Report from the South

Brethren - I am taking this opportunity to share with you my trip to visit Brother Gilbert Ferguson in Kindred Hospital.  This is a new hospital located in what was once Anthem Blue-Cross/Blue-Shield – it is a rehabilitation only hospital.  After talking to Brother Clarence Price, I was not quite sure what to expect.  Clarence keeps close tabs on Brother Gilbert.  Gilbert has recently undergone back surgery, has pneumonia and suffered from a staff infection. Well Brother Gilbert much to my surprise is a spry 95 years old and has been defibrillated twice and is still alive and kicking. I told him about Brother Tom Jones passing and after a pause he related how he had helped Brother Jones with his catechisms. Gilbert is proud to be a mason and extremely proud to be a Shriner for all the good work they do for children.  Brother Gilbert instructed over a hundred candidates in Northside Lodge starting in the 40’s. He and I talked about Shriners for most of my stay. His spirits are good and his mind is keener than mine.  Unfortunately he will be at the hospital for about a month.  Brethren, Brother Ferguson is truly an outstanding Mason who many of us do not know as well as we should – he is an inspiration to all who know him.  In the Scottish Rite and in Masonry, we talk about finding the “Lost Word” – Gilbert found it many years ago and has applied it to his life and dealings with others and he probably does not know he found it but others can see  that he has.