11/06/2025
From the Aleppo Archives: "Someday, when I'm gone..."
Every time I saw Dave Cross at a Shrine meeting, he would greet me with a smile and ask what I added to the museum recently. He would then say "someday, when I'm gone, you'll get my uniform for the museum.... but not yet!" gesturing to the long row of service stripes on his sleeve....
Well, as many of you know, Dave passed away last winter. Being over a 50 year member in many Masonic bodies as well as a member of many other organizations, he had a lot of "stuff". I kept in touch with his lodge and they recently recieved a number of boxes from his family. I visited the lodge and when the Master met me outside with a box of Shrine related items, he said "and there's this green jacket we weren't sure what group its from..." I couldn't get the words out quick enough, "yes, that's Shrine."
After sorting through additional boxes, I left with the backseat of my truck overflowing with items related to the Shrine and AHAC.
Sorting through it all again at my house, I went through all the pins and trinkets and quickly filled a box with items for the "free table" at the next ceremonial. The personal items I of course kept for the archives. Finding his 50 year medals from the York Rite as well as some Scottish Rite awards, I remembered how proud Dave was of his long service to all the organizations and that he was active in each.
So, despite knowing Dave was also a stickler for protocol, I decided to make his Temple Guard uniform a display of his achievements. I added all the longevity awards as well as his badge as Colonel of the International Association of Shrine Provosts. We unfortunately weren't able to locate his Wilson medal from Aleppo, but hoping that eventually surfaces.
Yesterday I installed the uniform in the museum room along with his Captain Emeritus of the Temple Guard and IASP Colonel fezzes, and as a finishing touch, the tie clip he always wore which sports emblems for the Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, Commandery, Shrine, and Jesters, showing off his belief in Masonic unity.
So when we get in collections, we can't display, nor keep absolutely everything. We always try to find the right home for everything and try to honor the requests of the donors.
A special thanks to Wor. Tim and the Brothers of Philanthropic Lodge for ensuring I was able to fulfill Dave's wishes!
RIP good and faithful Noble.
