The crisp December air might not have held the promise of snow, but the sting of winter still cast a shadow on the blood supply. It was in this critical time that Lewis Moten, affectionately known as Lewie, walked into the Front Royal United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023, ready to fulfill his oath of brotherhood and civic duty.
This wasn’t Lewie’s first rodeo. As a member of Unity Lodge 146, a bastion of Freemasonry in the heart of Virginia, he understood the importance of giving back to his community. His previous donation, a testament to his unwavering commitment, had already saved lives. But today, he was back for round two, determined to make a difference in a season notorious for blood shortages.
Finding his way into the church wasn’t exactly a Masonic ritual. A touch disoriented, Lewie navigated a series of doors, eventually finding himself at the back, winding through a dimly lit hallway, before emerging into the familiar bustle of a Red Cross blood drive.
Reassurance washed over him as he scanned his digital donor card, the familiar routine a grounding force. The Red Cross team, efficient and friendly, took his vitals – a quick tap on his wrist for his pulse, a gentle squeeze of the arm for his blood pressure, and a prick of his finger to measure his iron levels. To expedite the process, Lewie had pre-filled the Rapid Pass, his answers echoing his dedication to the cause.
More than just a pint of blood, Lewie’s donation was a symbol. His participation in the drive wasn’t just personal; it was a point of pride for Unity Lodge 146. Friendly competition between local lodges often spilled over into blood drives, pushing each other to be the most generous, the most impactful. For Lewie, it was a way to showcase the true essence of Freemasonry – brotherhood, charity, and service to others.
But this act of giving held a deeper meaning for Lewie. Growing up in a religious community that discouraged blood donation, he understood the weight of his choice. Yet, his commitment to serving his community, instilled by his Masonic brothers and his own conscience, outweighed any past reservations. He knew his decision could not only save a life, but also bridge the gap between his past and present, between his faith and his fraternity.
As Lewie left the church that evening, the setting sun casting long shadows, he carried within him the quiet satisfaction of a deed well done. His second pint, a testament to his personal journey and his Masonic values, was more than just a contribution to the blood bank; it was a symbol of hope and humanity, shining bright in the face of winter’s chill.
Unity Lodge No. 146 
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