Dear Editor,
I was glad to read the San Sabo News article: 'San Saba Masonic Lodge #612 Partners with Scouting America to Support Local Youth' (Dec. 10 issue). I am glad that the Masons are supporting the Scouts both monetarily and by providing a safe meeting place.
What a lot of people don't realize is that a prominent Freemason, Brother Daniel Carter Beard, was a founding father of our original American Scouting. In the San Sabo News article his name was misspelled as Daniel C. Carter. CORRECTION: It was Brother Daniel Carter Beard (1850-1941). It is notable that he used many Masonic Lodge mottos and philosophies in incorporating his scouting program, such as: '...to teach {boys} patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred-values.' I was in scouts when I was young, but due to time-constraints, I never sought the rank of Eagle. However, I applaud those who do. I am a 5th-generation Freemason, and have been nearly 44 years. I like the Boy Scout Oath in that I (and others made such solemn promises and vows), obliging myself 'to help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.' Those are great words to live-by.
Although societal norms and mores have somewhat changed over the years, the fundamental precepts of honesty, chastity, and respect toward elders is timeless. I am thrilled that today's young people openly and proudly make promises to fulfill: 'Duty to God and Country; Duty to other people; and Duty to self.'
Too many people are caughtup in bad peer-pressure toward drugs, illicit-sex, compulsivegambling, etc. . Scouting and Fraternal lodges are sources of positive role-models to emulate to live a clean life. I am also a 4th-Generation member of a similar fraternal lodge, the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Lodge. Both fraternal orders focus on character-building of fine gentlemen, with an added eye toward helping communities thrive. Well done. Congrats to those honored..
James A. Marples Longview, Texas