En: Lawrence Greenleaf

Lawrence Greenleaf

Lawrence Nichols Greenleaf (October 4, 1838 – October 25, 1922) was an early pioneer of Colorado. He was an entrepreneur, newspaper correspondent, comedian, poet, publisher, and Past Grand Master of Colorado Masons. He is best remembered for his poetry, especially his "The Lodge Room Over Simpkins’ Store". He has been called "poet laureate of Freemasonry" and "Pioneer Poet".

Source: Wikipedia

O, MOTHER LODGE WE'VE WANDERED FAR

Lawrence Greenleaf

O, Mother Lodge, we′ve wandered far
And knocked at many a door,
Since first we wore thy Lambskin gift
And trod thy Checkered Floor.
Since first thy symbols met our gaze
And claimed our constant thought,
Till patient search at length revealed
The hidden truths they taught.
When heart at name of Brother thrilled,
And loyal but to thee,
We loved thy Square and Compass, and
Adored thy letter G.

The Chapter held recovered truths,
Why not possess the same,
That thought awoke a new desire
And fanned it into flame.
The honor sought at length was ours,
We read the Keystone′s face
And saw the treasures long entombed
Brought from their hiding place.
Another tie had bound our heart,
Another name had we
O, Mother Lodge, we′ve wandered far
Yet still we cling to thee.

The Council next a votary claimed
We passed within its door.
The orders then of Knighthood took,
But still we craved for more.
The Scottish Rite′s prolific brood
Rose temptingly to view,
We reveled in the mysteries
Expressed by 32.
At last the crowning honor came,
With figure 33.
O, Mother Lodge, we've wandered far,
Yet still we cling to thee.

O, Mother Lodge, we′ve wandered far,
From thy more simple ways
Mid scenes of splendid pageantry
With glories all ablaze.
Where dulcet strains fall on our ear
And pealing anthems ring,
And wisdom of the antique world
Was voiced by silvery tongue
And yet, withal, true Son of Light
With vision clear to see,
O, Mother Lodge, we've wandered far,
Yet still we cling to thee.

O, Mother Lodge, we've wandered far,
With longings vain possessed,
No higher jewel than thy Square
Is worn on Mason′s Breast.
No higher badge than thy first gift,
The Lambskin pure and white,
Thy Pointed Star ascendant is
o′er every grade and rite.
Between thy Pillars all must pass,
or else must cease to be.
O, Mother Lodge, we′ve wandered far,
Yet still we climbing to thee.

Links

Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_N._Greenleaf