Personal Masonic History, Observations, & Comments

April - 2008
We received a designated donation of $200.00 from a lodge member for the organ restoration fund.  Work has come to a temporary "stop" until a large enough block of time can be found to "get into" the removal of the old leather.  At this time, I am the only "worker" performing the restoration work itself. 

March - 2008
The bellows has been dismantled  in two stages and is now ready for leather removal and surface preparation to recieve the new leather.  The pipes and parts stored in the corner of "big" lodge room near the ante-room have been re-arranged and moved to a location behind the seats in the same area.


December, 2006 -Janauary 2007
I began playing organ once again at the Masonic Temple with the installation of Bobby Pennington, III, a former student.   In 2007, I was appointed Organist of Mariner Lodge #2, A.F.M. and was awarded the Lodge's Mason of the Year.   We hold business meetings on the Second Thursday of the month with degree work being conferred on the Second and Third Mondays of the same month.  At intervals during the year, it is my great honor to present the "long version" of the Working Tools written by M.W. Joel W. Frampton, Jr. PGM and PM of Strict Observance Lodge, #73.  Mariner Lodge #2 is the consolidation of the following 5 lodges:  Friendship #9, LaCandeur Lodge #36, Strict Observance  #73, Walhalla #66 and Washington Lodge # 5.   The consolidation took place in 2000 on the 150th anniversary of Strict Observance Lodge, #73. 

The A. B. Felgemaker pipe organ [tracker] is now 102+ years old.   In December of 2007 I began the first phase of the restoration of the organ as a personal project.  This phase will repair/releather the bellows and windways.  These would be considered the "lungs" of the instrument.  The original leather has finally deteriorated to such a point as to have serious air leaks with much hissing resulting.

We are accepting donations to cover the costs of the materials which are estimated at $5,000.00.   You may contact me at trublu3@bellsouth.net.   Donations are tax deductable and will be used only for parts.

A page with pictures and descriptions of the ongoing work will be established here.  It will be updated regularly as the work proceeds.    To date helpers have been Alan Alexander, PM and Bobby Pennington, III PM. 

December, 1999

It was my distinct pleasure to be installed as organist and appointed historian once again for my Lodge. It is a great honor to serve in these capacitites especially as this year represents our Sesquicentennial celebration.

December 27, 1998

Once again, I have been installed as organist/historian for my Lodge. It is a great honor to serve in these capacities. On December 26th of this year, our illustrious Lodge will become 150 years old with uninterrupted work. An outstanding record! [Chartered: March, 1850]

As we approach this milestone I will publish here much of Strict Observance's historical data. Plans are in the making for a grand celebration. Check back for details.

December 27, 1997

At High Twelve today I assumed my duties as Organist/Historian of our great lodge. I am indeed honored to serve in these capacities. I am in the process of cataloguing, documenting, and organizing our archives in preparation of our 150th anniversary in the year 2000. I hope to publish much information from these ancient records here on my webpage.

November 1, 1996

It is the custom of our Lodge each year to honor a Past Master by having him confer a Third Degree. On Friday, November 1, 1996 I was priviledged to confer this third degree on our Fellow Craft Brother whom I had been coaching.

It had been exactly one year since I had conferred my last degree as Worshipful Master of Strict Observance Lodge and was a bit nervous. But with just a little brushing up I was able to confer the degree in fine Strict Observance style. It felt good to be wearing my hat again and peforming our ancient ceremonies using my gavel. [Those of you who are Masters/Past Masters understand!]

After closing the lodge our newly made Master Mason Brother requested how he might "start in the chairs". That same Brother is now installed as a Steward in the Lodge.

In 1996 I was asked by the Master to server as Senior Warden [to fill a gap in the chairs] and as Historian. The newly installed Master for 1997 appointed me Lodge Organist and Historian. Once again I am honored to serve Strict Observance Lodge. I attend weekly rehearsals and am continuing to catalogue our archives which date back to 1850. At regular communications I play the 1905 Felgemaker pipe organ to accompany our ancient rituals.

December, 27, 1995

Today at high twelve I surrendered my title of Worshipful Master for that of Past Master. I was presented with my PM jewel, an exact handmade copy of our original 1850 PM Jewel, my PM certificate, and my PM Apron. I am indeed proud to wear these emblems of my Lodge...and proud to have served THE Lodge of Strict Observance.



November 3, 1995

This evening I confered my final degree as W.M. of Strict Observance Lodge, #73 and it was a bitter/sweet experience. I was jubilant that the "load" of responsibility was at an end. ..but sad to be leaving the East. Our weekly rehearsals were the highpoint of my week... and I shall miss them! Since 1850 our venerable Lodge has marched down through history passing through the war between the states and the ensuing conflagration, the Great Depression, and 4 major wars. In 4 years she will have moved through the millenium into a new century and reaching a major milestone by remaining continuously "working" for 150 years. Just prior to closing the Lodge this evening, I told the Craft that I had had an agenda and great hopes for my year. The year exceeded my greatest expectations, but not completely in the way that I had anticipated. I learned that Strict Observance was like a great ship at sea and that, as its captain, I could but nudge her course gently. . . that our Great Lodge was moving, under her own power, ever forward and upward...toward the Light. On December 27, 1995 at High Twelve I will become an actual PM [one who has served as WM of a lodge for a full year]. It has been my distinct honor to serve Strict Observance Lodge, #73 as WM. I shall never, no never. . . forget!