The Great Masonic Apology, by Bro. Cliff Porter

In the 1820s Masonry was unfortunate enough to make the acquaintance of William Morgan. There is no evidence that Morgan was ever a Mason, what is certain is that he entered into contract to expose ritual from the Royal Arch, was arrested in September 1826, was taken from his jail, and was never seen again. Three members of the Craft were later arrested in regards to related charges and served time. There are wonderful ups and downs in regards to the story, conundrums wrapped in enigmas if you will and all go beyond the point of this article and my reasons for bringing up the affair in the first place. My point in mentioning the affair at all, was that it created the catalyst that would be the cause for the decline in Masonry even today. I am not speaking of the decline in membership that seems to be the discussion of many of today’s current membership, but the decline of the Masonic experience overall. The Morgan Affair ushered in the Great Masonic Apology and we have been apologizing ever since.

The Morgan Affair created in the collective Masonic psyche aversions to secrecy, fraternity, and the actual philosophies inculcated in Freemasonry. Masonry would recover in numbers, and even swell during the era of fraternal organizations, but our halls were hollowed of their mystical teachings and we would institute a tradition of placation and apology.

It might prove helpful to examine some of the changes that have occurred in American Craft Masonry and Scottish Rite Masonry to better understand my statement.

Beginning with the Morgan Affair we eliminated the mysticism. As the anti-Masonic Party began its rise to power, the Craft hemorrhaged members. They flooded away for fear that it could tarnish or destroy a political or Christian reputation. This occurred because of an earlier apology and small dose of dangerous pride that allowed us to convince ourselves, in an attempt to convince others, that we were not a secret society. We degenerated to the point that a lack of secrecy and disclaimer is a common theme in apologies that still occur to this day. We have many a website and have interviewed for many a television camera and tout the statement, “we are not a secret society, but a society with secrets.” Sadly, if we would worry less about public and profane opinion, we would not have public awareness programs or anything of the sort. We should be a secret society whose charity is evident only in such a way that whenever good men gather, the community benefits as a result. If we would have maintained the secrets of our membership and treated the society as such, then men would not have had to flee from their associations with us for fear of their reputations.

The natural product of this loss of secrecy and membership was a desire to appease those who decided to point a finger as we voluntarily declared and exposed our membership. To appease these Victorian minded puritans who would usher in a number of successful programs such as the anti-Masonic Party and prohibition (if you caught the sarcasm it was completely intentional) we would begin a ruin of the Craft in apology to deaf ears. We have apologized to a rather loud, but utterly unsuccessful, minority group of fundamentalist pushing an agenda that is counter to personal freedom and choice. We have apologized to those we are sworn to defend against. We are the keepers of freewill, choice, and free conscience. We flung our doors open, hung our heads, and here is the greatest of tragedies, we put to rest our mystical philosophy. So much so, that it has become the real lost word in our lodges. Our spiritualism and mysticism were so tucked away, that there are generations of men who would argue that such “liberal” thoughts and ideas do not occur as part of or as a result of Freemasonry.

This is the same group of people that have actually played a role in the drafting, in part, of a number of Masonic constitutions throughout the Grand Lodges in America. We decided as part of and even prior to prohibition that the grown man with all his faculties should not consume alcoholic beverages. We decided that Masons could not be trusted to perform the duties of a Mason, that the Junior Wardens could not be expected to fulfill their duties, that appendant bodies should follow suit, and we eliminated the grown mans ability to raise a glass and toast his Brothers at an Agape or Festive Board. Hypocrisy abounds with this particular apologetic. We have the Shrine Clubs which have bars in them, we have hospitality suites at our Grand Lodge sessions, we drink at home and with our friends, we just can’t drink with our Masonic friends without sneaking it like we were 15 years old and tipping a sip of our father’s favorite scotch. Nonetheless, listen to the cries of the young men who simply want to toast a fellow Brother, enjoy a great glass of wine with good food as part of the Masonic experience, actually hoist a drink during the Feast of Tishri, and exercise their free choice and freewill. They will tell you that their attempts to overturn this ridiculous, hypocritical, and outdated apology have meant with impassioned speeches of doom and destruction. Well, we are Masons; we study the liberal arts and sciences, do we not? Let’s look at Freemasonry in the rest of the entire civilized world and see what effects allowing a man to consume an alcoholic beverage with his Brother have had. We would find refined scotch tastings, ladies festivals filled with fine wine and dancing, and fellowship spent over a pint of the local brew. No doom and gloom. No destruction. As a matter of fact, Masonry is doing better in many of those places. Oh and lawsuits. Yes, if a man has a beer the Fraternity will get sued if he crashes or the like. Really? Site some examples please. I am looking at the bars and liquor stores in existence and wondering why they have not met this miserable fate. Why haven’t they, because it is bunk and the ramblings of those who espouse bureaucratic and legal fallacy while knowing little of actual facts?

The fundamentalist, the evangelical Christian community with an anti-Masonic slant, the self proclaimed moralist do not like Freemasonry because it encourages free thought, free speech, and freedom of religion. They are never going to like Masonry, they are never going to stop fighting the aims of such groups. It is not in their best interest to do so. They want an uninformed class of members with zealous faith that is based on devotion and not study and reasoned thought. We are, in essence, enemies. We owe them no apology. We should pride ourselves that they consider the Craft a threat to their aims and abolish every foolish addition to Masonic constitutions or sets of by-laws ever created in apology to them.

Allow me to address, what I consider, the strangest of apologies. The apology to the POTENTIAL candidate. Prior to the man ever becoming a member we bow our heads and divert our gaze and offer the following apologies.

1. Sir, we are sorry that it cost money to be a member. Allow us to keep our dues artificially low and under fund the infrastructure and programs of the Craft. Allow us to reduce and remove any quality education, travel, and ritual experience for our members because we have no money to do so. Allow our buildings and temples to fall into disrepair and dilapidation so that we never need charge a reasonable fee for the degrees or the dues that follow. Sir, who might be interested, Masonry is cheap. It’s real affordable. Please sir, we are sorry that we even have to charge, please become a member.

2. Sir, we are sorry that it takes time. We have removed the requirements for memory work, for proficiencies, for participation in lodge even. All we need is about one afternoon of your time and you are a Brother. We are sorry that we used to ask for even the slightest commitment. If we can just have the paltry fee that we discussed and already apologized for above, we will get you rushed through, you will not have to learn anything, as a matter of fact, you won’t learn anything, and we can issue this dues card and get you on the books.

If the aforementioned antics of the present state of apology don’t manage get me a bit riled up, then the apologies we make to the public at large certainly do. The Scottish Rite is suffering greatly from these as we speak and if we don’t wrestle this beautiful and mystical system from the grasp of the Great Apology she will die. She will be a shell of her formal self and she will die.

For instance, so that you might better understand me, Scottish Rite petitions used to require a signature of the future candidate proclaiming the following certain ideology with the following phraseology, “The entire separation of church and state and opposition to every attempt to appropriate public monies—Federal, state, or local—directly or indirectly, for the support of sectarian or private institutions.” Several petitions, including those presently available for download from the Seattle Scottish Rite website have only, “THE SUPREME COUNCIL REQUIRES ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES: THE INCULCATION OF PATRIOTISM, RESPECT FOR LAW AND ORDER, UNDYING LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. DO YOU APPROVE OF THESE PRINCIPLES? ________ YES ________ NO.”

It would not be reasonable to believe that the removal of the wording was arbitrary. Are the ideas of the separation of church and state no longer valid belief systems important for a free government run by its populace and not by its church? Are the ideas of theocracy and despotism somehow more appealing than they used to be and less of threat? I think not. Clearly, the wars and conflicts of the world that are based on religion and the beliefs systems of those fanatical followers who would attempt to enforce their belief system as form of government are evidence enough that the concept is still needed and not out dated. So, if separation of church and state is still a necessary component of free government, free speech, and freewill, then why have we removed it? Let me hypothesize that it was form of apology. Someone somewhere decided that the general public, the profane, might find such a statement as politically incorrect or somehow offensive. I find the logic behind this line of thinking similar to the statement that the New Testament of the Bible is anti-Semitic and telling the story of the Nazarene is of a similar vein. Hogwash! This is the same idiotic thinking that would allow someone to claim a German bias and hatred of the Germanic people for telling the story of the holocaust. We have many a religious man in our ranks, so must we remove this statement for fear that he is a fundamentalist Christian in support of theocracy to ensure that he is comfortable. Incredible as it may seem, this might be yet another apology in action. It is likely an apology to the fundamentalist, whose philosophies are in opposition to those the Rite. No worries Brother. Although your particular philosophies are in direct conflict with those teachings of the Scottish Rite we will remove these offensive writings for you. We will remove the important teachings inculcated within the Rite. We will change the petitioning process so that you, a man with no interest in promoting and participating in our present philosophies, can gain entry. I hope I am not alone in recognizing the absolute absurdity of this.

