He Plucked Off His Shoe

Grand Lodge Monthly Education Series — August 2005

In the Master’s Lecture of the Entered Apprentice Degree, we learn that in ancient Israel it was customary for a man to “pluck off his shoe and give it to his neighbor” in order “to confirm all things.”  We further learn that as Masons we have adopted this custom, to demonstrate the “sincerity of our intentions in the business in which we are engaged.”

Why would plucking off of one’s shoe be a confirmation of anything?  We do it all the time.  Many of us have even given shoes to an unfortunate child, or given shoes to charitable organizations to help the destitute.  There is nothing really uncommon in the act of plucking off our shoes and giving them away.  Or is there?

To us today, perhaps not.  But it should.

The Book of Ruth in the Holy Bible is a thought-provoking story.  Among the many lessons it contains is the story of Boaz and Ruth.  Boaz wanted to marry Ruth, the widow of Mahlon.  Boaz wanted to purchase a piece of land in order that he might wed Ruth.  To confirm the land purchase, Boaz “plucked off his shoe.”

Boaz then told the elders that they were witnesses to this purchase.  “Moreover,” he told the elders, “Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place.”

Boaz then plucked off his shoe.  This was a simple but significant act, because for a man to give up his shoes in ancient Israel meant that he had to walk barefoot over hot, rough and rocky ground.  It meant that he was giving up an important portion of his creature comforts.  To regain his shoe, he had to fulfill his pledge.

In plucking off his shoe, Boaz was pledging his honor, just as until recent times a business deal could be confirmed by a handshake.  Some decades ago the extending of the right hand proved that a man came in peace.  So the extending and joining of right hands became a friendly gesture.

Every man who enters Freemasonry plucks off his shoe.  In doing so, you made a solemn pledge to keep all the obligations you assumed as you advanced in the Craft, one degree at a time.

Have you kept this pledge?  Of course you haven’t.  Nor have I.  No human being can.  But the important thing we have to ask ourselves is:  “Have I tried?  Have I plucked off my shoe since I was initiated?”

Let’s look at some men who did pluck off their shoes as they worked as servants of Freemasonry.

President Harry S. Truman plucked off his shoe on many occasions for the Craft.  Although his biographers rarely mention his connection with the Craft, Truman often let the world know he was proud to be a Freemason.  He was prouder of his election to the office of Grand Master of Masons in Missouri than he was of any elective political office he attained.

During World War II, the Masonic Service Association of the United States was raising funds from the various Grand Lodges in order to support and assist servicemen and women at home and overseas.  Harry S. Truman, while Senator, Vice President, and later President of the Untied States, plucked off his shoe numerous times in fund-raising efforts for the programs of the MSA.  Twice President Truman used his influence to permit a committee to travel overseas to help Freemasons in war torn countries. He often endorsed and praised the work of the Masonic Service Association in its Hospital Visitation Program to Veterans Hospitals, and in its relief of distressed Masons in Europe.

Another man who plucked off his shoe was the Reverend George Taft, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  During the anti-Masonic craze in the 1820’s and 1830’s, he stood by the Craft in its darkest hour.  He openly avowed his connection with the institution and traveled long distances to attend and read the funeral service for deceased Masons.   He built respect for the Craft, and at the time of his death the entire town was in mourning.  He had proven that a man who stands by his principles is the man who eventually will be honored and respected.  The man who plucks off his shoe and gives it to his neighbor is the man who learns and puts into practice the tenets of Freemasonry.

A brief story will illustrate what we mean here.  In a small town in mid-19^th century America a young man said to his wife, “Mary, you have a shawl you never use.  May I have it?”

She was puzzled for a few moments, but got the shawl.  He thanked her and left the house.  She was also suspicious, because several evenings during the past few months he had left after dinner without any explanation.  He was never gone long, and when he returned he seemed to have an inner peace about him.  He said nothing, and neither did she.

About a week later, Mary was shopping in the village when she saw her shawl again.  She was shocked.  It was on the shoulders of a beautiful young lady.  Angrily Mary followed the girl to a shabby shack.  Mary knocked on the door.  The girl opened it and smiled when she saw the visitor.  She held the door open and Mary stomped in.

As Mary looked around she saw and elderly lady propped up on a cot.  The lady smiled and said:  “How nice of you to visit us.”

Mary was stunned.  She did not really know what to say.  The girl asked if she could fix her a cup of tea.  Mary nodded and the girl turned to put a kettle on the stove.

While the water was heating, Mary said “I do not know exactly what to say, so I will tell you the truth.  I saw my shawl on your daughter and I was furious.  Last week my husband asked me for it, but didn’t tell me why.  I still don’t understand how you have it.”

The mother said “We have no idea who left it.  We have no idea who has been doing some nice things for us for the past several months.  Perhaps now we can solve the mystery.  It started soon after my husband died.  We had no money and I am unable to work.  And Nancy couldn’t find a job.  We were desperate.  We had no food and no fuel.  Then one morning when Nancy opened the door she found several packages of food, clothing and coal on the doorstep.  You have no idea what that meant to us.

“A short time later, along with more packages, Nancy found a note telling her to see Mr. Tompkins, the lawyer, if she would like a job.  She did and Mr. Tompkins hired her.  He sent a doctor to see, who has been coming regularly ever since.  And he won’t take any money.  And we still find packages, but have no idea where they come from.”

They drank their tea and chatted pleasantly for some time.  The mysterious packages were mentioned from time to time.  Suddenly Mary asked:  “Was your husband a Mason?”

“Yes, he was,” said the lady.  “He loved his Lodge.  I don’t think he ever missed a meeting.”  A short time later Mary left, promising to visit often.

After dinner that evening, Mary worked on a quilt she was making while her husband read.  She looked up from her work and said “I think I learned the great secret of Masonry today.”

Her husband looked at her with alarm and asked, “And what is it?”

Mary answered, “To do good and not say anything about it.”

The Masons of that small town had plucked off their shoes to help those in need.  SHOULD WE DO ANYTHING LESS?

Millions of great men have been and are members of the Craft.  Many have become truly Master Masons.  But more have not.  Actually, only a few Freemasons over the years literally plucked off a shoe and worked for the Fraternity.  Imagine what a wonderful difference it would make throughout the world if only those millions who have received the Degrees would fulfill their obligations.

Will you ask yourself:  “Have I sincerely plucked off my shoe in testimony of my fidelity to Freemasonry”

If your answer is “No,” will you consider plucking off your shoe?  Will you work for your fellowman through Freemasonry?  If you will, you’ll make a difference for the better in today’s uncertain world.