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* Member 1993, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Orient Orient]
 
* Member 1993, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Orient Orient]
 
* Member 1996, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=WinslowLewis Winslow Lewis]
 
* Member 1996, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=WinslowLewis Winslow Lewis]
* Member 2001, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Wellesley Wellesley
+
* Member 2001, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Wellesley Wellesley]
 
* Member 2001, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Masters2 The Masters]
 
* Member 2001, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Masters2 The Masters]
 
* ''DDGM, '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAHydePark25_1927-2003 Hyde Park 25]''', 1999-2000''
 
* ''DDGM, '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAHydePark25_1927-2003 Hyde Park 25]''', 1999-2000''

Revision as of 15:06, 28 January 2019

GRAHAM A. LONG 1935-2019

GrahamLong.JPG

BIOGRAPHY

From TROWEL, Spring 2002, Page 5:

GrahamLong2002.jpg

Right Worshipful Graham A. Long has given much to . the Craft since he was raised in Constellation Lodge in Dedham, on June 17, 1981. Freemasonry fits Bro. Long like a glove, and the Grand Lodge will be the beneficiary in the future as it has been in the past.

President and CEO for 22 of the 41 years he worked for the Dedham Cooperative Bank (1958-1999), Bro. Long is a native of Westwood, the son of the late Alton R. and Lillian E. Long, and brother to Norman, who is a retired school teacher. After graduating from high school in 1953. he attended Boston University, earning an Associate in Arts degree in 1955, and a B.S. in 1997.

He is a graduate of the American Savings and Loan Institute (1963). and received the Certificate of Graduation from the University of Connecticut School of Business Administration Executive Development Course in 1966. He has been a member of the International Union of Home Financing Institutions since 1971. and a member of its governing council. The latter comprises 73 members from 60 countries, and he is one of the four from the U.S.— which is why he calls traveling his hobby. He has visited Australia. South America. England, and has even walked the Great Wall of China.

R.W. Long is a member of the First Baptist Church of Westwood, where he is a lay preacher and former chairman of the Board of Deacons, financial secretary, and Sunday School teacher. He has sung in the choir and been a trustee of the church as well.

Deputy Grand Master Long is a Past Master and past trustee of Constellation Lodge. Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Hyde Park 25th District, and served on the original Masonic Awareness Committee and in the Grand Lodge Education Department. He is also affiliated with Orient Lodge, Norwood; Winslow Lewis Lodge, Boston; Wellesley Lodge, Wellesley; and the The Masters Lodge, Newtonville.

In York Rite, he is a member of Triad Royal Arch Chapter, Cryptic Council, and St. Bernard Commandery. He is a member of Scottish Rite (Valley of Boston), Mahded Grotto of Dedham, Aleppo Temple, the Westwood Square and Compass Club, and Contentment Chapter, O. E. S. in Dedham. He was director of the Children's Learning Center in Newtonville until 1995, and is now treasurer of the Learning Center in Lexington. He is a trustee and chairman of the DeMolay Foundation of Massachusetts.

His fraternal experience began in King Arthur Chapter, Norwood, where he was Master Councilor. He received the degree of Chevalier, is an Active Legion of Honor, and has served on the Dedham Chapter Advisory Board.

Addressing the gathering at the Feast of St. John. Bro. Long pointed out the changes taking place in today's hurried lifestyle. "Most of us spend many years running hard just to keep up with the changes taking place all around us. Yet. the pace keeps picking up. Everyone is running faster and faster.

"As the pace quickens, we learn how to juggle. We talk on the phone, operate a computer, read our mail, and answer questions all at the same time—and think nothing about it. And some people seem to be doing all of this while driving a car.

"Over against this picture of life today, the Masonic fraternity must appear to some to be quite out of place and even out of step with the times. While the rest of the world is dressing down. Masons continue to dress up. We still wear suits and neckties to meetings . . . And should you happen to see a man wearing a tuxedo, chances are he is either a musician or a Mason on his way to a Lodge meeting. "Because we may seem out of date and out of place, it isn't surprising that many people believe that the world has passed us by . . . It's easy to understand why people might feel this way about our fraternity. Jack Welch, General Electric's famous CEO who retired recently, said, 'If the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change inside, the end is in sight." . . . While it is difficult to challenge a Jack Welch, his comment may not fit every situation. I can think of at least one exception: and that's Freemasonry.

