Our members and their careers in Freemasonry
Tribute to Morris Levin - Past Deputy Grand Master
On the occasion of the Grand Master presenting his 60 year jewel –
16 July 2009
On behalf of Lodge De Goede Verwachting presented by
Rt. Wor. Bro. Sydney Raymond
Most Worshipful Grand Master , Distinguished Visitors , Brethren All.
Bro. Morris …Bro. Izzy and I extend to you a hearty welcome to the
60 year club …..You make our total membership 3!
Our mother lodge De Goede Verwachting, has during its century in existence, been graced with a number of illustrious members but, in you we are particularly proud of the way you have developed in your lifestyle and in our Masonic craft.
Clearly the precepts of our craft have been absorbed by you into your daily lifestyle, as is obvious in the magnificent way that your Conscious Awareness has developed and grown across your spectrum during these last 60 years.
In the rough, tough conditions of this material world, amongst other achievements, you have been the Managing Director of a significant Office Manufacturing company and later the M.D. of a Jewellery Manufacturing Company, and also, you were appointed Chairman of the Jewellery Association.
In the Masonic world, your contribution to freemasonry has been remarkable. From Provincial Grand Master through to Past Deputy Grand Master. You have been awarded the Order of Service, also the Royal Arch M S A. The Grand Lodge of Israel awarded you their Order of Merit even though you are not domiciled in that country. The Grand Lodge of New York has made you an Honary Life Member.
You have travelled the world representing the various Grand Masters of the G.L.S.A. Furthermore you are a founding member of Lodge Kaapstad now known as Lodge Cape Town. And so it goes on!
However in the opinion of your mother lodge, your most significant Masonic attribute is that of your caring for those who are discriminated against. This surfaced by your being invited to join a select and small team of the Grand Lodge of South Africa who succeeded, after years of effort, in persuading the Apartheid Government of the day to permit Freemasonry to admit gentlemen of Colour and to participate not only in the Ceremonies, but also participating with their wives at the Lodges Ladies Night Festive Boards consisting of meals, liquor, and dancing which were against the Laws of this Country at that time, and if contravened, subject to Fines and/or jail.
Freemasonry was the only organization in South Africa given this facility………Well Done!!
Clearly it is recognized, that you are a person of calibre who understands and actively practices the important precepts of our magnificent craft.
I now ask the Grand Master of Ceremonies to lead us all in the Masonic Applause of this degree to the honour of Rt. Wor. Bro. Morris Levin.
NOTE:
The Grand Master in presenting the Jewel and Grand Lodge Certificate
gave an interesting and detailed tribute to Bro. Morris which in my delivering the above tribute would have been superfluous.
So instead, I presented our lodge 60 Year Certificate and read out some examples of the written congratulations sent to Bro. Morris from around the world by various dignitaries.