|
The Unsung Hero |
|||||
|
By Robert H. Owen, KCCH Earl Garlock Our Unsung Hero
Whenever I go to Lodge, or any other Masonic meeting for that matter, I can't help but notice the event is always greatly enhanced by the quiet, unassuming, dignified musician, the organist, who is usually placed in some dark corner, almost as an afterthought. He is, without a doubt, the most forgotten member, although the most missed when he is not there to ply his trade. Every meeting he is there early, sitting at the instrument, filling in the background with his time-honored talent while the rest of us are milling around, shaking hands, and looking for someone to help us with our special project. He always gets things off to a good start by playing something that is appropriate to the occasion. He usually sets the mood for the evening and enhances the work, whether it is the usual business meeting,Many people may qualify as heroes, but none do it more quietly and gracefully than the Lodge organist, Degree work, or some special occasion. When the evening is over, he is still there playing away as the rest of us file out the door and go to refreshment or our homes. Appropriately, the Master and the other Lodge officers, who go through their work reciting from memory all the Masonic Ritual that is appropriate for the evening, are held in high esteem, but the organist, who has spent untold hours of his life learning his trade, perfecting his technique, and polishing his style, seldom receives the praise he so richly deserves. If an officer misses a word here and there, most of us aren't aware, but let the organist hit a sour note, and everyone notices. So, the next time you go to Lodge or Temple, don't forget to stop by the organist to tell him how much you appreciate his music. Not only will it make both of you feel a little better, I am certain that the music will sound just a little sweeter for your effort. In the words of Martin Luther: "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God in music."
|
|||||
|
Robert H. Owen |
 |
||||