"When George Washington assumed command of the dilapidated and pathetic Army of the Potomac, he knew exactly what he had to do to transform his bedraggled, demoralized troops into a fighting force that could overcome the well-trained, highly disciplined and well-supplied British troops. What did George Washington do? He selected men as his field commanders and members of his staff who he trusted to be men of their word. Who where they? Brother Masons, of course. General Washington needed men he could count on. He needed men who were patriots and who would stand firm no matter the circumstances. While everything around them was a sea of change, they performed up to the highest standards. And that's why our fledgling nation won the War of Independence.

"As Masons, we are custodians of that wonderful tradition — and we carry it on today. At the very moment when serious problems erupt daily with our health care system, is it really so surprising that the Masons of Massachusetts are emerging as the premier health care provider in the Commonwealth?

"When many people first hear about the wonderful Masonic Homes across the country, they find it unbelievable that these outstanding residences and centers of the care of the elderly are available to our members and their wives. As Masons, we do not just talk about brotherhood; we practice it.

"Whether it's our growing scholarship program that aids worthy young men and women with their undergraduate education or the Masonic Angel Foundation that comes to the aid of children in local communities or the CHIP program, we don't talk about serving others and meeting their needs, we do it.

"When our nation was brutally attacked on September 11th, no one had to sound the alarm for the Masonic fraternity. All across the nation, we stepped forward to give substantial aid to the victims of that terrible tragedy. When there is a need; we respond.

"We can be proud of these commitments and accomplishments. But, as we all know, many people view us as out of step with the times in other ways. too. We take our obligations seriously. We still believe that a man's word is his bond—an idea that has all but been forgotten in most circles.

"As out of step as it may seem, we even affirm such traditional values as respect, loyalty, and integrity. These are words that seem to have disappeared from the vocabulary. We do this at the moment when "What's in it for me?' is the motto of most Americans. "'Are we out of step with the times? Is there so much change all around us that we as Masons have been left behind? . . . What is our work? It is standing for the same values that transformed a hungry, cold, poorly equipped, and demoralized Army of the Potomac into the supreme standard bearer for freedom. Anyone who thinks that integrity, loyalty, and respect are outdated doesn't understand the history of our nation. You can count on us. That's our work. What we stand for as Masons makes a difference. ... Character makes a difference. That's our work as Masons. Today, we face a challenge. It is to take all that we value—all that we believe—all that we revere—and present it in ways that capture the imagination of men who know in their hearts that integrity, loyalty, and commitment are what hold life together.

"While it is essential for our fraternity to remain ever close to the roots of Freemasonry, we must be as daring and dedicated as our Brother, George Washington, who dared to put his Masonic values to test.

"What is our work? What is our job? Here's the answer. Long before Charles M. Schwab became one of the nation's leading industrialists, he worked for the famed Andrew Carnegie. He was young, enthusiastic, and eager to get ahead. But Mr. Carnegie knew it was time for his protege to learn an important lesson. One day Charles Schwab proudly sent a wire to Mr. Carnegie that read, 'All records broken yesterday.' Immediately, the little Scotsman telegraphed back, 'But what have you done today?" In the past, the Masonic fraternity has broken all records. Our history is a book filled with extraordinary and unequalled accomplishments. But that was yesterday. As we face a new year, the question remains: 'But what have you done today?'"

SPEECHES

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 2001

From Proceedings, Page 2001-203:

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished Guests, my Brethren all:

Most of us spend many years running hard just to keep up with the changes taking place all around us. Yet, the pace keeps picking up. Everyone is running faster and faster. Where can you go today and not hear someone talking on a cell phone - restaurants, teller lines at the bank, meetings, concerts, plays, the supermarket, and even on cruise ships. Just walk down the street and chances are someone with a phone to the ear and eyes to the ground will run into you. No matter where we are today, there's a phone ringing.

As the pace quickens, we learn how to juggle. We talk on the phone, operate a computer, read our mail, and answer questions all at the same time -and think nothing about it. And some people seem to be doing all of this while driving a car. As you might imagine, it didn't take long until there was a word for all of this. A Harvard professor calls it "time stacking." We try to do more in less time.

Over against this picture of life today, the Masonic Fraternity must appear to some to be quite out of place and even out of step with the times. While the rest of the world is dressing down, Masons continue to dress up. We still wear suits and neckties to meetings, and the soles of our shoes are made of leather. And should you happen to see a man wearing a tuxedo, chances are he is either a musician or a Mason on his way to a Lodge meeting.

Because we may seem out of date and out of place, it isn't surprising that many people believe that the world has long ago passed us by. Masons are sometimes described as "throwbacks" to the "Leave it to Beaver" era of American life.

