The North Carolina Mason

March/April 2020 The North Carolina Mason Page 9 About that word ̒brothersʼ itʼs incorrect By Charles E. Ponton Wilmington #319 Over the course of years, various masonic and non-Masonic commu- nications have incorrectly used the term "brothers" when they should correctly use the word "brethren." is misuse should prompt one to examine the word "brothers" as used in Masonic communications. For example: "Good morning, brother" or "Good morning, brethren." A Masonic brother brings to the symbolic lodge his life experience and his education. His mentor/ coach is the first Masonic member to teach proper Masonic decorum and etiquette. We cannot fault a new member for not knowing proper decorum. We can only blame ourselves for lack of confidence in correcting a brother. Printed articles written by others, then submitted to the editor of e Mason and other publica- tions for review and eventual distribution share various Masonic colloquiums across North Carolina. Each Masonic writer has a different experience of Free- masonry. But correct usage of commonly used endearing words in Freemasonry and expectations of proper decorum should always prevail. e traditional Masonic greeting "brethren" and "brother" should always be used in Masonic greet- ings. e reference to "brother" within the masonic membership is always encouraged, and rightly so, between each member. e bad habit of using the word "brothers" in the Masonic realm has unfortunately increased over the years. e word "brethren" not "brothers" is the correct plural usage for addressing a group of Masonic members. Whether in speech or text, the word "brothers" does not describe our intimate Masonic relationship(s). e Masonic frater- nity consists of unique individual/ group relationships and interaction that each member has with one another. rough our obligations, our history, our ritual, and our brotherly love, creates an excep- tional individual and exceptional fraternal bond. is Masonic relationship is found when the word "brethren" is used, signifying a closer masonic group relationship that cannot be found in any other fraternal rela- tionships. Reflect and consider your ongoing Masonic experience and make it be known for the right reasons, the plural form of the word "brother" is "brethren" when speaking to and about a group of Masonic members. Please, gently correct a brother with the correct usages of "brother" and "brethren." e plural "brethren" is generally used for members of an organi- zation, especially a religious or fraternal body, whereas the plural "brothers" is used in the familial sense as well as for larger groups. Definition of brethren: Brethren is the plural of brother, used chiefly in formal or solemn address or in refer- ring to the members of a profession, society, or religious denomination. Refers (figuratively) to the body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order. The brethren hold a prayer meeting every Friday. Definition of brother: A male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another A fellow member used as a title for minis- ters in some evangelical denominations One who shares with another a common national or racial origin: especially: soul brother. A member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders a lay brother. Definition of brothers: Plural form of brother when brother refers to man or boy having the same parents as another person. Larry and Robert are familial brothers. Past Grand Master Lester Poindexter Martin Jr., who was carried in his father's arms to his first Masonic picnic at the age of two months, passed away Feb. 20. He was 95. Brother Martin often told the story of being carried to that picnic, telling brethren he was "rocked in a Masonic cradle." e 73-year Mason was Grand Master of North Caro- linas Masons in 1991-92. He also earned accolades in his work as a lawyer and a judge, but one of his greatest memories came in 2016 when he received NC Masonry's highest honor, the Joseph Montfort Medal. He called the award "the achievement of a lifetime for a Master Mason." en-Grand Master Bryant Webster, who chose Martin as one of the three medal recipients that year, praised his brother for his work and lifetime achieve- ments at a ceremony attended by what was called the largest gathering of past grand masters to date. Shortly after MW Martin's passing, PGM Webster shared fond memories of a brother he knew well – and admired. "He was a true Mason, and one of the best storytellers I ever knew," he said. "Presenting the Montfort to him was a perfect fit. Lester was an Eagle Scout, a lawyer, a judge and a good man." PGM Martin lived a full and busy life. He represented Davie County in the NC General Assembly in 1961 and 1963; was a State Bar Councilor and was a trustee for Appalachian State University. He served on several committees and was parlia- mentarian of the State Baptist Convention. He was a chief district court judge, a superior court judge and an emergency judge for many years. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in China, Burma and India in World War II and received the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a lifelong resident of Mocksville and Farmington, son of the late Dr. Lester P. and Helen Bahnson Martin, granddaughter of C.F. Bahnson, longtime Grand Lecturer and author of the North Carolina Masonic Lodge Manual. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; two sons, Pete and Bob (Laura); and a granddaughter, Elizabeth. He was raised by his grand- father, Frank Bahnson, at Mocksville #134 in 1946; his father gave the lecture. He was appointed to the Grand Line by MW I. Boyd Hoskins in 1984. A memorial service was conducted February in the Lester Martin Courtroom of the Davie County Courthouse. Martin came from a distinguished line PGM Lester Martin Jr. lay down his working tools in February.

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