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Gregory E. Wentzel, 32°
2410 Plum Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101–2850
The Masonic youth groups—DeMolay, Job's
Daughters, and Rainbow Girls—are truly the children of Freemasonry.
Brother Gregory E. Wentzel, 32°, his wife,
and children
I remember the first time I was involved with my Lodge's
Relief Committee. It had come to our attention that a certain
Brother's wife and children were in need. They had been abandoned
and needed assistance. I was shocked that a Brother would let
his duty to his family go so easily!
The Lodge helped as much as possible, but nothing could replace
the loss of a father to a family. These children would not know
the feelings of having a loving father. He had deserted them.
As a father of four wonderful children, I know the joys each day
of seeing them grow into adults and take their place in our community.
I know a father's responsibility of giving to, sacrificing
for, loving and, if need be, disciplining children. A father does
it all without thinking of the cost to him. As a father, I provide
for my children, and it is Freemasonry that helps me be a better
father!
Now let's do a little speculation. What if Freemasonry were
a father? What if it had children? Would it abandon them? Would
Freemasonry be a good father? Would it sacrifice, love, defend,
support, and do the million other things fathers do? Would it
know its future depended on its children? Would it see that it
needed those children to be part of its family and fill its Lodges?
Freemasonry is a father! It does have children! Brother Frank
Sherman Land founded the Order of DeMolay because he saw the future
of Masonry in the young men of DeMolay. Job's Daughters and
Rainbow Girls also fill a very needed place in our Masonic Family
and are just as important. It is these youth movements that will
be Freemasonry's future. As a younger Mason, I will probably
live well into the 21st Century. I will see if the children of
Freemasonry flourish and take our places or grow up to feel abandoned
and fatherless.
I realize that many of our Lodges, Chapters, Valleys, Commaderies,
etc. take the time to sponsor an Assembly, Bethel, or Chapter.
Many Grand Lodges and Appendant Bodies spend large amounts of
time and money supporting these organizations. Sadly, some don't.
Those that do should not rest on their laurels but find more ways
to get involved. Those that don't may not survive!
What is missing is the personal attention and giving of time
to a local youth group. How many of us can say we care enough
about Freemasonry to work with a DeMolay Chapter? I wonder if
the Brethren realize just how thrilled these young men are when
a Master or other presiding Masonic Officer takes the time to
visit one of their meetings or installations? These young men
are curious, they want to know about Freemasonry, and many will
(or would) join our ranks!
My own Masonic journey started in DeMolay, and, as a youth, I
aspired to be like a wonderful gentleman that was Chairman of
our DeMolay Advisory Council. The day I could call him Brother
will always be one of my most cherished memories. Bro. Ed taught
me that Masons are always someone a young man can look up to.
I have followed him through several Masonic Bodies, and it was
Brother Ed that installed me in the East when I was elected Master
of my Lodge.
Brethren, I hope that, in these opening years of the new millennium,
Freemasonry can meet the challenge and responsibility of parenthood!
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