I was passing through the security checkpoint at Orlando Airport and was asked to remove my shoes, belt buckle, wallet and keys – the usual. It was nothing more than the usual check. As my items passed through the scanner I waited on the other end holding up my pants ;)

As my items arrived I replaced my buckle and the security officer said to me: “that is a nice buckle. How old are you?” I told him my age and stated that I had been a Mason for about 10 years. He then blurted out that he was 100 years old. I thought he was nuts. I said “oh yeah?” and started to get my things together a little faster.

He smiled and said “oh you haven’t made it to the higher degrees, you don’t know what I mean”. I didn’t. I told him I have been a Master Mason for nearly 10 years and that I have no plans to make it out of the Blue Lodge. I made it very clear to him. He was happy to talk and as we shook hands he made one mistake. He didn’t shake as a Master Mason, but rather as whatever degree he is – which may be a higher number but is no great than the 3rd.

Now if I were a 32nd degree Mason for example and someone told me that they were in the Blue Lodge wouldn’t I shake with the grip of a Master Mason and not that of a Templar or whatever he was? I hope so. In either case it was nice to meet this brother and the rest of my party was very confused on why I would be having a conversation with a security officer and then shake hands before leaving him. I told him he was my brother. Did I mention he was dark skinned? – I can imagine what they thought….

No Comments
Uncategorized