Ashley S. Buss, 32°
103 Orion Street, Golden, Colorado 80401-5535
Ashley@therastershop.com

A fraternal visit to England confirms that the spirit of Freemasonry is alive and well.

During a recent visit to England, the author of this article, Bro. Ashley S. Buss, 32°, Valley of Denver, Colorado, visited with the Brethren of Rathcreedan Lodge No. 8690 at Oxford Masonic Hall in Oxfordshire, England.

Several months ago, as Senior Deacon of Centennial Lodge No. 84 in Denver, Colorado, I received an e-mailed request for one of our centennial celebration pins from an English Brother who collects Masonic pins. He ended by saying, "If you are ever in the area, please visit." As it happened, a simple change of flight plans made it possible for W. Bro. Thomas M. "Mike" Updike, 32°, P.M., and myself to visit! Suddenly, we were the honored guests of Rath-creedan Lodge No. 8690 at Oxford Masonic Hall in Oxfordshire, England.

Before the festive evening was over, we were cordially invited "to come over and show some Colorado work." Bro. Mike and I never thought it could happen, but at the next meeting of Centennial Lodge, we described our visit and, to our complete surprise, all of the Brothers present loved the idea of demonstrating Colorado Masonic work in Oxfordshire, England. After several calls to the Colorado Grand Lodge and the United Grand Lodge of England, we had all the permissions we needed to make it happen.

Soon the party consisted of 38 Brethren representing five Lodges. During the trip, we visited the United Grand Lodge of England, Rosslyn Chapel, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland, along with several other places of historic and Masonic interest in England and Scotland. But the main event was performing the First Degree, as we do it in Colorado, in Rathcreedan Lodge. Despite our anxious focus on not forgetting our lines, we could not help but be struck by the ornate Lodge furnishings and elaborate Masonic collars worn by the 180 officers and Brethren in attendance, including over 30 Grand Masters-an incredible feat on a Saturday afternoon for an English Lodge with only 57 members!

After our English Brothers opened Lodge on the First Degree and went from labor to refreshment, Centennial Lodge was duly opened and a letter of greeting read from M.W. Bro. Joseph E. Haydad, 32°, K.C.C.H., Grand Master of Masons in Colorado. The Lodge was then passed over to the Degree Team to demonstrate the First Degree. I am pleased to be able to say that our English Brothers were floored by our proficiency and even commented that, if they required memory work like that, then there would be very few Masons in England.

Then came the Festive Board consisting of a good meal with plenty of cordial toasts, a tradition called "firing" where glasses are filled, good wishes extended, the beverage consumed, and the heavy crystal glasses placed back on the table in unison with the resounding bang of a cannon firing. Our Worshipful Master, Bro. Bernie A. Gange, 32°, among others, responded with some American flavor to these toasts. It is hard to describe the feelings so abundant that Saturday afternoon, but it would be safe to say we all left full of Masonic brotherly love and fond memories that will last a lifetime-all from a passing e-mailed comment! As for me, this was my first international adventure as a young Brother in this wonderful Fraternity. Anyone who feels Masonry is dying should have been with us. Brotherly love is very much alive and well. See you in Lodge!

Ashley S. Buss is a self-employed computer imaging consultant based in Denver. He was raised in Centennial Lodge No. 151 in June of 2000 (now Centennial Lodge No. 84 after Emulation Lodge No. 84 merged with it). He is currently Senior Deacon of Centennial Lodge No. 84 in Denver and Senior Warden of Georgetown Lodge No. 12 in Georgetown, Colorado. Bro. Buss is also active in Denver's Scottish Rite Consistory and El Jebel Shrine.