Something to Ponder: Mysteries and Privileges

“A poor candidate… humbly soliciting to be admitted into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry.”

You’ve heard the line a few dozen times or more from the EA degree, but how many times have you paused to consider what those mysteries and privileges actually are? The truth is there is no good answer to this question. There is no single answer.

If anything, this is one of those open-ended statements that gives Masons fits trying to interpret its meaning. Probably this has to do with the fact that there are no defined privileges or mysteries mentioned in our rituals.

There are some basic concepts, some rules, some guidelines by which to live, and other stuff like that, but nothing so concrete that it precludes independent thought. Perhaps the true privilege is that each brother is permitted to define what those mysteries are; that he is allowed to determine which of the concepts, rules, guidelines, etc. are most applicable to his life, and which of our ideas he can best utilize to his own satisfaction and delight.

There is no one way to be a Freemason; the tools are there to use as each brother sees fit, and with them he can define the mysteries and privileges himself.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

Something to Ponder: Symbols

“But I must premise for your generation information that all squares, levels and perpendiculars are true and proper signs by which to know a Freemason.”

Are they really, brethren? Well yes, if you see that they are created by a man who uses the square, level and plumb to erect the kind of superb personal edifice that we are exhorted to build in the Entered Apprentice degree.

Using these tools in our daily life enables us to create the kind of intellectual, philosophical and emotional structure that allows us to withstand the vicissitudes of life. Nobody is blessed enough to entirely avoid the many bad things that try to trip us up in our life’s journey, but by applying the principles of the square, level and plumb we can temper the worst of these troubles by making ourselves ready.

If you see a man utilizing these tools then you are viewing one who is applying Masonic principles to his life. He may be a Freemason, in which case a few simple tests will identify him as such, and you can  greet him as a brother.

If he is not yet a Freemason, then you have an opportunity to introduce him to our fraternity so that he will have the opportunity to work with more of the tools we have to offer.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

Something to Ponder: More Obedience

“Your obedience must be proved… by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the brethren, and by perfect submission the Worshipful Master and his Wardens, while acting in the discharge of their respective duties.”

Brethren, Freemasonry is a quasi-democracy in that we vote on many things as a lodge, and allow the WM a free hand in many areas. But in order for the lodge to function properly, the brethren must buy into the decisions that are made, and must accept them without causing a fuss or attempting to subvert the will of either the lodge or the WM.

This does not mean the brethren should have no opportunity for input into decisions. A good WM will solicit the opinions of his brethren prior to making a decision, and any situation requiring a vote in open lodge must afford the brethren a chance to express an opinion prior to said vote.

However, once that vote is taken, a brother who refuses to accept the will of the lodge simply because it doesn’t agree with his inclination is in error. As well, a brother who attempts to force an issue by trying to do an end run around the normal decision-making process cannot be said to be acting Masonically.

Essentially, it is incumbent on all brethren to follow the same rules for a lodge to function effectively.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

Something to Ponder: New Members

“… and by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation in our secrets, unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on your choice.”

Brethren, this except from the charge at initiation is, on the surface of things, rather self-explanatory. Consider, however, that there is more to it than the obvious.

For instance, consider that while this statement instructs you to always be on your guard against those who are unworthy to be Freemasons, the unstated inference is that you are always to be searching for men who would make good Masons.

After all, an organization cannot simply guard against those not suitable for its ranks; it must also keep an eye open for those it deems worthy of joining, or how else can it replenish its membership roster.

I wonder how many of us actively look at the men we know with the thought that they might make good Freemasons? When we meet a man, do we size him up as potential Masonic material?

Perhaps 2016 is the year to start sizing up your family, friends and acquaintances for their Masonic potential, and then figuring out a way to get them into the craft. The key will be being prepared to talk about Freemasonry yourself.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

Something to Ponder: Secrecy

“At my initiation I was taught to be cautious, but with you I will either letter it or syllable it.”