I would like to address another apology of the Rite apparently to the general public or no one in particular. Maybe we should classify this one as a preemptive apology. We apologize before anyone is offended in the event that someone might be or could ever be offended. This apology comes in the form of removing different parts of the degree ritual exemplifications. For instance, in symbolism that man should never allow a man to sit in despotic rule over the masses guised as God on earth, claiming his personal orthodoxy as divine will, there used to be a certain stomping on or walking upon a symbol of such a system. No more, nope, gone in many jurisdictions.

Many symbols of the Craft have gone the wayside of this befuddling preemptive apology. The skull and cross bones as a symbol of mortality and the price one should be willing to pay to keep his integrity. The skeletons upon a cross in the 18th degree symbolism have suffered similar fate. It is still listed within the script of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction, but how many consistories utilize it? Not many.

I was privy to recent discussion of Masonic favoritism in the work place. The statement was made that as Masons we should be careful not to give any other Masons special consideration for employment or services because it might be perceived poorly by those outside the Craft. That someone might legislate against the Fraternity for these unspeakable acts of “good ol’ boyism.” Again, I am forced to ask really? Really? So, the famous Aggies, Air Force Academy grads, alumni of the various Greek clubs, do not participate in such activities? They do and they are unapologetic. The Aggies boast that this is a benefit of graduating from the university. They have alumni clubs that network in hundreds, if not thousands, of cities across the United States. But we must never take a man, whom we believe to be of a high caliber morally and ethically and use this as a good starting place when choosing employees or picking service provider? The idea that we should not is repugnant and flies in the face of common sense. We ought to guard the gate like it was intended to be guarded and then utilize the membership as a foundation for good decision making because Brothers are automatically understood as a the crème of the crop when it comes to integrity and fairness.

Brothers, to whom do we owe the obedience of our obligations? To one another. We owe the Craft and our Brothers. I am encouraging the Craft as a whole to put aside our desires to make the Freemasonry all things to all men. It is not meant to be such vehicle and it never will be. If you try to bend it and shape it as such, you will kill it, and you are killing it in many ways given its present condition.

Stop the apology. Freewill, free thought, free religion, free conscience; they are all laudable pursuits. We do not need to apologize for them. We do not need to apologize for the deep and meaningful way that the philosophies of the Craft improve its men and make them better. We do not need to apologize to anyone except our current membership for letting our guard down and apologizing to those who were not entitled to such for wrongs that were nonexistent. This, by itself, would progress the Craft and heal it more than any catchy slogan or membership drive ever will.

Essay on The Architecture of American Freemasonry, by Bro. Justin Robinson

This great country was founded on a very simple principle. Yet, this simple principle addressed so many issues as to relate with a complicated resolution. This principle was--simply--let the states have the power. At the birth of this country it was decided by our Founding Fathers that the states would have the majority of power over the citizens, while the government would sit in the background and only address necessary national issues. This idea of State sovereignty is at the heart of how American Freemasonry was established.

When our Founding Fathers, many of whom were prominent masons, started drafting this countrie's organizational structure, they used their current knowledge of how Freemasonry was structured, to give them an idea of where to go with this country. Before the revolution, this country was 13 colonies; each colony had its own masonry, many with their own Grand Lodge established. Our founding fathers looked at this and figured if it can work for our masonry, it can work for our country.

As our country grew, this same mentality continued to be applied to both freemasonry and the states. Each state had the ability to determine its own laws, its own regulations, and its own rules of settlement, as long as it applied to the government's basic outlining of how a state should operate. Each Grand Lodge that was established also was given the right to govern its own jurisdiction by its own bylaws, rules, and regulations, as long as it adhered to the landmarks which its brother Grand Lodges adhered to. This also gave rise to enhanced understanding of regularity and recognition. As each Grand Lodge must have been established through a regular vote of the majority of masons in the state, this kept the bonds between the states strong.

It wasn't until after the Civil War that the government took control of a large portion of the rights that states had and in essence the states lost that freedom which was intended to always been had, by our Founders. This of course had no effect on the Grand Lodge system of today, as the Grand Lodges continued to not have a governing body over them.

Thus, one can see that today's Grand Lodge system was and is the ideals of our Forefathers, the ones who went this way before us, and it works as well as any establishment can. No single Grand Lodge should have say over the operations of any other Grand Lodge; nor should they interfere with the operations of any other Grand Lodge, as it is not their place nor right to do so.

Our Founding Father's dream lives on today, not through our government, but through our Freemasonry.

TSS: www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com

What is www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com (TSS)?

TSS is a resource for Masonic education and networking established by Freemasons to educate the Craft and the general public on what Freemasonry is all about.

It is designed to put into electronic practice the three principal tenets of Freemasonry--Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

It is a window into which the world of Freemasonry may look and see the true reflection of Freemasonry around the world.

Why is there a need for www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com?

The internet is rife with inaccurate information about Freemasonry.

TSS was created as a public forum where people with a genuine interest in the ancient Craft may come to ask sincere questions and get replies from experienced Freemasons.

TSS is an online masonic community, where Freemasons from around the globe can learn from each other.

I am a member of Co-masonry. May I join the forum?

TSS has a policy prohibiting anyone claiming to be a Freemason who is not a member of a Grand Lodge or Orient that is not recognised by at least one regular Grand Lodge, as defined by the various regular Grand Lodges of North America.

Is this just “another” forum about masonry? What is different about www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com?

TSS is firmly committed to providing quality educational discourse about Freemasonry on the web.

Some of the very best minds in Freemasonry have gathered at TSS to assist the developing Freemason get the most out of his Craft, and to assist the public to understand Freemasonry.

At TSS we are constantly developing projects and programs to meet our goal of providing quality interactive and educational experiences about Freemasonry.

Form Your Own Blue Lodge, by WB William A. Isabelle

Brethren, there seems to be a number of very intelligent brothers who, by their contributions, seem to be saying a lot of the same things.

"How can I improve the Craft in my area?"

"How can I give back to the Craft, what it has given to me?"

"How can I enact positive and progressive changes in the Craft?"

"How can I create a Masonic environment, that will attract new Masons?"

"Where do I go to find Masons my age, who share my perspectives and my interests?"

These kinds of questions seem to be coming up more and more frequently in discussions amongst brothers everywhere, and there is no easy answer.

However, there does exist an opportunity to perhaps explore these kinds of questions in a new light.

If you know other Masons like yourself, who are as motivated as you are, who are seeking more light in Masonry, and are dedicated and dependable brothers, then I have a suggestion for you...

Form a new Blue Lodge in your jurisdiction.

Create your own Lodge. Build a Masonic Temple around the shared interests and pursuits that you and brothers like you, share and enjoy as Masons and as friends.

Most of us have never even considered the prospect of forming our own Blue Lodge, but I am here to tell you brothers, that it is not really that difficult a task to accomplish.

Where do you think all the Lodges in your area came from in the first place? Brothers just like you, thats where.

If you feel like you're "banging your head against the wall" in your Lodge and there doesn't seem to be an opportunity for you to make a contribution of your own unique talents and abilities to the established practices and Landmarks of your Lodge, then start your own.

Every Grand Jurisdiction has it's own individual requirements for forming new Lodges, but there are a few things that are necessary which are the same everywhere, and here is a shopping list:

1) A like-minded group of twenty or so Master Masons

2) A progressive Grand Lodge, willing to support growth and change in their own backyard.

3) A "Petition for Dispensation" available from the respective Grand Lodge administration office.

4) Money. Starting your own Lodge requires resources and money, you will have expenses, foreseeable and unforeseen.

5) Brothers who are proficient and can confer the 3 Degrees of Masonry.

