When I was visiting Victoria No. 398 in Kirkfield, one topic of conversation was "The Grahams." The Graham family are members of The King George V Lodge in Coboconk, also in Victoria District. (For the information of other travellers, the village's name is pronounced "KOE-bee-conk" and is shortened to "Koby" by the residents.)

The concern was how many variations of the title "Brother" could arise in one meeting.

Art Graham, the father, and Ralph Graham, the son, were both initiated in August. That made them "Brother Father" and "Brother Son". Ralph's blood brother, James, became his fraternal brother in the same lodge in September, creating another "Brother Father" and "Brother Son" but adding to the list a "Brother Brother."

Ralph's son-in-law, Jason Sividant, is now a member of the extended family and in joining the same lodge later this year, he adds "Brother-Brother-in-Law" and "Brother Son-in-Law"

Enough, yet! Or is it?

Visit Lakeshore Lodge No. 645 in Toronto District No. 1, and you can't make a move without bumping into an Armstrong; three generations of them. This month the Worshipful Master Steven Armstrong, passed his nephew, Andrew "Drew" Armstrong to the second degree. That makes them "Brother Uncle" and "Brother Nephew". Also present was Drew's "Brother Father", David, initiated with his "Brother Brother" Steve in 1983.

Confused? There's more.

Both the Armstrong Brothers (no relation to the paving and racehorse family) became interested in Masonry because of whispered discussions between "Brother Father" Ross Armstrong and "Brother Neighbour", Past Grand Steward Vern Green, both members of Lakeshore. So Ross now sits in lodge with "Brother Grandson" who has yet to address him as "Brother Grandpa".

On a more serious note, the Masonic connection transcends time and even life. The presentation of the Grand Steward's regalia to Fred Waller of Northern Entrance Lodge No. 463 in Haliburton was particularly moving. The new Grand Stewart donned the Masonic Clothing first worn by his father in 1985 when he was honoured for long and exemplary service to The Craft.

That's three families. The fourth is my own. Except for initiating a son, the greatest honour for a Past Master has to be installing his son. Time and circumstance willing, I'll have that privilege in November when I install my son James in King Solomon's chair at Victoria Lodge No. 474 in Toronto.

His grandfather and his great grandfather enjoyed the peace of that chamber and the fellowship of the banquet hall. His maternal great grandfather, James Brown, was an officer at the turn of the last century in St. Alban's Lodge No. 200 in Mount Forest.

These Brethren, long since passed to the Grand Lodge Above, heard the words, "within your peaceful walls, may your children's children celebrate with joy and gratitude the annual recurrence of this auspicious solemnity."

It appears their prayers are being answered, from generation to generation.

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V.W.Bro. Ted Morris,  76 Ballacaine Drive, Etobicoke, Ont., M8Y 4B7
E-mail; ermorris@idirect.com  
If you want to chat, Call Ted at 416-232-9454 or 705-448-2574.