Dear editor;
Having family in and near Carter County, I read The Carter County Times article: “Shriners contribute more than a quarter million to hospitals” (Jan. 14 issue). It is really nice that Shriners Hospitals for Children have been around since the year 1922 when the first hospital was opened in Shreveport, Louisiana. What many people among the public largely don’t realize is that the Shriners are all members of the Masonic Lodge fraternity. Prior to the year 2000, a man had to also be a member of the associated Masonic branches: a Knight Templar Mason of the York Rite and/or a 32nd degree member in the Scottish Rite. I joined both Rites, and then the Shriners.
Thus, I am a 5th-generation Freemason and a 2nd-generation Shriner. This month, I mark 44 years of continuous membership. I joined when I was age 18 and a high school senior. It is one of the best fraternal friendship-societies in the world (in my opinion). I even have relatives in England who are members.
I am especially gratified to follow in the footsteps of not only my late Dad who joined both Rites and the Shriners, but also men who “made their mark” in history such as Presidents Warren Harding and Harry Truman; entertainers such as Roy Rogers, Roy Clark of Hee-Haw fame, Gene Autry, Ernest Borgnine and John Wayne. Statesmen such as Bob Dole and Barry Goldwater. And military-men such as Buffalo Bill Cody and General Black Jack Pershing; along with sports figures such as the famed winning Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp.
The Shriners may be known for clowning , circuses, and parading. Yet, the Masonic fraternity has been known for centuries for championing education, charity, old-age homes, hospitals for the sick, caring for orphans, funeral rites and honors for the deceased, and more.
I congratulate my friends at El Hasa Shrine for their dedication. I only wish to remind readers that the Masons and Shriners (and both Rites) are still looking for a few new good men to replenish our ranks for the future. I’d encourage any man over age 18 of good moral character who believes in Almighty God, and who is interested in joining a worthy group that imparts good ethical lessons by steps (or ‘degrees’) to consider joining. It can’t hurt to ask. Make your interest known. It can help yourself and your community. I’m glad I knocked at the door of my dad’s Lodge. He was a member 52 years of his 87 years of life; and I know I might not exceed his great record, but I’ll try.
Sincerely,
James Adolph Marples
Longview, Texas
(With family in and near Carter County)
