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Masonic objects

by jen

Hi Tim--

My father was a Mason, I'm not sure what degree or anything, he didn't talk about it much, and hadn't been active since he was younger due to other commitments, but he recently passed away. My mother found some of the books he had in a file drawer (we can't read them, of course, they're in codes) and we're wondering where they should be returned to, as my mother seemed to recall him saying they needed to be returned if he died. Do you have any idea? And are there other things we should look for amongst his effects that should be returned?

Thanks.

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Mar 08, 2011
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Ah, our Freemasonry items....
by: Tim

Hi Jen,

Please accept my condolences for your loss.

Thank you for your question and for your consideration that your father's Masonic belongings are properly cared for. His Masonic collection was his personal property, and as such it now belongs to his family. There is nothing that should be returned unless perhaps he borrowed something from the lodge at some point. Most lodges have a library of Masonic literature and the members occasionally take books home to read. But, since he had not been active I doubt that would be the case.

If no one in your family, or his friends or loved ones, has an interest in his Masonic belongings you might consider donating them to his lodge or a lodge in the area. Most lodge libraries are made up, at lease in part, of works that have been donated by members or their families. It may be, too, that his collection contains items that could be useful to his lodge. The coded book that you mentioned is what we call a cipher of our Masonic ritual and someone at the lodge could almost certainly use that in learning the ritual. Lodges are always happy to receive the memorabilia of their members.

It's also possible that some of the items may have monetary value. Some Masonic books are considered rare or collectible. Quality Masonic jewelry can be of good value. In general, though, it's just a bunch of stuff that's valuable only to us for sentimental reasons. Whatever you decide, I would ask that you dispose of his collection with as much dignity as possible. There's nothing sadder to a Freemason than to see a well loved Masonic ring at a flea market.

Thanks again for your question and if I can be of any further assistance please don't hesitate to call on me again.

Fraternally,

Tim

Mar 09, 2011
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thank you
by: jen

Thank you Tim.

My father treasured his time as a Mason, and earlier as a member of DeMolay (his father was also a Mason and a Shriner); the only thing that kept him from being active was his service to others in many other capacities, which I think is the goal of Freemasonry anyway. He certainly lived the qualities Masons value. When he was dying, in the throes of dementia, and after a horrible accident, he mentioned to my mother in my presence that he wanted my older brother to have his DeMolay pin. We were stunned at the clarity of his statement, as he was constantly hallucinating at this point. So, clearly he treasured his relationship with Freemasonry, and we wanted to honor that. I'm glad it's ok to keep whatever we want. We'll probably donate the books, but keep other things--as you said, it's sentimental. Everything of my father's seems very precious now, especially those things that meant something to him.

I very much appreciate your quick answer.

Apr 05, 2011
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joining freemason
by: Ezekiel david

i want to join freemason

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Masonic objects

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