"Cathedral at Cologne, Germany "

Let's talk about masonry . . . . .

Not speculative masonry that we work in but operative masonry. The craft to which we proudly and passionately trace our roots. My interest in operative masonry predates my interest in Free and Accepted Masonry by many years. I remember as child hearing my cousin and her husband, a pastor, talk about their visit to Europe and the spectacular cathedrals that they toured.  The most awe inspiring was the cathedral at Cologne, Germany. They spoke of the craftsman who during the middle ages built this magnificent cathedral. Many years later I had the opportunity to visit Germany on business and as I planned the trip I made sure that the cathedral in Cologne was on my list of places to visit.

The corner stone of cathedral was laid in in 1248 and the eastern section was completed in 1322 under the direction of Master Gerhard, the first master mason of the cathedral. 

Sometime during the middle of the 14th century the west section was started under the direction of Master Michael. Work ceased in 1473 leaving the towers unfinished.

The cathedral sat unfinished for almost 400 years until a large sum of money was raised and work began again in 1842. The cathedral was dedicated in 1880, 632 years after work began.

The dimensions of the cathedral bring into focus the magnitude of this structure and the monumental task that faced the stone masons:

Length:  474 feet

Width:  283 feet

Interior height of the nave (sanctuary):  142 feet

Tower height:  516 feet

Stained glass area:  107,649 square feet

Roof area:  129,667 square feet

The craftsman who built this cathedral in the middle ages had at their disposal few tools beyond the working tools of a Master Mason in our Lodge and yet it soars to a height of more than 50 stories and possesses the largest façade of any church in the world.

Think of our Brothers of old, toiling on this cathedral, without the benefit of hard hats, steel toed boots, safety glasses and fall protection. 

Next month I'll explore life in the craft guilds of the workers who built this cathedral.

Brothers, when were you last in YOUR LODGE? I for one Love my Lodge so much that I do all I can to provide my time to make the Lodge and Temple a better place for us to do good works. We will be having a work day on Saturday (to be announced) to change over to new better lights, painting, cleaning and whatever else needs to be done.

I wish to thank all of the Brothers that make my time spent at the Temple easier - Dale Brown, my cleaning brother, Jerry Bethel, my go to guy, Jimmie and Willie Snyder, who are always there when I need them, David Brown, my carpet sweeper and  designer, Steve Vining, my confidant, Garry Gooldy, my acoustics guy, Larry Sanford, my friend and brother, Darrell Kesterson, Gary Klein, one of our cart guys, Rick and David Shea, our fantastic cooks, Mike Pierce, a great helper, Jason Chalfant, our water guy and all around good guy, if I missed someone please forgive me. This epitomizes what GREAT BROTHERS we have in our Lodge and I personally appreciate all that they do to help make this a better place and a better world. God B less each and every one of you.

Not to forget the brothers who are still employed that make the Lodge a better place, Frank Lutze with his great short talks, Lyman Robertson, who does a great job at opening and closing and raising our brothers. For the brothers standing in line to be officers - these are your leaders, listen and learn from them.

I know that I am retired, but I do have many other responsibilities such as going out to Spring Arbor Assisted Living 3 times a week to see my cousin in the Alzheimer's wing that I am the power of attorney for. When I am done visiting her I go into the main dining room and visit with 10 other people that I have gotten to know. One of them is a couple from Parma (Charlie is a Past Master from Parma Lodge); his wife Pat is a sweetheart. At that same table is Florence, who used to be a missionary, along with her husband, in Rhodesia for 30 years. Another table is where David and another gentleman who I call the horseman. Others are Gerry, JoAnn, Barb, Marilyn, Trudy (her husband Al is in the Alzheimer wing with my cousin (I have known him for more than 40 years - he used to work at the JCP. Then there is Bob, Ed, Walt and Marie and Evis. When I leave I am usually depressed as it is difficult to communicate with most of the persons that are in the Alzheimer's wing. Is it easy - NO, but they all enjoy my visits. Some of them call me a ray of sunshine. You brothers can laugh now!!!

My point being, that if all of us would take the time to visit one of these facilities we might get another look at ourselves in a few years. That is one reason I am looking forward to making the trip to Alma to visit the Masonic Home. David, our Junior Deacon is setting this up and NO ONE should miss out on this experience. I personally have been there on numerous occasions, as DDI, BGP for meetings and as a visitor. The residents enjoy these visits. 

God Bless Jackson Lodge 17 and all the brothers who belong there.