6) Brothers who can chair the elected and appointed offices of the Lodge.

7) An appropriate place to meet as a Masonic Lodge.

8) Lodge furniture and regalia, most of which can be collected as donations of surplus items from supportive and established Lodges in your area.

9) A meeting schedule that all of the members of your effort can abide by and commit to.

10) The gumption and dedication to see your project through to conclusion and constitution of your very own Blue Lodge.

There you have it, brothers. For those of you who feel like you are being held back in your current Lodge, and would like to do more than the average bear to strengthen and improve Freemasonry in your neighborhood, round up the brothers who you already know feel as you do and start your own Blue Lodge.

You will never regret it, because it is easier to build a new Lodge from the ground up, than it is to try and fix an old broken Lodge that doesn't want to help itself.

Freemasonry is an individual journey, brethren. Don't ever stop looking for new and undiscovered roads to take in your travels.

Order not Chaos, by "The Hammer"

Brethren,

The following is a presentation I give to newly passed Fellowcrafts, explaining what we as Freemasons expect of them as Masons and as members of society.

ORDER NOT CHAOS

I am going to reference a particular paragraph from the Second Degree Charge, and show how relevant it is to the manner in which the human family is governed or ordered. The inspiration for this topic is the wisdom of our Founders. I hope to show just how perceptive they were with the ideas they put forth to impress upon our minds wise and serious truths.

The Second Degree Charge gives a blueprint for how a well-ordered human family can function effectively. The passage I am talking about begins “In the providence of God, with the breath of life, each of us became a member of the human family.” The most significant aspect of this sentence is that it begins with the words “in the providence of God.” Everything in life happens “in the providence of God;” everything in Freemasonry happens “in the providence of God.” This is order. This is a wise and serious truth.

What is it that happens in the providence of God? With the breath of life, we go from being one, to being one of many. Further, we understand that as we grow we face the needs and responsibilities of life and if as adults, we are fortunate enough to join the Masonic Fraternity, then as Fellowcrafts we understand that we face a duty to our neighbor. In these few words we are reminded that as Masons, we have a duty to that human family we joined when we took our first breath of life. What is the nature of this duty? “God never brought us into being to live in the narrow groove of a selfish individualism, but as brethren, one of another, in mutual dependence and support.” The nature of this duty is that we are to live as brethren, as a Masonic Fraternity, in mutual dependence and support, not “in the groove of a selfish individualism.” The “groove of a selfish individualism” is the place where those live who have not seen the Light. Brothers mutually depend upon each other. Brothers mutually support each other. Reflect. This is order. This is a wise and serious truth.

Is there more order for the human family? “No household can fashion the home where dissension and selfishness knell the death of unity and peace.” The foundation of the human family is the home, not the household, the home. What is the difference? The home is a place where dissension and selfishness have been banned forever. Dissension and selfishness live in the household; unity and peace live in the home. Masons live in homes because we live in mutual dependence and support, others live in households. This is order. This is a wise and serious truth.

Is there a further order for the human family? “No community can protect character where petty strife is born of mischievous tongues.” Why must character be protected? We understand this answer too. “Your manhood does not depend upon your position, but upon your character. The establishment as well as the acknowledgement of true manhood is in your own hands. Do not have two characters; one for your fellows and another for privacy. Be a true man in your own home as well as out in life.” Here is reference to that most profound of all Masonic concepts - the true man. To Masons, the texture of our characters is absolute. It is protected in a community - a community composed of homes whose inhabitants are true men, living in mutual dependence and support, as brothers. This is order. This is a wise and serious truth.

True men live in homes, communities and cities. “No city can become a place of prosperous growth whose citizens care little and do less for its advancement.” True men live in homes, communities, cities and states. “No State can derive the benefit of its own resources whose people obey but the one law of individual inclination and greed.” True men are the real resources of the State and true men could never obey but the one law of individual inclination and greed. Finally, true men are ordered by a government. “No government can stand firm whose adherents are blind to the unalterable law, in union is strength, in harmony is peace.” True men understand the importance of this order. True men live as brethren in mutual dependence and support. This is a wise and serious truth.

On the surface in this passage our Founders suggest an order for the human family as it could work today. There is the individual, the home, the community, the city, the state and finally the government. Masonically, each entity should be inhabited by true men living in mutual dependence and support - the more true men the better the human family; the more successful the established order.

However, just below the surface I believe that what we have is another brilliant example of Masonic double meaning. This passage not only presents a blueprint for order in the human family, but it presents a blueprint for order in the Masonic Family as well. Reflect! “No household can become a home where dissention and selfishness knell the death of unity and peace.” It is no stretch to say that no group of men can become a successful Masonic Lodge where dissention and selfishness knell the death of unity and peace. Be a true man in your own home and your Masonic Lodge where we all should live as brethren in mutual dependence and support.

To carry this further: no Masonic Lodge can protect character, in other words, function as ordered by our tenets, where petty strife is born of mischievous tongues. No Masonic Lodge can become a place of prosperous growth where brothers care little and do less for its advancement. No Masonic Lodge can derive the benefit of its own resources, its true men, when its brothers obey but the one law of individual inclination and greed. No Masonic Lodge can stand firm whose brothers are blind to the unalterable law in union is strength, in harmony is peace. No Masonic Lodge can function properly where men do not exhibit mutual dependence and support; where brothers do not show each other the full respect implicit in these words. Your Masonic Lodge is a home. This is a most wise and serious truth.

It makes no difference whether we are talking about citizens, people, adherents, or brothers. To make the human family work, to make our Lodges work, we must adhere to the few basic principles of order stated so eloquently in the Second Degree Charge. We must banish dissention, selfishness and petty strife born of mischievous tongues to achieve unity and peace. We must care and do everything in our power to advance the cause of Freemasonry. We must banish individual inclination and greed and live as true men understanding that in union there is strength, in harmony there is peace and in brotherhood there is mutual dependence and support.

Why? Because as Masons, we are told that although we are but one man among many, we cannot escape or shirk our share in this great responsibility. No matter what we may think; no matter how insignificant we may feel, ours is the responsibility of helping maintain order in the human family of which the Masonic family is an integral part. So my brothers, there are really two responsibilities implied in the admonition “you cannot escape or shirk your share in this great responsibility;” one as a member of the human family, and the other as a member of the Masonic family. No matter what you do, you should not escape or shirk either. You might have been able to as just another member of the human family, but as a member of the Masonic human family, as a true man, never.

In the Providence of God, our great responsibility is to our neighbor who lives in a home, a community, a city, a state, and who is ordered by a government. In the Providence of God, our great responsibility is to our Masonic Family which is ordered by the tenets of the Craft. Both responsibilities are fulfilled as the true man strives to order his existence by living in His Providence, mutually dependent upon and supportive of his brethren, never forgetting that he is the human image of the Mason's God and that this is THE most wise and serious truth of all.

Thoughts From a Young Mason, by G. Cliff Porter, 32°

The other day I heard, once again, from a brother approximately 30 years my senior who told me “what young Masons want.” It was one time too many for me, and so I have put my thoughts on paper as to what a young Mason wants. After all, I’m 34-years old and have been a Mason for 4 years—I should know!

I do not mean this to be a commentary on the division of young and old, but rather to be a proclamation of a young Mason concerning what I believe we want. This is so we might all improve our understanding of one another and progress our fraternity.

It occurred to me that some may not know what young Masons really want. Worse, I think it is often misunderstood or misstated. We “young Masons” or new Masons bear some of the responsibility for this. We are often uncomfortable declaring our desires, our disappointments, and our frustrations. And what do we do? We quietly stop appearing at meetings and simply slip off the rolls. We return to our communities outside the lodge disheartened with Masonry, and—unfortunately for the fraternity—we will often share our disappointments with our friends. Sadly, we then join a group of Masons as diverse as the lodge itself: unfulfilled Masons.

Well, Brethren, I don’t intend to become an unfulfilled Mason. So here I stand. It is vital for the members of the Craft to understand one another so that we can create an environment that is beneficial for all.

