A Brother's family tree reveals a Masonic tradition of note.

For generations, nearly every member of the Rickman family (virtually "a Lodge of our own") has been proud of his or her Masonic involvement. Not every one of the 36 family members presently affiliated with Masonry could be present for this photo taken on January 5, 2003, in Constantine Lodge No. 64, Lexington, Tennessee.

Have you ever noticed the feeling you get when you see a Brother, in due form before the Lodge, as he receives his Degree? The experience is unforgettable. Seeing a man undertake the labors of Masonry for the first time is one of the greatest events one can have the privilege of witnessing, and it is even better when the Candidate is a member of your own family.

I have had the good fortune to see my brother and a number of my first cousins take their first steps in Masonry. Sitting in the Lodge when the officers at times consist of mostly family members is a proud testimony to my family's Masonic tradition. As a Past Master of Constantine Lodge No. 64 at Lexington, Tennessee, I served with my cousins in the chairs of the Blue Lodge. Then, I watched as they and my brother became members of the Scottish Rite and Nobles in the Shrine in Memphis, Tennessee.

My grandfather and grandmother had 12 children of their own, seven girls and five boys. These siblings gave my grandparents 34 grandchildren, and they, in turn, contributed 57 great grandchildren who are now multiplying as I write. My grandfather, William Erie Rickman, deceased 1987, was a member of Cheap Valley Lodge No. 467 in Henderson County, Tennessee. My grandmother, Winnie Belle Tolley, deceased 2000, was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Sunset Chapter No. 154 in Lexington, Tennessee, along with my grandfather. Of their 12 children, with the exception of one son who passed away at two years of age, all but one are either Master Masons, members of the Eastern Star, or both. Three out of their four sons' wives were members of the Eastern Star, with one of my aunts serving as Tennessee's Worthy Grand Matron in 2001.

Daddy and Momma Rick were married on July 14, 1921, on a dirt road in the Bible Hill community of Decatur County, Tennessee. The only witnesses were the preacher and the two horses that brought the participants to the ceremony.

Four out of seven of their daughters were married to Master Masons. Out of 15 living grandsons, 12 are Master Masons, with one who has asked for a petition recently. Out of their 16 living granddaughters, six are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Six spouses of these grandchildren are Masons. Of their great grandchildren, currently one is a Master Mason and one a member of the Eastern Star. Many others already have shown an interest in following this Masonic family tradition when they reach legal age.

My grandparents also had mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, and grandparents who were also members of this unique Fraternity. Information on these relatives is being sought at the present time, but for now I can relay with accuracy that out of the four branches of this family tree, the descendants of Daddy Rick and Mamma Rick who belong to the Masonic order are 44 and counting, and of the descendants from my great grandparents, there are 61 out of 123 who are members of the Masonic Order. There are currently five Past Masters, eight Past Matrons, one Past Patron, four Past State Officers of the O.E.S., one K.C. C.H., and one Past Worthy Grand Matron of the state of Tennessee.

It has been said that the Masonic Order in Tennessee should be grateful to have such a family that has contributed so much, but the privilege is ours!

Randall W. Lomax is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Memphis, Tenn.; a Past Master of Constantine Lodge No. 64, Lexington, Tenn.; a member of Sunset Chapter No. 154, Order of the Eastern Star; Commandery No. 36, K.T.; and a Noble of Al Chymia Shrine Temple. Employed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 1925 in Martin, Tenn., he lives in Lexington with his wife, Donna, and three children.