Is This mason a Mason?

I hope others find this article as exciting as I have. My father discovered some distant cousins in Italy. They are involved in the building of houses in the mountains. These homes are built on steep mountain terrain, and are constructed almost entirely of stone, concrete, brick, and mortar. The mortality rate in this field is very high. Doubtlessly, these men have learned to accept and deal with death. My cousin, Alessandro, built a monument to his fallen brothers. At the time of viewing this monument, my father was unfortunately pressed for time, and did not get any detailed photographs at the time. We owe thanks to Bro. Doug Mixon for the photographic images he made from the brief video. We are working on getting more detailed photographs, and hopefully more insight into Alessandro's interpretation of his work. I hope you enjoy my father's account of his encounter with this genuine operative mason. Gerald E. Earling Stanfield Lodge No. 217 AF&AM Denton, TX. 11-5-95

Is This mason a Mason? by L. E. Earling I met Alessandro in a tiny village high in the Italian Alps while doing a genealogical search. He turned out to be a cousin by marriage. Allesandro speaks no English and I no Italian, But at dinner a young lady sat at our table to act as interpreter. Upon asking his occupation, I was told that Alessandro had been a "carpenter" but no longer worked since his accident. He fell from a height that few survive and believes it to be a true miracle, having felt the "flutter of wings" break his fall. Resorting to symbols and sign language, I sketched a carpenter's square and indicated the construction of a circle by rotating the square around fixed ends of a diameter. His knowing smile assured me that he understood, and probably knows more geometry than I. As the meal ended we stood and I extended my hand, saying "Amico", one of the few Italian words I had learned, meaning "Friend". Alessandro grasped my hand with the unmistakable grip of a Master Mason and said something in Italian in a most sincere manner. Our translator said, "he says you are more than friends". After the meal Alessandro challenged me to a foot race by waving his cane forward and assuming a starting stance. Later I learned that he is in pain most of the time, but is so glad to be alive that he seldom complains. Later I learned that "carpenter" did not fully describe his trade. An abbreviated Italian dictionary showed "carpenter" as "bricklayer". -- A mason? On my last day in Alessandro's village he took me to see his monument. It stands at a prominent intersection "round about" at an entrance to the village. Alessandro designed and built this structure in memory of those who had lost their lives at their work. This includes two of his brothers, an uncle, and an in-law. The structure is on a base three steps up from street level. The reinforced concrete arch sweeps upward from a broad base to a gracefully formed pinnacle about seven meters above the base. Symbolic steps are formed on the edges of the arch, representing man's climb to his highest achievement, then reversed steps continue down the opposite side where the arch diminishes to a slender support at the base. This opposite side represents man's declining achievements and eventual demise. A bronze base relief casting on the wider side of the arch shows a shrouded corpse with extended lifeless hands. A digitally enhanced photo does not reveal any recognizable tools, but there are figures yet to be explained, including a broken wheel which may have been inspired by a well known verse in "Ecclesiastes". Alessandro explained through an interpreter that it required him twenty one days to build the huge wooden form for the cast arch. I would say without doubt that he is a master at carpentry. The concrete was poured in one day, no doubt requiring carefully timed detailed finish work at the pinnacle. The fine stone work and mosaics in the base confirm his skill as a mason. It has been established that Alessandro is not a member of the Masonic Order that we know, but if it were possible, I would sign his petition in a heart beat. The grip he gave is a mystery. Perhaps I've stumbled upon an ancient common thread from builders of long ago. Respectfully, L. E. Earling, F & A M, #236 Angola, IN.