Initially, we must discuss Blue Lodge, the birth place of the Master Mason, for without it, Scottish Rite Masonry does not exist. The young man approaching the Craft today does so to supplement and add to what his church and family have already given him. A certain tugging at his soul speaks to him to seek a deeper meaning in life, in family, and in God. He researches and desires an initiation into the esoteric and ancient quest for Truth. He requests a petition with these hopes in mind. Why shouldn’t he? The eloquent writings of Masonic scholars, including the Scottish Rite’s Albert Pike, have hinted at the existence of such knowledge, and Masonic writings abound with hints of this very thing.

What does this man find once he joins? For too many, it’s membership drives, one-day classes, poor and hastily planned ritual, late nights, and a push to become an officer before he is even proficient as a Master Mason. If that man has made it through the three degrees hoping that at the end of his journey some of the promises might be fulfilled, he only learns phrases like “progressive science” and “self-improvement.”

Excitedly, he stands up in lodge one day or approaches a small group of brethren in the parking lot and explains some ideas that he has for lodge and changes he might like to see. He is immediately told, “It has never been done that way, they won’t allow it, and anyway it’s against the rules.”

He swiftly learns that they won’t allow much of anything, and worse, no one will claim to be a member of them. They are the most elusive, but most powerful members of Masonry. They are responsible for every poor, hasty, or frustrating decision ever made, and more importantly, they rigidly enforce their number one rule: NO CHANGES.

I bring up them as it leads into discussing what they have decided the young Mason or unfulfilled Mason is looking for. I will attempt to list some of the most common things I’ve heard. Make no mistake, I am listing these because they are misconceptions, and we do not want them.

X 1. Young Masons want everything easier and faster, which leads to one-day raisings, watered down ritual, and little or no memory work.

This simply is not true. Once I arrive at the West Gate and am permitted entry, I want a fulfilling and life-changing experience on which I can build a better understanding of my relationship to my brethren and my God. I don’t mind hard work. To the contrary, and this is a big one, I want to feel like I have achieved something. I don’t want to be handed a pin, given a handshake, and told thank you for your small fee, and by the way, here is your membership card. I want my path to be challenging and enlightening.

X 2. Young Masons want or need low dues.

I am very willing to pay higher dues. I do, however, want a quality experience—educational, social, and community—for my money. I don’t need low dues. If the fraternity does not value itself, why should I value it? Can something that comes so cheaply have real value? These are questions I asked myself when I saw Masonry’s low dues schedules.

X 3. Young Masons want it to be easy to get in.

I don’t want to believe that just any man could or should get in. I wish that every investigations committee treated their assignment with the importance it should have—if we did not worship at the altar of bigness. I already belong to the community at large, and that costs me nothing in time or money. I would like the Fraternity to be guarded and to care greatly about the men who enter it. If I am going to call a man my brother, I want to be able to trust him. I don’t trust everybody who shows up with some money in one hand, and a petition in the other. I have seen brothers sign both lines of a petition, as if increasing our numbers is the only thing that counts. Let us care about our fraternity enough to guard it against those who do not deserve the title of Master Mason and brother.

These observations would prove of little value, if I did not offer some solutions and provide an explanation of how they might be applied to the Scottish Rite.

It begins with ensuring a quality Blue Lodge experience. We as Master Masons should return Masonry from a primarily social institution to one that studies ancient symbolism and the truths so revealed. Encourage and allow the candidate to have a meaningful experience in the initiatic phase of his degree work. Follow up with quality education and instruction in regards to the symbolism and, more importantly, how to apply it to his life.

The concepts I provide above are succinct, but no less complete. Let us address how they might apply directly to Scottish Rite Masonry and tie it all together.

Scottish Rite Freemasonry is the graduate faculty, the pinnacle of Masonic thought and study, the “University of Masonry.” This implies a higher learning and higher level of understanding, research, and study for its members.

Outside of reunions, I cannot remember any Masonic instruction on the Scottish Rite degrees ever being presented—even once—in the years of my involvement. The cure is simple really: treat Scottish Rite Masonry as the university it purports to be.

Do not thrust an application at men the night they are raised Master Masons as if the only thing of importance is a signature and $250. It debases the man’s night, for one, and it says that the man—without further evaluation—is ready for the degrees of the Scottish Rite, which debases our membership.

Do not rush through a reunion like it must be done in three hurried days or it doesn’t count. Many of us “Young Masons” work 50 or 60 hours a week and earn about a week of vacation a year. Our wives don’t want us to burn two of those precious days on another Masonic event. No candidate can take in what the degrees have to offer in three days. To pretend they can says that all Scottish Rite has to offer can be learned in 72 hours. Let’s back off the tight three-day schedules. Offer the degrees throughout the year. Offer some degrees at the stated communications and have a few Saturdays thrown in.

And if it takes a man a couple of years to reach the 32nd Degree, so what? If the man understands what has been presented, if the degrees were done with brothers that knew and understood the work, and if each degree was treated as a special event, then the brother is not going to mind the time. Remember, it is not the speed of the education, but the quality of it that young and unfulfilled Masons are interested in.

Bring education and discussion to the forefront of the meetings.

Period.

You are not going to retain young Masons without real change. It is not about a gimmick or a slogan. It is about improving men within the fraternity who seek a higher understanding and deeper meaning of the Craft.

Let the Scottish Rite take its rightful place as the University of Masonry. Let’s improve our men and make them better. Let every aspect of Scottish Rite Masonry radiate perfection in ritual and education.

It is not going to be easy because we are asking you to imagine a Masonry many have never seen in their lifetime. I am asking you to see beyond your own personal experiences and allow progress in this beautiful philosophy and science of ours.

The Initiatic Experience, by W.B. Robert Herd

Preface: My sincere desire is that this paper, as the first presented before the Enlightenment Club, will serve as a firm foundation on which to educate the current and future members on certain theories, elementary yet necessary, in a journey of study regarding Freemasonry and its philosophies. By articulating my own firm beliefs and observations concerning these philosophies, I hope that I might stimulate or inspire more thought, debate, and study by other members, as well as instill an appreciation for this practice encouraged by the Enlightenment Club concept.

The Initiatic Experience

W.B. Robert Herd

Oct. 2006

I’ll begin with a simple definition of “initiation” from the Columbia Encyclopedia as it would relate to our subject:

Coming from the Latin, initiation implies a beginning. The related verb initiates means to begin or start a particular action, event, circumstance, or happening.

The initiatic process is often compared to a simultaneous death and rebirth, because as well as being a beginning, it also implies an ending of existence as one level drops away leading to ascension of the next.

From time immemorial, initiations have been performed by many--maybe even most--cultures, races, religions and philosophical orders. The purpose may be as simple as initiating a boy into manhood, or as complex as initiating priests into priesthood. Mankind has carried out this practice throughout all of time to assist in answering those eternal questions.

Where does it all come from, this quest, this need to solve life’s mysteries, where the simplest of questions can never be answered? Why are we here? What is the soul?

Many different initiatic orders have been formed to assist in the quest to search for more light. They are too numerous to name all; however, I would like to list a few that are of great importance in understanding the origins of Freemasonry and its philosophies toward the initiatic process. It is not possible or practical for me to elaborate on them to any depth in this paper, but hopefully this will challenge the reader to take it upon themselves to further their knowledge by studying these concepts in depth, and finding their own ties to our fraternity.

Egyptian Priesthoods: There were many different orders of priesthoods in ancient Egypt, teaching practical sciences as well as religious, spiritual and philosophical ones.

Hermeticism: Hermeticism is a magical and religious movement stemming from the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. It consists of some of the most ancient and most widely adopted philosophies.

Alchemy: Alchemy is a system of esoterica, initiation, and spiritual development. It is one of the few initiatic systems that put equal emphasis on the outer, physical work of the world as well as the inner, spiritual work of the soul.

Rosicrucianism: The Rosicrucian Order, devoted to the study of ancient mystical, philosophical, and religious doctrines, was concerned with the application of these doctrines to modern life.

Pythagoreanism: This order held that reality, at its deepest level, is mathematical; that philosophy can be used for spiritual purification; that the soul can rise to union with the divine; and that certain symbols have mystical significance.

Gnosticism: The doctrines of certain pre-Christian, Jewish, and early Christian sects that valued the revealed knowledge of God and of the origin and end of the human race as a means of attaining spiritual redemption.

These are but a few examples of other initiatic orders with ties to Freemasonry via a system of initiatic processes and a passing down and mixing of philosophies. This brings us to the very important question…

What is or what should be the Initiatic Experience in the context of Freemasonry?

