The Front Page – April 2020

At difficult times like these, I am frequently reminded how much of a social creature man is. How natural it is for us to meet, talk and enjoy each other’s company. When we are forced to isolate from each other, I believe this unnatural practice causes a strain on the underlying bonds of our Fraternity.

In an attempt to strengthen our friendships, the United Grand Lodge of England has re-invented an old practice for our current situation. At 9:00 each evening, they ask all Masons to give a toast to absent Brethren. This way, even if just for a moment, you are able to virtually connect with your friends from your own home and if all of us do a toast at the same time, we remain together.

If at nine O’clock you listen,
when around this Festive Board,
If you listen very closely,
with your hearts tuned in accord,

You’ll hear in the West and the South,
you’re charged with fullest measure,
Some distant voices calling,
“Brother may we have the pleasure?”

For at nine o’clock we Toast you,
Wherever you may stand,
At home, or maybe out of town,
Or in some far-off land;

With cheerful hearts and distant thoughts,
We steal a moment’s leisure;
To call our ancient challenge;
“Brother may we have the pleasure?”

For we are bound together
By a universal link:
We drink from that Masonic Cup
From which we all may drink;
To our far-flung Brotherhood,

Whose fellowship we treasure,
The old Masonic greeting,
“Brother, may we have the pleasure?”
Brethren the toast is “To our absent brethren”!