To the editor:

I read the Great Bend Tribune article: “Rush Center family gathers for uncle’s Masonic pinning ceremony” (June 3 issue, posted online June 2). I was impressed by the generational bonds the Keener family has with the Masonic fraternity. That is something I can relate to as a fifth-generation Mason myself.

The first “pinning ceremony” I ever saw was when I was 8 years old in 1970 when my late dad, John William “Bill” Marples Sr., received his 25-year pin at Sunflower Masonic Lodge #86 in Wichita. My dad had joined the Masons during World War II while working at Boeing. Luckily my mom and I also watched when Dad got his 50-year pin bestowed by the same Lodge, but at a different location in 1995. The very year he died, my dad was strong enough (although mainly using a wheelchair) to receive his 50-year pin in Wichita Council #12 of Cryptic Masons of the York Rite. The pin meant a lot to him since the top man (presiding officer) of all Cryptic Masons in the United States made the presentation at a noon luncheon at my dad’s Keystone High-12 Club. By having the pinning ceremony there, over 100 Masons and families were present. My dad passed away about three months after that. Yet, I am very grateful he lived to see it.

I am eligible to have a 40-year pin myself, but I rarely wear it. A few days ago, I visited a stated meeting of Urim Masonic Lodge #111 which has a sign saying it was Chartered Feb. 2, 1853. Like most people, I had heard of the names “Urim and Thummin” from the Holy Bible. I knew that those were colored gemstones on the garment of the High Priest in Old Testament Times. However, I had to consult a modern rabbi who confirmed for me that Urim means “lights” and Thummin means “perfections.” Their use was not always a divination tool to predict the future, but rather as a signal by which the High Priest read spiritual messages for direction or guidance (as in starting or stopping a certain activity). I was very impressed by my visit to Urim Masonic Lodge #111; the officers and members were very welcoming. As I returned back home, I noticed that some traffic signals which were mostly a steady green (or red or auburn) when I left earlier in the day, were, by then a 4-way blinking red signal. It dawned on me the usefulness of the name “Urim” and those blinking traffic lights. 

The “start and stop” signal was meant to keep me and other drivers safe. Let us cherish the Urim and be mindful of the “lights” we hold dear. Its symbolism, like a Masonic pinning ceremony, is not a total “stopping point,” but rather a gesture of acknowledgement or a praise and platitude of distinguished service rendered with the hope of bright future accomplishments ahead. 

I offer my best wishes for those involved and congratulate those pinning ceremonies yet to come.

James A. Marples

Esbon