I emphasize that the following are my personal opinions and beliefs. I firmly believe that no one man can speak for all of Freemasonry. I offer this to you as the product of only my own thoughts and study and will keep this general so as not to violate the basic principals of my obligations or expose any of our work to anyone who may not be a Freemason.

The brethren conducting the initiation, who are in possession of a certain knowledge and state of being in respect to each of the degrees, transfer this knowledge or state to the candidate being initiated.

The energy of this transmission, it is important to note, is as important as the knowledge itself.

Think of it in terms of how solemn our degrees are to the initiate when they are done by brethren who truly know and understand the work, and are not just transmitting words, but feelings or “energy” to the candidate as well. This is a portion of the initiatic energy I’m speaking of. The transfer of this “energy”, via the initiatic experience, is intended to cause a fundamental process of change within the candidate, be that physical, mental, spiritual or a combination thereof.

Modern Freemasonry deals with this tripartite nature of man (physical, mental, spiritual) in that order by means of the three degrees.

We first teach the initiate about the physical portions of his environment in the lodge and of the necessary control of his physical outward actions in the first degree. Then we touch on the mental state and encourage him to study and improve his mind and further his knowledge by educating him with a base knowledge of the sciences to gain intellect in the second degree. Lastly, in the third degree, we expound on the spiritual side of man and convey to the candidate those contemplations of the eternal cycle of man’s spirit.

Birth, life, death, rebirth.

Recognizing the tripartite nature of man is essential to understanding what I will call the Mystery, because the Mystery is that which cannot be distinguished by the physical being through the senses, or by the mental being through the intellect, but rather is perceived directly by the spirit…that element of man’s being that is one with what some call the Grand Architect of the Universe, Universal Truth or simply stated our unconscious connection to the Divine. My definition of Mystery rests upon the premise that there is a reality beyond the material plane.

Freemasonry consists of many men with many diverse beliefs, but with one common understanding and belief in a greater Creator.

However, it would be unreasonable to expect a reader who does not view himself as sharing that belief in a non-physical reality to accept this premise without question.

Instead, I ask any reader not a brother to consider what this message refers to as the “spiritual” or “non-material” existence, as that which he himself believes is incomprehensible to the senses, but nevertheless a reality that transcends his mere self.

To one man, this may be a Deity; to another, the vital essence that animates all living creatures; and to yet another, this may be a simple mysterious force of electricity, which is present throughout the universe.

My belief is that it is a form of connection between us and Deity.

Yet, how do we explain what is not physical, or mental; how do we explain, much less communicate to an initiate this concept? For this I will ask you to remember back to the “energy” I wrote of earlier--energy that we as Initiators are trying to convey or transfer to the candidate in our Initiatic Order, carrying out our goal of providing a complete Initiatic Experience for the candidate.

Any number of experiences may cause man to consider the existence of an unseen reality. It may be that he is suddenly controlled by the mysterious and powerful emotion of Love; he may be moved by an overwhelming spirit of Brotherhood; he may feel the penetrating presence of the All Seeing Eye while searching his soul in a chamber of reflection; or perhaps he feels his spirit affected by an inspiring work of music. Whatever the circumstance, such exalted experiences result in an awakening of consciousness. This is the goal of the Initiatic Experience within Freemasonry, my brethren, this awakening of an individual to his connection to the spiritual plane. The individual is no longer blissfully ignorant of a non-material existence and begins to thirst for direct communion with the spiritual reality that he senses. In essence, a part of him has stopped existing, and a new part has started a journey, fulfilling the basic definition of initiation given previously.

To quench his desire to explore this higher consciousness, he may now delve into music, poetry, philosophy, and other intangible arts that inspire this feeling beyond the limitations of the body and the mind.

The Greek figure Orpheus, a poet and musician, represented this idea that the transcendent Mystery can be expressed through the arts.

Since ancient times, art and music have been the two primary means through which man achieved this Mysterious illumination. The second degree, I believe, is what best lays this out for the initiate. He has been through his first initiation and learned to control his vices, the better to open his mind to the teachings of the liberal arts and sciences, music of course being one of them that I will use as an example.

Entrapped in his “tomb of flesh,” man still struggles to express himself through this spiritual language, and he attempts to communicate it to others. Inspired by music, he sings or plays with such passion that he may awaken his own spirit and the spirit of others to a form of recognition of the Mystery. Thus, music and the other arts and sciences, as modes of human expression, are not merely incidental to human civilization, but are intrinsic and essential to it. Plato taught that through music, a definite purification takes place within the soul, and man’s regeneration is thereby advanced.

Love and Brotherhood are other examples of this intangible force.

When the Initiate is awakened to the mysterious power of these “energies”, the whole ethical and moral tone of his life is advanced. Because he now understands that there is a universal Mystery of which he and every other human being is a part, he no longer perceives himself as an individual, but rather as an element of one great consciousness. He no longer identifies himself with the body or mind, which emphasizes his individuality, but instead with the spirit, which affirms his universality. With this heightened consciousness comes the understanding that “Fraternity” refers not only to Freemasonry, but to the brotherhood of Man. It is experienced in the informal social gatherings as well as felt in the lodge room. It is encountered in the degree work and taught in the lectures.

A powerful example of the Mystery of brotherhood and fraternity makes itself known through the grip, one of the secrets of the order. Our veins have tingled as the handshake of a stranger has become a brother's grip.

There is, in truth, mysticism in fraternity.

We cannot comprehend or explain it in entirety; it cannot be counted, weighed, or shown. We can only feel it in our spirit. These words impart the message that the Mystery is no less real than that which we perceive through the physical senses or through the intellect. It is a clear lesson on faith, and the acceptance as reality of that which one cannot see, leading us to that sublime degree which exemplifies the virtues and benefits of faith.

These are the energies I believe we seek to transfer during the Initiatic Experience of our candidates.

Without proper attention to details, study, practice and a solemn regard for the rituals, this transferal cannot be obtained or yet worse an opposite energy can be transferred. Think of the times in our lodges where uneducated brethren have given poor lectures or sloppy work. Not only were there not a strong positive energies communicated to that candidate, but likely a strong negative one. Instilling disinterest in him for the craft or for the work, a pity for the brother who gave the poor work, a distraction from what was to be communicated by him resulting in an incomplete presentation sending the candidate down a path possibly not desired. In using the analogy of music again, it’s as if a musician were playing him a beautifully written piece of music on a piano out of tune…the discord and disharmony felt by his spirit could be almost physically painful.

In closing let me say I am excited about the Enlightenment Club concept and its goal of bringing Freemasonry back to a plane of practicing and conferring knowledge regarding man’s spiritual transcendence. Practicing this new concept gives me the feeling of being initiated into a new order, in that we are in effect beginning a new path, a new quest. I know that through continued education and attention to conferring a complete, positive and sublime Initiatic Experience, we can transfer positive, inspiring energy and allow ourselves and our candidates that communion with the Divine by opening them up to the Mystery within them…which I believe has always truly been the purpose of the Initiatic Experience of Freemasonry.

Freemasonry and Pop Culture, by WB William A. Isabelle

We are living in the beginning of the post-capitalist era.

Consumer culture has been defined by disposable luxury. Just as we grew up watching our parents enjoy the fruits of the golden age of Americana, we are also increasingly burdening ourselves with bobbles and trinkets that are material and totally unfulfilling.

Our inner nature--our spirit, really--is starting to reject the accumulation of misspent energies, having earned to buy and bought, and gained no satisfaction for the effort, just a desire for more and better.

We are looking for more because our collective subconscious is waking up to the cultural vacuum that has been created by 40 years of folks being glued to their TVs and not talking to their neighbors.

Masonry, in some cases, has trouble speaking for itself because we don't know what to say anymore, and those who are entrusted with providing such rebuttal, response or statement, don't really know themselves.

There are currently four generations of men in this fraternity. Currently, the majority of decision-making offices are filled with folks who have an inherently different perspective than you or I, and perhaps just can't--or don't--want to see things differently. If you were in your twenties or teens in the forties, you’d see things differently, too.

Masonry doesn't recognize itself anymore. It's like Bro. Porter mentioned in his essay on his Lodge-building experience: most of the senior Masons are looking back at how things were the way their fathers described, who likely heard them from their fathers, and so on. It's been that long since things were really like that in Masonry.

