The Celestial Lodge

Friday night, the Brothers of Sibley Lodge gathered to say goodbye to one of our own. Brother Norville Stuber passed on to the Celestial Lodge on May 6. He was raised in Union Lodge, LeSueur and transferred his membership to Sibley Lodge when he moved here after retiring.

Past Grand Master Steven R. Johnson presided over the services. The thoughts expressed, the scripture readings and the prayers offered are very moving and reflective. But as important as the words spoken is the presence of Brothers gathered to say goodbye to a friend.

I cannot put it any better than the words from the final Masonic rites:

Life is a gift from our Maker; a Divine spark kindled in mortal Clay; a gleam of light; a vision of gladness and then back to its Creator in everlasting fellowship. What each man crowds into his short period of time is his memorial. It is indelibly imprinted upon the hearts of those who were privileged to enjoy his fellowship. As a Mason our Brother was taught to give of the fruits of his labor to the distressed, to strengthen the irresolute, to befriend the orphan, to lend guidance to his fellow man and to walk humbly with his God.

The spirit of our Brother having been called to its Heavenly Home we leave him in the hands of our Heavenly Father who doeth all things well. Friend and Brother Norville Stuber we bid thee an affectionate farewell in the faith of joining thee in that temple not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.