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Free Masonry. What is this all about? Why can’t you answer all my questions in full? How
do I know if I want to be a part of something, when I don’t know everything about it? Do
you have any regrets about doing it? These are the questions I asked my grandfather Earl
Hartline one day. His answer was one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. He
said, “ I have one regret about becoming a Mason. That regret is, that I didn’t become
one sooner”. Shortly after that I became a Mason. And you know what? My grand father
was right. I understand exactly how he felt, because now, I can feel that same regret.
Free Masonry is a big part of my life. I’ve been fortunate and blessed enough to live a
healthy and satisfying life. But since I’ve become a Mason, I can truly say that my life
has become much better, more satisfying and fuller. The people I meet and the friends
that I have made make me feel like I’m never alone. This is an incredible feeling, and I
feel it everyday, everywhere I go. The work that Masons do to help the communities, the
children, the sick, the elderly and the list goes on is incredible. But you will not see it
posted in the newspaper or on a billboard. That’s because we need no recognition. Our
reward is simple. It’s the fullness we feel in our hearts. Every Mason has the same goal
in life. And that goal is to be a better man today then we were yesterday. Everyone knows
that life is good, but life as a Mason, is great. If you are reading this message and you are
not already a Mason. Find someone who is and ask about it. And who knows, you may
share the same regret that my grandfather and I shared.
Sincerely,
Michael Earl Hartline
Worshipful Master ‘06
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