Wilbur D. Nesbit
He was an American poet and Humorist born in 1871 and died in 1927. He received his first three degrees from Evans Lodge #524 in Evanston Illinois, where he remained a member until his death. His Scottish Rite degrees were conferred on him in Chicago. He was honored with his 33rd degree in 1925 by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Supreme Council. He was also a member of the Medinah Shrine in Chicago as well.
Bro. Nesbit wrote a number of Masonic Poems, one of which is as follows:
I Sat in Lodge with You
There is a saying filled with cheer,
which calls a man to fellowship.
It means as much for him to hear
as lies within the Brother-grip.
Nay More! It opens wide the way to friendliness sincere, and true;
There are no Strangers when you say to me;
"I sat in Lodge with you"
When that is said, then I am known;
There is no questioning or doubt;
I need not walk my path alone
nor from my fellows be shut out.
These words hold all of brotherhood and help me face the world anew
there is something deep and rich and good in this:
"I sat in Lodge with you"
Though in far off lands on needs must roam,
by sea and shore and hill and plain.
These words bring him a touch of home
and lighten tasks that seem in vain.
Mens faces are no longer strange, but seems as those he always knew
when someone brings the joyous change with his:
"I sat in Lodge with you"
So you my Brother, now and then
Have often put me in your debt
by showing forth to other men
that you your friends do not forget.
When all the world seems gray and cold and I am weary, worn and blue,
then comes this golden thought I hold - you said,
"I sat in Lodge with you"
When to the last great Lodge you fare
my prayer is that I may be
one of your friends who wait you there,
intent your smiling face to see.
We, with the Warder at the gate, will have a pleasant task to do;
We' ll call, though you come soon or late:
"Come in ! We sat in Lodge with you."
Information received from the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry Part 2, 1909
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