Those who could speak for Masonry prefer not to, because the face of the Masonry of today is changing very quickly; and perhaps, in some cases, by the time you have formulated an all-encompassing statement, your response is no longer current.

New Forum: We are Live!!

Greetings Brothers,

If you haven’t heard of it, there is finally an online Masonic discussion forum that is specifically geared towards Regular Masons by Regular Masons, and interests pertaining to their mutual associations as such.

www.TheSanctumSanctorum.com

Finally, there is a place to refer Masons to, new and not, young and old, on the internet, where there isn’t a concern that they will encounter the negative information that seems to fill the majority of the web pages out there.

I look forward to seeing you there, whether you just want to read and watch. If you have a desire to participate in the discussions being had, or even if you might feel compelled to start one of your own, you can.

This forum is for Regular Masons and those who might have questions about perhaps becoming a Freemason.

Best of all, it’s free!! If you like what you find there, feel free to spread the word and forward this message as appropriate.

Check it out and have fun, and enjoy meeting some good brothers from across the world.

Be well brothers.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

WB William A. Isabelle

What Are We Going to Do with Masonry? by Br. Ronald D. Martin

What are we going to do with Masonry?

I have been pondering a potential comparison to our question of, "what do we do with Masonry." I, like many of you am just a rough ashlar that spends my days working in the Masonic mines. As such, I have come to realize over these many years the repetitive nature of all that we do.

This made me think about a little known psychologist in the early 1900's by the name of Karl Duncker. Duncker was one of the early psychologists that performed experiments that dealt with problem solving. Of course, many of you might ask, what does problem solving have to do with Masonry? We don't have any problems; at least we wouldn't if people would just do things the way we use to do them. Back when our halls were full; when brothers fought to get in line for the chairs (and that wasn't dinner chairs); you know, back when, well…when all was well.

Well let me tell you a little more about Mr. Duncker's experiments, and then maybe you can let me know what you think. Mr. Dunker use to set a table in the middle of a room and place a wide assortment of seemingly unrelated objects on the table. He would then call in a group of volunteers (subjects) and ask them to perform some task utilizing the objects set before them; none of which on the surface appeared appropriate. His goal was to see if the subjects could determine other possible uses for the objects and under what conditions.

In the first experiment, the subjects were asked to mount three small candles on the wall at eye level. Duncker had placed on the table; tacks, paper clips, paper, string, candles, and three small boxes. After pondering the situation all of the subjects realized that they could attach the boxes to the wall and use them as platforms for the candles.

In the second experiment, utilizing the same materials and instruction, Duncker filled the three boxes with the other items that had previously been placed separately on the table. This time very few of the subjects were able to solve the problem. This time the subjects viewed the boxes as serving a specific purpose, simply because they were holding the other items. Therefore, the subjects had a hard time seeing another use for the boxes.

Duncker coined this impediment to problem solving "functional fixedness." This happens when someone that is expected to solve a problem sees the object as having only one specific function (sometimes due to repetitive exposure of a singular use and under repetitive singular understanding) and it becomes much more difficult for the subject to see any other use or function for the object. Duncker considered this a very important discovery (not quite as valuable as discovering the lost word; however, maybe close in our situation). Duncker explains that this is why, in many situations, the most knowledgeable people in any subject are the least likely to deduce a good solution to a new problem in their field of expertise. In a similar fashion, education can create expertise but also functional fixedness. The experts see their tools in terms of functions that they know they serve. He suggests that neophytes may, while coming up with uninformed and even absurd suggestions, see them more creatively. In addition, he suggests that it is no accident that most scientists generally make their most original and important contributions early in their career before suffering, “functional fixedness.”

So, is Masonry suffering from functional fixedness? Here are your three boxes, now tell us “what You are going to do with Our Masonry.”

How Do We Know When Our Strategic Mission Is Complete?, by Bro. Ronald D. Martin

There once were grand temples that resonated with life. The thousand seat auditoriums would be filled with enlightened brothers listening to traveling orators who spoke from the inner chamber of their souls and presented laudably lofty speeches. Every brother in the room was seated on the edge of his chair, attentively listening to each word spoken. Each brother's heart and mind was enriched by Masonic philosophy, and an ever so descriptive picture of how Masonry can change the world.

Many of those buildings now resonate only from their own death rattle. The thousand seat auditoriums are now empty. There are no more traveling orators making laudably lofty speeches. Brothers seated in a room on the edge of their chairs, is now probably a good sign they are ready to leave. The once discerning hearts and minds of those who were being enriched by listening are now seeking the answer to the question, what has been lost?

There is something to be said about seeking for that which was lost. This is the life long quest of a true Master Mason. As Scottish Rite Masons and Master’s of the Royal Secret, we are presented with knowledge, that when applied correctly will become the wisdom of equilibrium in all our endeavors and understanding. If we seek to find the answer to the question, what has been lost, we may also find the answer to, “where have all the Masons gone?”

Human ignorance lives in the darkness of Wrong Thought, Wrong Desire, and Wrong Action. Some might say, “tell me that isn’t so,” and “what does that have to do with our fraternity?”

As brother Manly P. Hall stated, “a Mason is a builder of the temple of character. He is the architect of the temple of character. He is the architect of a sublime mystery; the gleaming, glowing temple of his own soul.” He realized that he best serves God when he joins with the Great Architect in building more noble structures in the universe below.

Why haven’t we been building all those noble structures that were once honed from so many rough ashlars? Are the quarries in which we look no longer marked by Brotherly Love, Truth, Relief, and Charity? Are the rough ashlars we accept as the underpinnings of our grand structure no longer on that personal journey in search of that which was lost?

Illustrious Henry Clausen, Past Sovereign Grand Commander, once stated, “We seek to instill into the hearts of our members a love of knowledge and thereby inflame their souls with a passion for mental and spiritual growth. They then may devote themselves to a search for the truth that should dominate their lives. The marks of a true Scottish Rite Mason are not glib phrases, nor ready answers, or shining jewelry, but an insatiable curiosity, a love of learning, and a desire to know and to find the radiant truth.”

Do not all great men learn from the words of other great men; is that not the building plan of the Great Architect of the Universe? The Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is the repository for that knowledge; it is the College of Freemasonic thought, and education. This Masonic organization, being the greatest that there is, has the grand responsibility of conveying this wisdom to mankind; so that it will be endowed, to shine the light, the whole world over, for time immemorial.

Have we been living up to our responsibility?

Emerson once said, “There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better or worse. It is the harder because you will always find those who think they know what your duty is better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd, keeps with perfect sweetness, the independence of solitude.”

Have we let the rest of the world redefine our duty for us? Are we living after the world’s opinion instead of our own? In our current solitude have we convinced ourselves all is fine? When is the last time we stood in the midst of the crowd, and unwaveringly knew exactly who and what we are?

Masonic education brings about human enlightenment, and the enlightened live in the light of Right Thought, Right Desire, and Right Action. So how will we know when our Strategic Mission is Complete?

I would suggest; we will know our mission is complete when, every candidate that enters through the West gate has an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and the truth. When the quarries in which we work are marked by Brotherly Love, Truth, Relief and Charity. When each of us has honestly embarked on that personal journey to find that which was lost.

When each of us has achieved the wisdom of equilibrium and is applying it in all our endeavors and understanding. When each of us has realized that we best serve God when we join with the Great Architect in building more noble structures in the universe below. When each of us learn one from the other.

When each of us in the midst of the crowd, keeps with perfect sweetness, the independence of solitude. When each of us lives in the light of Right Thought, Right Desire, and Right Action.

When our temples can once again be called grand, and each one resonates with life. When the seats are filled with enlightened brothers, listening to traveling orators who speak from the inner chamber of their soul and present laudably lofty speeches about Masonic philosophy, and poetically convey how the teachings of Freemasonry can change the world.

Then and only then, can we say, as Scottish Rite Masons, that Our Strategic Mission has been Accomplished!

Masonry & Fish Fries, by Bro. Ronald D. Martin

Question: What are most young men looking for in Masonry?

