This article is dedicated to the memory of Noble & WB Charles Rogers (the Road Dog), who passed away in May and left a huge void in the lives of everyone who knew him. By any righteous person’s standards Charles was a great man, devout Christian, and the epitome of a true Mason. There is a section of a Masonic lecture that reads “A mindful Mason always adds to his storehouse of knowledge, never subtracts anything from the character of his neighbor, multiplies his benevolence to his fellow creatures, and divides his means with a suffering brother”.
This was Charles. As a retired Army Officer and retired schoolteacher Charles continued researching anything of interest. He read and learned about it all; literature, science, religion, history, ancestry, war, a lots and lots of masonic books. He was quick to share what he learned, but never in an intruding or offensive manner. He was regarded as the person to go to if you wanted to know anything about masonic life or history.
No one ever heard Charles say anything negative about anyone. This is especially remarkable considering his time spent in Vietnam and other places in the world, and in consideration of the number of people he knew. Unfortunately, most of us find it easy to point out the weaknesses or shortcomings of people in our lives with whom we disagree. Not Charles, he may disagree, but he would never hold that disagreement against you or speak ill of the person he disagreed with.
Multiply your benevolence to your fellow creatures, which means the desire to do good to others. There is no finer example than Charles Rogers.
One of the first things a Mason learns is the value and importance of charity, whether it is in the form of time, money, or material things. Charles was probably the most generous man many of us ever met. His list of financial donations to the many masonic bodies and community charities is endless. He was equally generous with his time, knowledge, advice, moral and spiritual support, and Scotch.
Charles was the epitome of a Mason who was first and foremost a man of God, a family man, a soldier, and a dedicated member of many Masonic bodies. His masonic memberships included PM of Hinesville Lodge # 271, PM of Coastal Daylight Lodge 750, Hinesville Ft Stewart Shrine Club, Alee Hillbillies, Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, Order of DeMolay, Knights Templar, National Sojourners, and more.
Charles’s value as a friend and brother and the significance of the void left by his departure is best expressed in the words of those who loved him. These are the words of many who had daily contact with him:
>A man who loved being a Mason through and through. He gave nothing but love and respect to all. He loved his Scotch.
>Brother Charles Rogers was a true mason’s mason. A friend, brother, noble and confidant. I consider Charles as my Masonic Grandfather; he knew what to say when things weren’t working out as planned. No matter what we were doing, a paper drive, pumpkin patch, or cooking hotdogs and handing out popcorn, he always had a smile on his face. The one thing that I will always remember was the day he went through the hobo and hillbilly degrees. After the degrees, sitting around the campfire having a drink of scotch he said, “I should have done this earlier it was so much fun I can’t wait to parade as a hillbilly”.
> Brother Charles was a humble man who wanted everyone to succeed and live up their potential. He did this without receiving or wanting recognition for his part in their success. If you failed in your endeavors, he would find the positive part and turn it into a success.
>Charlie loved good food. He loved to tag me on Facebook with dessert ideas. Gonna miss him dearly. He always made the ladies feel special and included the ladies’ auxiliary in the fez article. A true Mason.
> Charles, my fine gentleman, great listener and true friend. Your worldly knowledge kept us engaged for some time as you coached me on properly sipping scotch, and not just any scotch. You and Lady Marlene are dearly missed my friend.
>Charles was the Mason’s Mason.
> I knew Charles for only 3 years and his wisdom, words and actions have had a profound impact on my life. If I can live to be half the Mason he was, I’d consider myself lucky.
>In my entire life I have never met a man as nice, kind, and generous as Charles Rogers.
>What a role model. I wish I had known him during my younger and dumber days.
>He was the epitome of Brotherhood, a Mason’s Mason.
>Charles was always so excited to hear of my travels; he was sincere and always wanted to be a part of both my travels and career. I remember visiting an English-Speaking Scottish lodge in Panama and being excited to share the experience it with him.
>I can’t say it has been easy learning to do another parade or meet at the club without you brother. I have started to make progress though; I can now talk about you without crying. I can look people in the eye and tell them you’re not here anymore, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will never see you again. It was incredibly difficult to reconcile my desire to see you again brother. I used to look for you everywhere, hoping that you and I have the drink we always talked about. Brother Charles, I miss you.
>He was a profound man who could brighten anyone’s day. Every time I saw him he had a smile on his face. In the short two years that my family knew him, he became part of our family and impacted us in ways we will cherish forever. It was not enough time. Whether he was trying to mentor you to be a great man or just sipping a glass of scotch talking about Scotland, he was a man who when he spoke, you listened. I will miss Charlie with all my heart and there will be a great void in our fraternity with him gone. I hope we make him proud. Until we meet again old friend, here’s to you.
When a Christian dies we are filled with grief and sadness, but should also be filled with rejoicing. Truly, for the Christian, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” As a believer in Christ departs from this life they are immediately in a far better place. They are with Christ! They have finished the race and kept the faith; and that faith has become sight. They no longer see in a mirror dimly but see Him face to face. The object of their love, affection, and joy is before and with them forevermore.
When a brother or sister in the Lord passes away, there should be grief and rejoicing. They both have a place. We grieve for what is lost and rejoice at what is gained.
Therefore, we should rejoice at the death of Charles Rogers, for as the Apostle Paul says, he is “in a far better place”.