It is with a heavy heart yet with deep gratitude that I write these words in remembrance of the late Worshipful Brother Jeffrey Atherton Low — a Mason, mentor, and friend whose life and example left an indelible mark upon my journey and upon the fabric of our fraternity here in Hawaii.
Worshipful Brother Jeff was, for many years, the beloved and steadfast Master of Waikiki Lodge F. & A.M., where he dedicated himself fully to the Craft and to the brethren entrusted to his care. Through the highs and lows of that Lodge’s life, he stood firm, ensuring that the principles of Freemasonry — brotherly love, relief, and truth — remained alive and practiced within its walls. Even as the Lodge approached its eventual closure, he carried himself and his Lodge with dignity, never allowing the challenges of circumstance to diminish the solemn beauty of the ritual or the bonds of fellowship that he nurtured among the brethren.
When Waikiki Lodge closed its doors, Worshipful Brother Jeff did not step away from Masonry; instead, he brought his quiet strength, his experience, and his unwavering devotion to Lodge le Progrès de l’Océanie F&AM. There, he became not just an active member, but truly a pillar of the Lodge — someone whose presence brought stability and whose counsel brought clarity. Whether at the altar, the sidelines, or the East, he exemplified what it means to be a Master Mason. His commitment was not to titles or accolades but to the timeless principles of the Craft and to the brethren he served alongside.
On a personal level, I am grateful to have known Worshipful Brother Jeff as my Grand Lodge Inspector during my progression through the chairs in my own Lodge — from Senior Deacon through the Wardens’ chairs. His visits were moments of both anticipation and reflection, as he brought with him an air of solemn expectation coupled with an unmistakable kindness. He held us to a high standard, never allowing us to forget the responsibility we carried as officers and as Masons. His mentorship was characterized by a balance of strictness and compassion — he did not shy away from pointing out our shortcomings, but he did so in a way that inspired us to improve, rather than feel diminished.
Through his guidance, I learned more than just the mechanics of ritual; I came to understand its deeper meaning — that the ritual is not simply to be performed, but to be lived. He showed me that the solemnity and decorum we bring to our ceremonies reflect not just respect for the Craft, but also respect for our brethren and for the sacred traditions we have inherited. His insistence on precision and reverence in the ritual instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and dignity of Masonic work done well.
What struck me most about Worshipful Brother Jeff was his quiet humility. Though he carried a wealth of knowledge and experience, he never sought to elevate himself above others. He listened as much as he spoke, and his advice was always offered thoughtfully and with genuine concern for the welfare of the individual and the Lodge.
His passing was a profound loss — to those of us who had the honor of knowing him personally, to the Lodges he served so faithfully, and to the Masonic community of Hawaii as a whole. Yet his legacy lives on — in the countless brethren he mentored, in the high standards he instilled, and in the spirit of fraternity he embodied so well.
As we reflect on his life, let us remember that his light has not gone out, but rather continues to shine within each of us who strive to uphold the lessons he taught us. May we continue to honor his memory by striving for excellence in our Masonic work, maintaining dignity in our Lodges, and showing compassion to our brethren — just as he did.
In Loving Memory of Jeffrey Atherton Low
July 9, 1948 – February 3, 2024
-Mark P. Leo, PM | Grand Lodge Inspector
