TCM helped me discover something interesting about Rep. John Lewis this morning.

[Talitha]

It all started with TCM's broadcast of a 1951 movie called "I Want You".

In the movie was Ray Collins - you might remember him as Lt. Tragg from the 50's Perry Mason series. (trivia: in the movie, Collins played the father of actress Peggy Dowd, who played the nurse from Chumley's Rest Home in 'Harvey'.)

Yeah, I like old movies.

Anyway, I remembered that Collins was also in Citizen Kane and decided to look him up on Wikipedia - wow, what a broadcast history he had! His page also said that when Collins died in 1965, Masonic services were held. The link 'Masonic services' led to a 'Masonic Funeral' Wiki page. This is where things got interesting.

The Masonic Funeral page has a sub-secion titled 'Notable Masonic Funerals' which listed the names of only 2 people - George Washington and Congressman John R. Lewis!

Here's the quote from that Masonic Funeral page:
"On 29 July 2020, a masonic funeral ceremony for Congressman John R Lewis took place in the Georgia State Capitol. Lewis was a senior Freemason in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM of Georgia and in the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction."

And now you know the rest of the story...

[SouthernIrish]

1. My Grandfather and Great grandfather had Masonic funerals.

I really didn't understand the chants and all of the symbolism, but my Dad did. It is kind of beautiful yet strange at the same time.

[Talitha]

3. To my knowledge I've known one person who was a Mason.

He was the son of an elderly Lady I used to live next door to. He never mentioned anything about it, but another neighbor mentioned it to me.

[Phentex]

2. Interesting!

I like old movies too and the internet adds a lot to the experience now.

Thanks for this info!

[Talitha]

4. You're welcome!

The TCM hosts and hostesses often tell us bits of interesting trivia before and after movies. And yes, the internet can be a treasure trove.

Bob Osborne was the best though, truly a walking Hollywood encyclopedia - I really miss him!

[abqtommy]

5. I like your style! I pepper my bookmarks with movie and music cross-references.

[Talitha]

6. Thanks!

I'm eternally curious... so for me, links are often educational stepping stones. Sometimes they can be a powerful springboard, though - gotta watch that first step!