Edward W. Erfurt III, 33°
85 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
ewe33@msn.com
Outrageous examples of recent lawsuits are
contrasted with Masonry's dedication to honesty, integrity,
and loyalty.
"Why Should I be a Mason?" is a question we have
heard over and over again. The main factor that made me a Mason
is the similarity of views I have with my fellow Masons. Do
we disagree? Of course we do! Just think of the discussions
we have when someone wants to raise dues or merge Lodges. But
these differences are superficial. Honesty, integrity, loyalty
are what really count, and we don't disagree at all on these
principles.
I have traveled in many lands and met Brethren all along the
way. Even in an Italian Lodge, where we didn't speak the same
language, the Masonic bond existed. That's why I recommend the
Fraternity to my friends. That is why our friends should be
Masons.
Just recently, one of our Brethren sent me an e-mail with a
number of stories about people who wouldn't be good Masons.
Just look at how some people exploit every option, are not honest
or loyal, and certainly have no integrity.
June 1998: 19-year-old Carl Truman of Los Angeles won $174,000
and medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with
a Honda Accord. Mr. Truman apparently didn't notice that there
was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal
his neighbor's hubcaps.
October 1998: Terence Dixon of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was leaving
a house that he just finished robbing by way of the garage.
He was not able to get the garage door to go up because the
automatic door opener was malfunctioning. He couldn't re-enter
the house because the door connecting the house and garage locked
when he pulled it shut. The family was on vacation. Mr. Dixon
found himself locked in the garage for eight days. He survived
on a case of Pepsi found in the garage and a large bag of dry
dog food. Mr. Dixon sued the homeowner's insurance claiming
the situation caused him undo mental anguish. The jury agreed
to the tune of a half-million dollars.
October 1999: Jerry Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, was
awarded $14,500 and medical expenses after being bitten on the
buttocks by his next-door neighbor's beagle. The dog was on
a chain in its owners fenced-in yard at the time. Mr. Williams
was also in the fenced-in yard. The award was less than sought
because the jury felt the dog may have been provoked by Mr.
Williams who, at the time, was repeatedly shooting it with a
pellet gun.
Thank goodness I don't have these people as friends. So the
next time someone asks you "Why should I be a Mason?"
tell them because we are good people to know and associate with.
That, alone, is enough reason to become a Mason.
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Edward W. Erfurt III
is an active member in the Craft in Ohio. He is a past Commander-in-Chief
of Scioto Consistory, A.A.S.R.- NMJ; a twice past Master
of Humboldt Lodge No. 476, and currently Master of the Second
Veil in Ohio Chapter No. 12, R.A.M. A member in the Columbus
Council No. 8 R.&S.M. and Mt. Vernon Commandery No.
1, Ill. Erfurt is also a Noble of Aladdin Temple and a fourth-generation
Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite Mason. His son, Edward W. Erfurt
IV, carries on this tradition and was raised by his father.
Ill. Erfurt is an attorney, often representing the Masonic
Bodies he serves, such as the Board of the Masonic Retirement
Village at the Ohio Masonic Home. He is also active in the
American Legion, Boy Scouts, and Prince of Peace Lutheran
Church in Columbus, Ohio. |