I agree that what most young Masonic applicants are seeking is Light! Let’s just analyze it from a realistic stance; from the outsiders’ view, the profane-the uninitiated; he that seeks admission through the West gate. There aren’t thousands of books written about Masonic picnics, nor Masonic fish fries, nor first Sunday breakfasts, nor Kazoo bands for entertainment, nor “yawn,” stated business meetings! However; there are thousands and thousands of books that have been written about Masonic History. There are thousands and thousands of books that have been written about Masonic Philosophy. There are thousands and thousands of books that have been written about Masonic Esoterica. What do these books offer a man in search for that which was lost? Hope, answers, a way to view and engage life for the betterment of himself, those around him, and the world at large!

We already know that many men did not become interested in Masonry in the past couple of decades because their fathers and grandfathers didn’t talk to them about Masonry. We already know that the local men of our union shops, our mills, the power company, the County and State workers no longer think they have an advantage at work by becoming a Freemason. We already know that a man simply interested in charity can give to any of a thousand plus good organizations without having to leave his home.

So who do we think would be interested in “us,” Freemasons that is? Well; maybe the guy who is seeking light! Maybe the guy who has read some of those thousands of books on Masonic History, Masonic Philosophy, and Masonic Esoterica! Why are we always so shocked with that Correlating Equation? Well I could tell you; however, I think you already know the answer!

Some would argue that these are men who don’t have a nuclear family; however, I would argue based on many Brothers responses that that simply isn’t true. Many of these men have families and young children; what they don’t have is time to waste. That means time to waste on Masonic picnics, nor Masonic fish fries, nor first Sunday breakfasts, nor Kazoo bands for entertainment, nor “yawn,” stated business meetings! That is because they already do picnics, fish fries, Sunday breakfast, entertainment, and meetings with their family and business associates.

What they have time for is something meaningful. They have time for something that provides them with the tools to make themselves better men; time for something that provokes thought, understanding, and makes them ask one more question about life’s mysteries. Asking a question of course requires someone to provide an answer. (I would interject here and say, “if we provide the answers then we might become part of their family and thus picnics, fish fries, Sunday breakfast, and entertainment.”)

Well; historically, intrinsic in the attributes of a College are answers for those who have questions. There are also some other intrinsic attributes; a well planned program, an appropriate time allotted for learning, an inherent mentorship, a fellowship, and a sense of something gained at a cost of both time and finance.

Now, if we provide those intrinsic attributes of what we claim to be, “the College of Freemasonry,” how does that play out with our long time members?

Well; some of the brightest and most knowledgeable men I know relative to the teachings of the Craft are guess what? Freemasons! Many of them have been members of our Craft for 50+ years. Surprising, some might say, but think about it; who wrote all those Masonic books in the last 50+ years on Masonic History, Masonic Philosophy, and Masonic Esoterica?

Then there are all those Masons who didn’t write any books. Some of them were the mentors for all those young initiates during the past 50+ years. Then there are those 50+ year Masons who wanted to learn more about the History, Philosophy, and Esoterica of the Craft during that time period; but Masonry didn’t fulfill its promise. Then there are those men that joined during that time period; but they didn’t join for the educational reasons, however, they did join for the right reasons in their mind, and that was to be amongst other good men and do the best they could as men with their own lives. Some of these men may not know much about Freemasonry relative to our History, Philosophy, and Esoterica; but, these men did what their Masonic leaders told them. These men took care of our buildings, they made dinner, they performed in the degrees, they did “whatever” was asked of them. Those men are no less a Mason than any of us, and in many cases showed greater Masonry than any of us will ever have the chance to display.

Many of these men helped change the world whereby other countries and its peoples were liberated. These men accomplished what many people thought was too lofty of a pursuit. And when finished on foreign soil, these men didn’t leave their ideals, devotion, and good works on the sands of some far away beach; these men came home and became Freemasons. Each one of these Brothers are men of great character! Each one of them personally knows the cost of Freedom. These are men who are use to giving when asked, and I would suggest if we ask properly, these men will give of themselves, too us, once again!

There is no doubt that the majority of men who seek admission into our “Gentle Craft,” today, are seeking that College education; however, not all of our caretakers of the Craft are College professors. (I might add here: and thank God!).

You see, the issue we face today has two faces due to the way in which we have framed it. The young man; who’s mirror tells him that he is strong, on a quest, and without question will quench his thirst for knowledge. Then there is the old man; who’s mirror tells him that he is not quite as strong as he once was, much of his quest is behind him, and much of his thirst for knowledge has already turned into a gain of wisdom.

If each would only stand side by side in the mirror; I believe that each would then see a complete Master Mason.

It is not them against us; it is the Master Mason against himself! Certainly we can find a way to accomplish that which we desire without splitting the Master Mason. Change must occur; as the true seeker for that which was lost understands. The true Master of the Royal Secret is the Architect of his own life; no where is it written that he is the Architect of melancholy of the spirit.

Our change must be Decisive! It must be Powerful! It must lead to Light!

A halfway attempt will not fill the needs of the new young Seeker of the Truth; and a halfway attempt will not fill the needs of the old Master of the Royal Secret! We will loose both; and then what will become of our “Gentle Craft?”

Let us be Architects, steadfast in our purpose, one working with the other!

used by permission of the author

Guest Commentator: Pride in My Freemasonry, by "The Hammer"

Brethren,

I believe that the Craft of Ancient Freemasonry is the most important fraternity ever to appear in America, if not in the world. I am a true believer in the Craft. In August, 2008, I will have been a Mason for 22 years, and for some of them I will admit I was not a truly reflective mind. Oh, yes--I paid my dues and was the Master of my Lodge twice (once for a double term!)--but a true-believer...NO.

My transformation came about in the last 3 years, after recovering from a tumultuous 2 years as Master, struggling to keep my Lodge with a history of over two hundred years together, and pruning some poisoned branches from the tree. I had some time to reflect upon the meaning of the words which compose our Masonic ritual. I learned, studied and in time, understood. What finally struck me like a bolt of lightning was the practical wisdom contained in Freemasonry. Masons believe in God, the immortality of the soul and the paramount importance of good character. We really are builders who believe that if we construct lives of good character, the Supreme Architect of the Universe will reward us with "a glorious immortality" for our souls. To all regular Freemasons this expresses profound truth.

Indeed, as a fraternity, we do have our secrets--but it is these very secrets which reveal to us the tenets of our Craft. In turn, these tenets set the standard of good character by which we live and display to the world as how we conduct ourselves as Freemasons. How well we accomplish this determines the success of the fraternity.

Freemasonry has an exceptional past, one that all Freemasons can be extremely proud of. It has always impressed me that during the 18th century, Mozart, who lived in Austria, and George Washington, who lived in the United States, both achieved greatness. Mozart excelled in music, Washington in leadership. One of these endeavors--music--is intellectual and, at times, introverted in nature. Leadership, on the other hand, is physical and extroverted in nature. Mozart, the creative genius, lived in the abstract world of his imagination; Washington, the military genius, lived in the real world of the battlefield and politics. Mozart gave us masterpieces of music such as The Magic Flute that are filled with Masonic symbolism. Washington gave us America, the country whose bounty we enjoy today. Different men, different countries, different cultures, different lives, with one thing in common; both were Freemasons. They believed in and lived by the same tenets we study today. They were true-believers.

What are the tenets of Freemasonry? There are many, but here are a few examples, which are stated clearly in the Third Degree.

• We must not have two personalities--one for private and another for public.

• We must treat women the same way we want other men to treat our sisters.

• We must use the same language before women as we do before men.

• We must make the best and the most of ourselves.

• Above all, we are told to make sure "others know always that a gentleman stands before them."

I'll bet that George Washington lived by our tenets. Today, his life is known throughout much of the world. Why? He lived it as a Freemason. I am certain he demanded respect from his neighbor, just as I'll bet he first earned his neighbor's respect. There was nothing more intolerable in his sight than the letting down of himself to a lower level. He must have bid men come up to him, refusing to descend a single step to them, or he would never have been America's first and greatest leader--the man whom this country still reveres today, 200 years after his death; the great Freemason, who led this country through its struggle for independence.

The more I observe the world and study history, the more I learn about our beloved Craft, the more I am convinced that this Nation is the great country that it is because many of its original thinkers, so many of its first serious citizens were Freemasons. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and John Carroll may not have been Freemasons, but they conversed with George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Robert Livingston and others who were Freemasons. And the Freemasons’ influence "passing through and to those whom that circle may surround" refined and shaped the path that our Founding Fathers chose.

