MEMORIAL DAY - TACOMA - MAY 25, 1991
                by Sid Kase, General Grand Chaplain

     There has been, and still is, considerable argument and
discussion in the courts and elsewhere as to what constitutes
LIFE, or a living organism, as well as death of the same. It is
not our purpose or scope here today to discuss that topic.
Suffice it to say that from the moment a person is born, he or
she starts to die. The seeds of self-destruction seem to be
built-in to our being. No one leaves this earth except by disease
or accident. in view of this, it seems superfluous for one to
ask, "Am I going to die?" There need be no anxiety about this,
for the answer is always, "Yes?" Eventually, all must die, that
is part of the "Life-cycle". It is this inexorable fact that
makes a doctor's efforts so frustrating. For though one's life
may be saved for a time, from some particular episode, it is
inevitable that ALL must eventually surrender to Death. I do not
say this morbidly, but rather matter-of-factly, even with
resignation.
     However, Masons are taught that we should not regard Death
as a "Grim-Reaper", to be feared and despised, but as a kind
"Messenger" sent to translate us from this imperfect Terrestrial
Life to that second Life, devoid of imperfection, where the
Ultimate Truth may be revealed to them.
     Our three basic tenets in Masonry are: Brotherly Love,
Relief, and TRUTH. Freemasonry is a life-long search for the
Truth. The Bible says, "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth
shall make you free." It is not given to mortal Man to know that
ultimate Truth while living here on earth.
     In the Biblical days of Genesis, men lived multiple
centuries. For example, Methusala (son of Enoch), lived 969
years, the record. In early colonial days, the average man lived
to be about 45 or 50 years. In some third-world under developed
countries it is even less than that. I saw some figures giving
the age expectancy as 27 years. The Bible tells us that man's
allotted life span is three score and ten, i.e. 70 years. Medical
science has been gradually extending that life expectancy, so
that today it is not uncommon to see many Centenarians. The
prospective life span mentioned in the Bible is 120 years. That
goal appears to be feasible and attainable in the not-too-distant
future, although perhaps not in your day or mine.
     Length of years, alone, however, does not constitute
"Living", at least in my view. Quality of Life is a major factor
in the equation. Is it really living to have a human being
existing in a vegetative state, with the hear beating, and the
lungs exchanging gases, i.e. basic metabolism, entirely dependent
on artificial supportive means, devoid of cognition, mental
awareness, communication, or other levels of higher brain
function? I think not. That is existing, but not living. You will
be hearing considerably more about this subject in the future.
Are we more merciful to horses than to humans? Perhaps we are.
     Man's cruelty and inhumanity to man is all to prevalent, and
too often tolerated, when it should not be. The age of
enlightenment was supposed to raise our race to a higher moral
and intellectual level, that is open to debate. Lesser animals do
not exhibit these base traits. It certainly should not be
expected in a civilized, educated society. Were Nazi Germany,
Communist Russia, present day Iran and Iraq uncivilized,
uneducated? What factor or factors was missing from their
civilization or culture? Islam became a major religion via forced
conversions and terror tactics, not by "gentle persuasion". Even
the churches of Christianity condoned violence and coercion as
justifiable means towards their religious goal. Am I wandering
off the topic of today? Not entirely, for it all fits together in
the total picture.
     Masonry, not being a religion, offers no rigid dogma or
doctrine, no means to salvation. That is a religious question,
and we do not dabble with it. Masonry, however, is religious in
character: in that we do reverence GOD, also referred to as "The
Grand Architect of the Universe" - since HE is the Creator of
all. Masonry promulgates the Bible, (or Volume of the Sacred
Law), as the rule and guide of our faith and actions. We agree
with the Apostle, James that faith without works is dead.
     God is not a respecter of persons, but Freemasonry
definitely is - it respects the individual as such. It encourages
his quest for perfection, knowing fully it is unobtainable in
this life. As Masons, we strive to build, to build one's
character, to share moral values with others who may differ from
ourselves in nationality, race, color or even political and
religious beliefs, we do not allow religious or political
discussion in our Lodges, because it would disrupt the harmony
and be divisive. This happens only in Freemasonry, in contract to
some other groups, including religious ones, which are quick to
condemn, and proclaim theirs as the only "right" way. In sharp
contract, Masonry practices moderation and toleration. After all,
one's nationality, color even religious heritage is not of their
choice, they were born with it. Thus, you could say, it is an act
of God, part of God's plan. We are all his creatures. Since when
does it become the creature to question his Creator? Thus bigotry
and prejudice are inherently wrong and inconsistent with the
principles of Freemasonry. In light of which, we should lend no
support nor tolerate such evils, indeed we should actively oppose
it!
     Such virtues will surely profit the individuals who practice
it, and who must eventually give account to their Supreme Judge
and Creator.
     For the past several years, our Grand Jurisdiction as had a
"Life Membership" or Perpetual Membership" plan whereby for a set
fee, the individual Mason is relieved of the necessity for paying
dues annually to their Lodge. Of even greater significance, that
money place in a special pooled fund, continues to earn money and
pay "dues" to their Lodge forever, a form of immortality. I'm
sure the I.R.S. would love to develop a similar plan. This
perpetual membership may be obtained during the life of the
member, or by his family or friends, posthumously. It is also
possible to obtain more than one such plan, even multiple plans.
It amounts to an endowment to his Lodge in perpetuity. Such a
plan could serve as a memorial to the Brother. in addition to
this, families and friends should consider donation of money
securities, or property to the Grand Lodge general fund. They
will do a great deal more good than flowers which are expensive
and very transitory. Those who have not considered such, or made
their wishes known in a Will, should not delay in doing so,
you'll be glad you did. Failure to do so could mean that the
State or the Court (Probate) and not you will determine the
distribution of your assets. You really cannot take it with you.
The good that men do lives on long after them. That is, what we
do for ourselves goes with us to the grave. What we do for
others, lives on long afterwards. Those brothers who practiced
our precepts by example will exemplify the teachings of Masonry
more loudly than mere rhetoric. Actions do indeed speak louder
than words. Freemasonry urges us to so live our lives that we may
enjoy the reflection of a life well spent and that our passing
will be mourned and remembered.
     In closing, I would quote Stephen Rellet who wrote: I shall
pass thru this world but once; any good thing therefore I can do,
or any kindness I can show to any human being let me do it now.
Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way
again.
     May Gold Bless and protect all of us, including our absent
brothers. Thank you all for coming. This concludes this memorial
service.