It's easy to understand why people might feel this way about our fraternity. Jack Welch, General Electric's famous CEO who retired recently, said, "If the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change inside, the end is in sight." Let me repeat Jack Welch's words "If the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change inside, the end is in sight." While it is difficult to challenge a Jack Welch, his comments may not fit every situation. I can think of at least one exception: and that's Freemasonry. When George Washington assumed command of the dilapidated and pathetic Army of the Potomac, he knew exactly what he had to do to transform his bedraggled, demoralized troops into a fighting force that could overcome the well-trained, highly disciplined and well-supplied British troops. What did George Washington do? He selected men as his field commanders and members of his staff whom he trusted to be men of their word. Who were they? Brother Masons, of course. General Washington needed men he could count on. He needed men who were patriots and who would stand firm no matter the circumstances. While everything around them was a sea of change, they performed up to the highest standards. And that's why our fledgling nation won the War of Independence.

As Masons, we are custodians of that wonderful tradition, and we carry it on today. At the very moment when serious problems erupt daily with our health care system, is it really so surprising that the Masons of Massachusetts are emerging as the premier health care provider in the Commonwealth?

When many people first hear about the wonderful Masonic Homes across the country, they find it unbelievable that these outstanding residences and centers for the care of the elderly are available to our members and their wives. As Masons, we do not just talk about brotherhood; we practice it.

Whether it's our growing scholarship program that aids worthy young men and women with their undergraduate education or the Masonic Angel Foundation that comes to the aid of children in local communities or the CHIP program, we don't talk about serving others and meeting their needs; we do it.

When our nation was brutally attacked on September 11th, no one had to sound the alarm for the Masonic Fraternity. All across the nation, we stepped forward to give substantial aid to the victims of that terrible tragedy. When there is a need, we respond.

We can be proud of these commitments and accomplishments. But, as we all know, many people view us as out of step with the times in other ways, too. We take our obligations seriously. We still believe that a man's word is his bond - an idea that has all but been forgotten in most circles.

As out of step as it may seem, we even affirm such traditional values as respect, loyalty, and integrity. These are words that seem to have disappeared from the vocabulary. We do this at the moment when "What's in it for me?" is the motto of most Americans. The "road rage" that is so rampant today reflects the popular and pervasive "I'm number one, so get out of my way" philosophy.

A survey of 1100 employees in Silicon Valley revealed that they averaged three job changes in thirteen months! It's hard to believe, but it is true. Having worked for the same company for twenty, thirty, forty and more years, some of us have difficulty understanding how anyone could make three job jumps in just over a year.

Are we out of step with the times? Is there so much change all around us that we as Masons have been left behind? You will recall a few words from our ritual: "You were neither barefoot nor shod." It comes from an Israelite custom that was adopted by Freemasonry. We read in the Book of Ruth (Chapter 4:7) of the manner in former times concerning redeeming and changing; to confirm all things, a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor. This was a testimony in Israel and we do it as a testimony of our sincerity in the business in which we are engaged.

And what is that business? What is our work? On the one hand it is coming to the aid of those who are unable to help themselves.

What is our work? It is standing for the same values that transformed a hungry, cold, poorly equipped, and demoralized Army of the Potomac into the supreme standard bearer for freedom. Anyone who thinks that integrity, loyalty, and respect are outdated doesn't understand the history of our nation. You can count on us. That's our work.

What we stand for as Masons makes a difference. A friend of mine tells about his mother showing him a white plumed hat and letting him hold a sword with a gold and silver handle. They made an indelible impression on the young boy. They had belonged to his father who died when the child was only seven. Years later, he said that the plumed hat and the sword were his only real memories of his father. "It was only when I became a Mason, that I learned something important about my father," he commented. Character makes a difference. That's our work as Masons.

Today, we face a challenge. It is to take all that we value-all that we believe-all that we revere-and present it in ways that capture the imagination of men who know in their hearts that integrity, loyalty, and commitment are what hold life together.

While it is essential for our fraternity to remain ever close to the roots of Freemasonry, we must be as daring and dedicated as our Brother, George Washington, who dared to put his Masonic values to test.

What is our work? What is our job? Here's the answer. Long before Charles M. Schwab became one of the nation's leading industrialists, he worked for the famed Andrew Carnegie. He was young, enthusiastic, and eager to get ahead. But Mr. Camegie knew it was time for his protege to learn an important lesson. One day Charles Schwab proudly sent a wire to Mr. Carnegie that read, "All records broken yesterday." Immediately, the little Scotsman telegraphed back, "But what have you done today?"

In the past, the Masonic Fraternity has broken all records. Our history is a book filled with extraordinary and unequalled accomplishments. But that was yesterday. As we face a new year, the question remains, "But what have you done today?"


Distinguished Brothers