Think about it: just because not all of America's founders were Freemasons does not mean that Masonic tenets did not find its way into the deliberations which resulted in our Constitution. As long as there is one true Freemason in a room of non-masons, he will influence the others. What a fine example our forefathers have set for us! This example is the same today as it was then: to make the best and most of ourselves. If we do the same as Brother Mozart and Washington, our Lodges will be filled to overflowing. Our example will make other men want to be Free and Accepted Masons.

Pride in Freemasonry is really what this is all about. Pride in being a member of the Craft, expressed by us as individuals to all men by our actions cannot help but attract good men to our fraternity. By making the most and best of ourselves, each and every one of us will be doing the most and best for our families, our communities, our country and Freemasonry.

Used by permission of the author.

Guest Commentator: How To Make A Mason, by WB William A. Isabelle

I am here to talk to you about how to make a Mason.

I am as active as I am in our Fraternity not because I am retired or wealthy, or because I am foregoing other commitments so that I may participate in Masonic activities. This is not the case at all.

I am as active as I am because I am the product of very involved Mentoring on the part of my Degree Coach, the Worshipful Master who conferred my degrees and my mother Lodge, all who supported me in my journey to become a Master Mason. When I was contacted with instructions of when to appear at the Lodge for my 1st Degree, I didn’t sleep the night before. I was absolutely elated that I had been accepted into the Lodge.

As soon as I had finished my Entered Apprentice lecture, I was re-conducted to the East and told to learn the Working Tools of the Entered Apprentice Mason, and be ready to present them in a week. I went home and spent another sleepless night pondering Masonry.

The following week I proved up on my Entered Apprentice Degree proficiency examination, acted as a supernumerary by helping to conduct a candidate for the Degrees of Masonry as a Junior Steward, and then presented the “Working Tools” to the initiate, as they had been given to me a week prior.

The point of this story is that I became involved in the Lodge and Masonry by being given an expectation of immediate participation, essentially I didn’t have a chance to become apathetic, melancholy or lethargic about my Lodge attendance because I had been given a responsibility to perform a function in Lodge. I certainly did not want to let myself down, and I certainly didn’t want to disappoint the new friends I had made who now called me brother.

In this same vein, I made a commitment to certain responsibilities within this Fraternity that I must follow through on because I agreed to do so when I was obligated as an Entered Apprentice Mason. To say that I don’t have time, or that coming to Lodge isn’t convenient, just is not acceptable. Why take on any responsibility that you are not fully prepared to live up to?

The members of my Mother Lodge, made such an indelible impression on me Masonicly, that I felt compelled to spread the word if you will. As a result of the very favorable opinion that I was left with after becoming a Master Mason, I brought 7 of my closest friends into my Lodge.

Brethren, it was because I had no idea what to expect from my first entrance into the Lodge, that I accordingly assumed that all Masons felt as I did about their initiation, that I was truly welcomed into an esteemed and vaunted ancient secret society, a sacred band of friends and brothers.

It was because of my ignorance that my Lodge was able to aptly mine and exploit my energy and participation in Lodge activities, besides how would I know any different? My Lodge set a very high standard for participation in ritual work, degree work, and friendship.

Brothers, our fraternity is not a secret society, it is a society with secrets, and even those can be easily gleaned at the library next door to us. It is more than acceptable to talk to non-Masons about your Masonic experiences and share with them some of the insights that you may have gained since you became a Mason.

Each of you has at least one male friend who is of age, who meets all of our minimum requirements and is eligible to become a Freemason, and I challenge each of you to make a commitment to ensure that this friend of yours becomes a Freemason in the next year.

Alright, I know what you’re thinking, “we’ve heard all of this before, and we will most assuredly hear it all again, with some new spin…” Well… that may be the case, but what have you done about it since the first time you heard this speech?

Brothers, there is one thing different about this speech, because you have never heard it from me. I am a new Mason, I am generation X, and when the 1 and a half million Freemasons that we have in North America right now, shrink to less than 500,000 in the next 7 years, I will no longer be the future of Freemasonry, I will be it’s present.

Since we all acknowledge that mortality is an ever-present looming shadow for each of us and that we only have so much time left, what are we doing to reinforce the fraternity right now?

Are we each individually doing our part?

Friendship, Fellowship, and Follow-Through are the three factors I want to focus on in this presentation regarding membership development and Masonic education.

How many of you speak to friends of yours who are non-Masons about Freemasonry? If they know you are a Freemason, then they no doubt have at least one or two questions about what you do at Lodge.

How many of you here tonight have obeyed your first obligation to the Fraternity by immediately replacing yourselves in your Lodge twice over?

How many of you brothers are or have been Mentoring Coaches for an initiate?

How many of you have brought your friends to the beauty and light of our Craft?

How many of you have brought the beauty and light of our Craft into the lives of your friends?

What are you brothers going to do today to make sure that I have co-workers to labor next to me in the quarries of our Craft tomorrow?

Brothers, what I am asking you is this, have you identified your successor, are you training your prodigy to be at least as competent as yourself, so that his contribution will be a reflection of your effective Mentoring and the wisdom of your experiences will be a base for his decision making process in the future?

I am gravely concerned, enough so to want to speak to each of you tonight, concerned enough to ask each of you if you are absolutely sure that there isn’t at least one man you know who should be a Freemason.

Brothers we can no longer afford to wait for the new guys to show up in the next wave of candidates. We must focus on being ever so much more proactive in our membership development efforts, but first we must educate ourselves so that we may share a cohesive understanding of what our organization is and is not in the world of today.

Brothers, I would like to share with you some insights from different conversations I have had with the 15 candidates that I have been the top-line signer, and proficiency coach for while they completed the Degrees of Freemasonry. Getting new members in the door is only one step; it is not the sum total of your obligation to your Lodge either.

Once you bring a man into the Lodge and he becomes a Mason, you are his Mentor Coach and friend for life. You must make even more effort to guide this new Mason to endeavors that will benefit him, the Lodge, and the Craft, in that order. Fellowship is the key component to maintaining Masonic relationships with your Candidate and developing new friendships with Masons whom you have known for years.

How many of you socialize with men outside of Lodge who are not Masons?

How many of you socialize with brothers from your Lodge or others Lodges in the area, outside of Lodge?

How many of you have called on a brother after a Lodge meeting when he was absent from the meeting?

How many of you have called on a brother before Lodge to see if you could give him a ride to the meeting?

How many of you regularly visit the other Lodges in your area?

How many of you brothers leave immediately after the stated business meeting, and forego the opportunity to have fellowship with your brethren?

How many of you brothers currently know of brothers who have not completed their Degree work?

The answers to these questions are your own, but as such you should use them to consider if there isn’t perhaps the opportunity to create new fellowship experiences within your Lodge, as well as setting an example to any Mason that you impact with your participation and visitation.
Follow through brothers, follow through is the key, you must stay in regular contact with your candidates as they progress in the Craft, if you don’t follow through, then both you and your candidate lose out on each other’s perspectives, activities and ultimately your developing friendship.

If the activities that you steer him toward do not benefit him as a man and as a Mason, then he is not going to make a concerted effort to follow through on his end because he has not realized a positive return for his expended energies.

· Ensure that your candidate has the means to get to Lodge

· Meet with your candidate twice a week to ensure his progression in the degrees

· Make sure that you have the right information to share with your candidate for the moment that he asks for more light

· Dedicate time outside of Lodge for your own Masonic education

· Get a schedule of the Lodge meetings in the area, and go visit other Lodges with your candidate

· Present your candidate with a Masonic book or other reference material

Brothers we must identify current examples of successful Masons and Masonry, we must stop relying on past glory and the deeds of others to tell the story of the beauty of the Craft to its newest initiates. Who are the leaders of modern society, who are the explorers, scientists, poets, actors, politicians, businessmen, teachers, athletes, philanthropists, and doers-of-good deeds in our society today, and how many of them are Masons?

If we don’t know, then we should collectively make it our business to find out, because those are the examples that we should be using today to shape the minds of the Masons who will ultimately govern our Fraternity tomorrow.

Brethren it is our responsibility today to actively seek out those among us who should be Masons for the future. It is our job, our obligation to give back to our Lodges by providing for the future in the Masons that we make and keep today.

Used by permission of the author.