Tribute To A Terrific Tiler
Or
Monologue For A Marvelous Mason
by RW Sheldon B. Richman
[Shakespeare Lodge paid special tribute to it's long-time tiler,
RW Enrique Castillo, at a table lodge on January 3, 2002. One of his closest
brothers, RW Sheldon B. Richman, could not be in attendance, and forwarded
the following to be presented to Enrique at the event]
[See response by RW Enrique Castillo]
Tonight, my heart is divided between Alexandria and Manhattan, but my body
is firmly stationed in the North Room of the George Washington Masonic National
Memorial as I conduct my first Official Visit -- in Andrew Jackson Lodge
-- to deliver Grand Master Parker's Message for 2002.
Only this obligation to my Grand Master can trump my desire to be with my
Brothers in a Table Lodge to honor RW Enrique Castillo -- Shakespeare's Mason
for all Seasons.
To pay a proper tribute to Right Worshipful Brother Castillo, I consulted
a Masonic encyclopedia and dictionary to define the term "Tiler"; lo and
behold, I found under the term "Tiler" a photo of Enrique. I was stunned
but not surprised. Then, I consulted the same Masonic encyclopedia and dictionary
to define the term "dedication"; lo and behold, I found under the term
"dedication" a photo of Enrique. I was stunned but, again, not surprised.
Finally, I consulted the Oxford English Dictionary to define the term "friend";
lo and behold, I once again found a photo of Enrique under the term "friend."
I was stunned but, once again, not surprised.
There are only two explanations for this phenomenon. First, we have on our
hands a "Masonic hunk." After a lot of thought, I came to the conclusion:
"Not!" Enrique is certainly handsome, but he's no hunk. Second, his photo
is under these terms because he exemplifies these qualities and attributes.
Very simply, Enrique is a "role model" for any Mason aspiring to the Office
of Tiler. Enrique is a "role model" for any Mason or Man to emulate his sense
of dedication. Finally, Enrique is a "role model" for how one acts as a friend.
Enrique and I share a common bond with our newest Grand Organist -- RW Stanley
A. Schimmel. That bond is the mentoring of our late Secretary, RW Barry Balogh.
The three of us miss his wise counsel. However, as we learn in Freemasonry,
our good deeds extend beyond our lifetimes. Barry's efforts continue to pay
dividends for Freemasonry generally and Shakespeare in particular.
In conclusion, I offer a long-distance toast to my Brother and my friend,
RW Enrique Castillo, for his tireless efforts on behalf of Shakespeare Lodge.
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