacy of those who have gone before us.

I have frequently been the recipient of regalia, books, or other materials from a Brother who has passed to higher service. I am a member of most York Rite bodies and can see that those jewels and regalia go to the correct body. While not a member of the Scottish Rite, I do recognize most of their regalia and know many Brother who are part of that body and who will receive a Brother’s regalia thankfully and respectfully.

The question arises, though: does your spouse, partner, or family know whom to contact in the event of your passing to receive those items? If not, it is incumbent upon you to talk to them and to make sure that they know. Several years ago a sheet was prepared that could be filled in with the necessary information. I will update it, present it to the Board of General Purposes for its guidance and review, and hope that it will find its way to broad distribution.

I’m sure that this is not a topic that anybody wants to dwell upon, but it is important that we all make our loved ones aware of our lodge membership and that we provide them with contact details (the lodge secretary, especially) so that we can properly retrieve and care for these items.

As we look ahead, the Grand Lodge Annual Communication will happen June 19-21, 2025 in Saskatoon, SK. Fuller details and a registration form will be distributed to all lodges shortly. I hope that you will be able to join me there to celebrate the accomplishments of this Grand Lodge since last June, to deal with such business as is required, and to wish our new slate of Grand Lodge Officers well.

It is a continuing honour to serve as your Grand Master and to represent the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan.

Find Your Centre

MW Bro. Patrick Davis

Grand Master 2024-25