you for that. I mean, I really get that. I have one final question for you and that is, if you could just entertain me with the posture of the Grand Lodge right now, “ in the MWPHGL of Louisiana and its Jurisdictions, what would you like to see us accomplish as a Grand Lodge? ” WGC Sidney Joshua : I hope that we can keep on inspir- ing people and reaching for higher goals. Keep the Order going according to the Code. Regardless of what anybody else says, the Code speaks and as long as we follow the Code things are going to be all right. Your Code is the Masonic Bible, that is how I see it. The thing about it is, we need young men. But we also need the older men to be examples. They had a song back when I was growing up, that said, “ Somebody's Watching You. ” You will be amazed at the people observing you that you may not be aware of. So, you have got to walk circumspectly in the world. Not only will you win the souls of men, but you will get better Ma- sons. PM Sherman Ruth : When brethren get together, there are some who need more light. But all of us need a beacon to guide us through the night. Bro. Joshua, you have truly been a beacon to a lot of brothers and to people that you probably have never met. But just like you just said, they have been watching you, and you have led by your exam- ple. It is quite ironic, but pleasingly so that you are the fourth living legend that we have had the opportunity to inter- view. The first interview was Past Deputy Grand Master J.W. Vaughn. The second interview was with the Grand Worthy Matron of Esther Grand Chapter, Sis. Elvira Shannon. The third interview was Deputy Grand Master James “ Bull ” Baker. And you are our fourth interviewee. And you all have basically said the same thing in one way or another. In order to be a Mason, you have to be a man, and you have to have a word and that is resounding. No wonder, you guys are living legends because you think alike, you talk alike, and you walk alike, and anyone can point you out and say, “ those people are affiliated with Prince Hall Masonry. ” We want to thank you for being the example. It is hum- bling to know that you are the first cousin of Justice Bur- nett Joshua Johnson. As an attorney, Justice Johnson ad- ministered my oath of office when I became a member of the bar association. . I could not wait to take my oath with all of my other classmates, I had some cases I wanted to get involved in, so I gave her a call. She said, “ Sherman come on down in New Orleans," and she swore me in in her chambers. So now I feel a special connection. I knew it was something I liked about Justice Johnson, but now
sponsible man. A man, that other folks learn from your example, not only by your word of mouth. A lot of folks talk it, but they don't walk it. So, if you are going to be a real Mason, then you are to conduct yourself as a Mason, and as a man. Bro. Howard Matthews : All right. Please forgive me on this one, but at the same time entertain me. What does that mean? What does that mean to you about being a man and being a Mason? You mentioned being responsible. But I want you to flesh this out for young kids today because some of them think that being a man is beating your chest and showing how masculine you are. What does that real- ly mean? Is that about responsibility? Is that about author- ity? Is that about accountability? What does that mean to you? WGC Sidney Joshua : It is about accountability, number one, being a man. Nowadays they are “ wishy washy ”. I tell you something else, you have to “ let your light so shine before men. ” Because somebody is always watching how you carry yourself, even in the Lodge. So, when young brothers come to Lodge meetings, they are looking for an example from the older brothers.So, we have to be living examples to them and inspire them to continue be- ing Prince Hall Masons. That is my theory on being a man. Being respectable, and letting your word be your bond. Don't say one thing and then when you get to the hallway say or do something else. Bro. Howard Matthews : Thank you very much. Thank
15
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator