My Brother, as you stand before us this evening, you represent to us the end
of Fifty Years of membership in this brotherhood, and yet the end of Fifty Years
is only the beginning of a new era in your life.
This Grand Jurisdiction has many reasons for pride.
It is proud of its Past MastersBut above all it is proud of its Fifty
Year members such as you who are with us tonight.
Fifty Years as a Mason! In that time you have had the opportunity to
enjoy what Freemasonry has to offer. To most of us present this evening,
the most living history is the history of the past half century. We know
that with the passing of time, things do change both physically and mentally.
That longing to return to your youth, to see and feel the scenes that are so
vivid in your mind, can never be possible.
However as you stand here this evening, you have the assurance that Masonry
is the same. It is something that you can see and touch as you did in your
youth.
And while we are expressing our affection for you as our brother and honored
guest, we also salute those who have gone on before you, but yet we feel their
presence here tonight.
Age, the heritage of those who have passed successfully through the previous
periods, is the stage of wisdom and reflection. It is the time of
fulfillment and the reward for fidelity. Your obligations have meant more
to you than just a mouthful of words, they have been held inviolate in your life
and your service to the fraternity, and most importantly in your heart.
You have carried the banner of Masonry proudly in this community. You
have surely put only perfect stones into the foundation of many lives using only
the mortar of love and affection.
I now present this pin which symbolizes the completion of Fifty Years of
membership in the oldest and most respected Fraternity in the world. Its
character building is second only to the church.
Wear it proudly for it is a symbol of what you are and should ever be.
We are proud of you and know you are worthy of this recognition of service and
will continue to always live up to the honor.
This emblem of service is the evidence of appreciation which your Grand
Master wishes to express to you; it sets you apart as an example of Fidelity,
that "holiest of all good things which abide in a human breast."
"I also present you a 50-year certificate attesting to your service as a
Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina."
