Classic Poem

Long may your Lodge fires burn!
Workmen in mystic labors, kind and good!
And many a year return
To shed new luster on your Brotherhood;
You, who the call of mercy heard and heeded,
And gave with cheerfulness as it was needed.

Men may your work defame,
And call your deeds the offspring of the night;
How often scorn and shame
Have stricken hearts in virtuous doings bright!
The Lord of all bore to his home of bliss,
In hands and feet and side the proofs of this.

But doubt ye not, dear friends,
There surely waits for you a FULL REWARD .
The Lord will give amends
At the great P AY D AY , for thus saith the Lord, —
" Because ye did it to the least, so free,
Come to my throne, ye did it unto me! "

A lasting blessing rest
Upon your labors prospering more and more;
God's largest gifts and best
Fill to the brim your basket and your store,
Till from hard service summoned by His voice,
You shall in L ODGE C ELESTIAL all rejoice: