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On September 11, 1987 at the Masonic Temple in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lt. Gen. Robert D. Springer, USAF was made a
Mason-at-sight. This extra communication was called at the request of Brother
Carl Stenberg, Right Worshipful Grand Master. Grand Master Stenberg was so
impressed with the story and background of Lt. Gen. Springer that he felt making
him a Mason-at-sight at the celebration of the Bicentennial of the Constitution
of the United States would be a fitting acknowledgement of a life of service and
contribution to our nation. Lt. Gen. Springer has certainly exemplified the best
principles of our craft without being a member. Now we welcome him as “one of
us”. He has affiliated with Abraham C. Treichler Lodge #682 in Elizabethtown,
Pennsylvania.
Normally we do not publish “testimonials” in the Short Talk
Bulletin, however we feel this story is so important that it needs to be told
publicly.
As you read this Short Talk Bulletin please keep in mind
that there are literally thousands of such stories that could be told! Masons have, since the beginning of our
Fraternity, been ex-tremely influential in the lives of young people, our
families, our friends, our communities and our nation! Most times we are not
even aware of our impact. That’s why it is so important on special occasions
like this, we need to be reminded that we are observed and our influence felt,
even without our knowledge that it is happening.
At one time there was a show on T.V. called “The
Naked City”.
The show always ended with this line:
“There are eight million stories in the Naked City, this
has been one of them.”
Since we cannot tell all of the accounts of Masonic help or
influence, we have chosen this one to be representative of and reflective for
all of the similar stories “out there”.
We would like to dedicate this Short Talk Bulletin to
all those
unknown Masons, who have, over the years had a positive
impact on
some
one’s life. We further dedicate this Short Talk Bulle~in to
the Masons of today who have the golden opportunity to “Co Thou And Do Likewise”
Let no one ever forget that “MASONS CARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE THERE.” Here is how
Brother Springer expresses it:
Events of the past year have helped me better realize that
my life has been fllled wlth opportunities.
Certalnly there has also been adverslty My father died while I was a
lo-year-old boy. My mother, along
with an older brother and slster and I Were clearly not secure financially. We
all worked at somethmg or other. But in a few short years Freemasonry
IntervenedWhen I was fourteen I was offered an opportunity to attend the Thomas
Ranken Patton School for Boys in Ehzabethtown Pennsylvama. A Past Grand
Treasurer Brother Patton had provlded funds for this school—for boys whose
fathers were dead And it was also to be a school where the Blble would be
taught.
Although I dldn’t realize It at the tlme the prmclples of
Freemasonry were clearly present at Patton School We were a small group (about
35) with a dozen or so boys in each of our three high school classes. Thls small
number in each class was significant. In both academlc classes and in our “shop”
(Carpentry, bricklaying, machlne shop) we enjoyed a superb teacher to student
ratio.
We also worked together as a team...brothers. Whether it
was personal habits such as room and dorm cleanliness... or working on the
grounds...or in the orchards of the Masomc Homes...or bulldmg cabins for the
Carlisle Pennsylvania YMCA...we were learning about life and the importance of
being a disciplined contributor to society.
At Patton School each day started wlth a Matin Servlce.
Each meal was preceded by prayersWe were encouraged to attend the church of our
choice in Elizabethtown each Sunday. We were developing our relationship with
the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
Discipline of a negative nature was not a major concern.
The positive connotation of discipline was incumbent in all of our programs and
activities. We wore neckties everywhere-classes, shop, dining room. Because
there were so few of us we were involved in everything. . . all of us..in sports
and extracurricular activities I was five feet and one inch tall and welghed
less than 100 pounds my senior year-but I was on the football team. That’s a
dlsclplni ing and learning experience, believe me. We all had an opportunity to
grow and develop and mature In those years at Patton School.
A few of us went on to college. I was especialIy fortunate
because our Masonic fratermty allowed me to Continue living in the Patton dorm
and walk a few miles each way to Elizabethtown College. Wlthout that “room and
board” I would not have been able to attend. Even then, it wasn’t all that easy.
I worked over 30 hours a week in a wheelbarrow factory and a supermarket to help
wlth the tutition costs. Although I only finished two years at Elizabethtown
College I’ve long remembered thelr motto—“Educate to Serve”.
While still living at Patton, my Country provided me
another opportunlty In 1952. The Alr Force selected me to attend a year long
Aviation Cadet program leading to a commission as a Second Lieutenant and the
awarding of my navlgator wlngs. A few years later I would complete pilot
training. In the United States Air Force, opportunities abound—without regard to
who you are or where you came from.
In my 35 years wlth the Alr Force, my famlly and I have
travelled and lived throughout America—as well as in Japan and Germany. I served
in the Republic of Vietnam and I’ve travelled to over 40 Countries. The Air
Force gave me a chance to complete my clvilian education wlth Bachelor and
Masters degrees from George Washington University.
I’ve flown. . . instructed. .. served as a staff officer...
been to combat... and have had several opportunities to command.
And “command” is the ultimate assignment for the Air Force officer. Most
importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to serve my nation and my God for the past
35 years—an opportunity that my teen years at Patton School prepared me for.
Patton School helped me to develop a disciplined learning
pattern...a work ethic...the importance of my brothers...a motivation to serve
mankind...and a healthy respect for God.
Clearly the principles of Freemasonry were evident—even if too subtle for
us youngsters to realize then.
Now that I’ve been raised as a Master Mason, I’m on the
threshold of another world of opportunities. There is simply no way to
express—even for Brother Masons—how I felt in September when I was made a Mason
at Sight in the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. The emotion and elation of that
day will live with me as I remember its significance and the many personal
friends (among them some of my Patton classmates) who were present in the Grand
Lodge convened for that special occasion.
That evening I noted that in addition to my natural parents
and my God I had three people who contributed mightily to my life. First, was a gentleman I never
knew—Thomas Ranken Patton. Second
was an individual I met but can’t recall his name—an Air Force recruiter. Third,
a particular person I’m far more intimate with-my wife of 34 years, Bonnie
Brubaker Springer of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. These three people have
provided me opportunities—but then, so has Freemasonry and America.
Let me close with a final thought. I suspect my Brothers who read this do not often realize what a tremendous impact their lives and their labors have on others. Any successes I may have enjoyed in my career are clearly the fruits of some mighty powerful seeds planted on the campus at the Patton School for Boys. While I was not born with material advantages, I have acquired a wealth unknown to many—love, care, compassion and opportunities to serve.