Copied from KNIGHT Templar, Magazine June 1971.

Thomas Carlyle said: "The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong." Others have made this observation in different words and forms. The message it conveys to us in Templary is clear: Whether the granite the problem - is a roadblock or a stepping-stone depends on us individually and collectively as Christian Masons.

For ten rewarding years as a Grand Encampment officer I have journeyed to Templar gatherings throughout this country - and beyond. I have found a depth of devotion, dedication, determination and service that has been genuinely inspiring. I have found strong, able, informed leadership; I have seen marvelous examples of progress. I wish it were possible for each of you to have the opportunity for this larger vista of our Order and its membership. Each one of you would feel an even greater appreciation for your membership.

Conversely, I have occasionally seen examples of Templars who recognize only the roadblocks, not the stepping-stones. I have seen mountains made out of mole hills; I have seen the slightest bump in the road create a detour from our destiny and purpose.

Fortunately, these are in the extreme minority. We can take rightful pride in our Templar Order, we can be proud of those who are associated with us, and we can look ahead to greater and greater gains - in meaning and in membership - if we transform the granite blocks of problems into helpful stepping-stones.

I do not know who first said it, but I remember a quotation which warns us that we cannot stand still: "He that is good will infallibly become better, and he that is bad will as certainly become worse; for vice, virtue and time are three things that never stand still."

Let us be sure we move - in the right direction - forward. And let us commit ourselves in the manner of the young men of Athens, 2500 years ago, when they reached majority and took their vows of citizenship: 11 ... To fight for the ideals and sacred things ... to revere and obey the laws and support the magistracy ... to strive to quicken the public sense of civic duty ... so that we shall transmit ... to those who follow after, not only less, but greater, better and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us."

G. Wilbur Bell, Grand Master, Grand Encampment, Knights Templar of the USA