Russell Davis received a surprise recently when be arrived at his Reservoir Road, Pascoag, home and found a flock of pink plastic flamingos roosting in his front yard. Davis, the Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master of the Southern District for the Rhode Island Grand Lodge of Masons, was a victim of "Flocking," a fund-raiser for the Rhode Island Rainbow Girls, a youth group sponsored by the Masons. Davis had to contribute $30 to the group to have the flamingos removed.

• Davis has been an active participant in Masonry for the past twenty years.
BY Ronald R. Blais - Staff Reporter

BURRILLVILLE - It had been a grand weekend for Russell Davis.

On Sat., Jan 14, he carried out his duties as Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master of the Rhode Island Grand Lodge of Masons by installing the officers of the Franklin Lodge of Masons in Westerly, a ceremony he's passionate about.
After spending the night in the southern tier of the state, Russell headed home on Sunday. He was in an ebullient mood.
But when he turned into the driveway of his Reservoir Road home in Pascoag, Russell was taken aback for a moment by what his eyes perceived.
Davis was surprised to find a flock of 30 gaudy, tacky, pink plastic flamingos roosting on his front lawn.
It took him a moment to figure out what had happened and then he erupted into fit of lightheartedness.
"I laughed. I said, 'they got me,'" he recalls of the moment.
Davis had been flocked.
"Flamingo flocking" is a fund-raiser for the Rhode Island Rainbow Girls Foundation, one of two youth organizations sponsored by the Masons organization. The Masons also sponsor DeMolay for boys.
Someone, purportedly his friends and brother Masons, paid $30 to have Davis flocked and it would cost the District Deputy Grand Master $30 to have them removed. All proceeds from flocking go toward the Rainbow Girls' scholarship fund.

Davis, however, had no qualms about digging into his wallet to rid his yard of the
flock.
"I welcomed it for the organization. It just made my whole weekend complete," the good sport says.
The flocking was just the latest in a long series of gratifying moments Davis has experienced through his 21 years as a Mason.

Since joining the Masons in 1985, Davis has continuously deepened his involvement with the fraternal organization. He's served two terms as Master of his lodge, Roger Williams, and has climbed his way through the 32 degrees to reach Masonry's pinnacle, the Shriners. As a Rhode Island Shriner, Davis has also played the role of "Blinky," a Shrine clown.

His devotion to the Masons was rewarded in May 2005 when he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Rhode Island Grand Lodge, an office he cherishes.

"I was very surprised to be asked. It's definitely an honor. It's an office that's highly respected," says Davis.
It's also a challenging assignment.
Since he's responsible for installing Mason officers, as part of his District Deputy Grand Master duties, Davis has had to memorize the entire installation ritual.

"We don't read out of a book. It's all from memory," he says.
Regardless, whenever Davis discusses Masonry, a radiance emanates from his face, excitement fills his voice. He's passionate about the fraternal organization. He speaks of it from his heart. He leaves no doubt how he feels about the Masons.
"I love the craft. I love the camaraderie. I Love the brotherhood," he says.

Prior to 1984, Davis knew nothing about the Masons. His curiosity was sporadically piqued, however, whenever he saw men wearing Masonry's insignia, the square and compasses.

Davis' journey into Masonry began after he attended a Shriners' convention in Boston in 1984 as a salesman representing the jewelry company he worked for. His attendance would prove a turning point in his life. He felt very comfortable interacting with the Shriners.
"I met a fellow there who I opened up to like he was my own dad," he recalls.
With each Shriner he met, the more impressed he became.
"I had met so many genuine people. I said to myself, 'I'd like to be like that some day.' They were very caring thoughtful men," he says.
The encounters touched him deeply. He felt he could no longer stay on the sidelines. He had to act.
"I really felt something in my heart. I needed to pursue this," he says of his decision to join the Masons.
He quickly discovered Masons are dedicated to their fraternity, their communities and themselves.
"We try to take a good man and make him a better person," say's Davis of Masonry's ideals.
In Masonry, Davis explains, it doesn't matter what economic or social strata a Mason is from, a spirit of fellowship permeates all members. What's nice about it (Masons), it's people from all walks of life. What everybody brings to Masonry is something different. There's just a warm feeling at a Masonic meeting, to be part of a brotherhood. It gives you a good feeling inside," says Davis.

Through the Masons, Davis believes he's developed into a better person.
"It's a learning experience. I definitely think it's built up my character," he says.
The brotherhood has changed his outlook on life.
"I look at things differently," he says.
He's not as quick to judge, he says as an example.
"I'm a much better listener. I weigh things out. I look at both sides," he explains.
Masonry also has made him more comfortable in front of an audience.
"I've definitely gained confidence in terms of public speaking."
Masons strive to improve their communities and Davis loves to get involved in such endeavors.
"I like making the world a better place," he says.
The camaraderie between Masons is unsurpassed, Davis insists.
"I've met some, wonderful people all over the country through the Masons." he says. "I
have some very treasured friends. The courtesies I've been extended are unbelievable."
And the bond between Masons, he points out, is as tight as a magnet on steel.
"I could call any brother, anytime, and say can you help me and he'd be right there," says
Davis.
In the Masons, Davis has found his calling.
"It's a great fraternity. I've really found my niche," he concludes.
 

Article taken from the Woonsocket Call - Northwest Neighbors