ArticlesHistory Tributes Time Capsule |
W.Bro. David L. RitchieThis speach was given by W. Bro. Jack Herron to honour W. Bro. David L. Ritchie at Brant Lodge No.45 on December 9, 2003. We Masons, at our initiation, enter on a journey which will occupy the rest of our lives. I speak of the journey from the rough ashlar in the northeast toward the perfect ashlar in the southeast. When we become Masons, we are already engaged in that journey for, surely, it is the lure of Masonry that we may find in it the clearer path made more visible by our Brethren’s toils along it. Throughout our journey we progress, by fits and starts, toward the southeast drawing on the lessons of the Work and supported by our Brothers. I am inclined to liken it to a walk in the bush, while others will draw on their experience for an analogy. Alone, and sometimes aimless in our wanderings, we remain conscious of our direction and our aim – to hunt – to enjoy the quietude – to glory at the beauty – whatever. We are filled with the moment. When, to our surprise, we chance to pass another who like us, is passing through, we meet cautiously, exchange pleasantries, speak of what we are doing there, share our experiences, and continue with our solitary trek made a little more pleasant by our unexpected encounter. So it is with our journey between the ashlars of Masonry. Only we can know our goal and only we can make that passage. However, Masonry affords us the opportunity to have those unexpected encounters that add pleasure to the journey and the information shared can lighten the labours of crossing streams, climbing the hills and ridges of our lives and making the decisions about the choices that are offered. Some are, for whatever good fortune, able to sprinkle that journey with joy and refresh the spirits of those they meet. Such a one is our Worshipful Brother David L. Ritchie. Joy in service; steadfastness in adversity; grounded in his faith; gleeful in his engagement in life; kind in vicissitude - all are exhibited W. Bro Ritchie’s contributions to this Lodge, in particular, and Masonry, in general, have been consistent. He is our “glee club” leader extraordinaire, and to him we must accord the honour of being responsible for the fame of Brant Lodge as carolers without equal. We shine at our December meetings by adding to the glorious history of music-making throughout the ages – veritable wonders in our own minds. Beyond jest, it speaks of W. Bro Ritchie’s ability to maintain, in the very best sense of the phrase, a child-like happiness and glee and to communicate that happiness to others. So W. Bro. Ritchie, your Lodge, of which you are most likely to have been one of its youngest Masters, finally recognizes in its small and intimate way, our appreciation for knowing you, loving you and of being loved by you with the peculiar and vibrant passion of a dedicated and extraordinary Brother among Masons. W. Bro. J. L. Herron |