Brethren, the meaning of this phrase from the presentation of the secrets during the EA degree is self-explanatory. Essentially, the new brother is acknowledging that he will protect the secret word of the degree – just one of the demands repeatedly made of him throughout the degrees to protect the secrets of Freemasonry.

But what do these demands mean in a world where anyone can find everything they want to know about Freemasonry from books and the Internet. What secrets is the brother actually protecting when all of those so-called secrets are already out there for everyone to see? What’s the point of the oaths?

Once upon a time it was so much easier to protect the words and modes of recognition, but I think the “secret” we’re protecting today is something much more important… our personal integrity. Yes, those other secrets are readily available to anyone who wants them, but today the test for each brother is to prove to himself that he can still stay true to his word, and maintain the dignity of Freemasonry, in the face of this overwhelming avalanche of information.

The true “secrets” of Freemasonry are not the words, etc., but what they mean to us as Masons, and our willingness to guard that – so that it doesn’t become tainted – is the true purpose of the demand for vigilance.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

Something to Ponder: Obedience

“Your obedience must be proved… by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the Brethren.”

Brethren, the meaning of this instruction from the charge at initiation seems self-explanatory at first blush, but there it is actually a very important lesson to contemplate. Freemasonry’s structure involves a quasi-dictatorship in the sense that we invest the mantle of leadership upon one brother for the space of a year, expect him to make many of the decisions required for the proper functioning of the lodge, and defer to his judgement.

However, we also keep the true power of the lodge in the hands of all the brethren by ensuring that the most important decisions – such as membership and money – are handled by ballot or vote. Naturally, not all brethren will agree with every decision decided by vote, but it is important that all brethren abide by those decisions for the peace and harmony of the lodge.

Too many lodges have been ripped asunder by brethren who have taken it upon themselves to disobey this charge, and to create chaos because they believe they are right and the rest of the brethren are wrong. Freemasonry is about learning to compromise; sometimes you win the point, and sometimes you don’t.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

Something to Ponder: Membership

“Your fidelity must be exemplified… by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation in our secrets, unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on your choice.”

Brethren, this is part of the Charge at Initiation, and informs the new brother that he must not indiscriminately bring potential candidates to the lodge, but must ensure that each person he is prepared to sponsor is someone he feels would be a good Freemason… someone who will “reflect honour” on his choice.

The reality is, not everyone is cut out to be a Mason… and there is no shame in that. We strive to turn solid, upstanding men into something better, by giving them the tools to achieve such lofyy heights. Not everyone, however, is able to transcend his daily life, or to look beyond himself.

For some, it’s not the right time; for others, it will never be the right time. It is our duty to the craft to ensure that only those who can contribute positively, and who will never dishonour our noble institution, are admitted to the fraternity.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

 

Something to Ponder: Attendance

“That I will answer and obey all lawful signs and summonses sent to me from a Master Mason’s lodge, if within the length of my cable tow, pleading thereto no excuse save sickness or the pressing emergencies of my public or private avocations.”

Brethren, this is part of the obligation that each Master Mason undertakes, so here’s the question: Why are so many brethren staying away from lodge these days? If you’re not attending regularly, are your reasons truly legitimate? Are you not attending because of “pressing emergencies” or are you simply choosing not to make your lodge obligations a priority, and thereby not living up to the oath you took at that altar? Only you can honestly answer that question, but the lodge suffers when so many of you are absent these days. Please make an effort to attend lodge at least semi-regularly. Your brethren want to see you, and to enjoy your company.

Something to Ponder is a little feature I pen for my lodge notice each month. Each typically starts with a bit of the ritual to which I add some (hopefully) educational commentary.

Won’t be losing any more sleep over those who can’t see the opportunity inherent in Freemasonry

The other night at lodge, the District Education Officer stood and started speaking about membership numbers for our fraternity. He had done some research about the district’s lodges, and pointed out that my lodge had numbered 208 brethren amongst its ranks in 1975. He didn’t know the current numbers, but as secretary I was able to inform him and the other members of our lodge that we currently have thirty-eight members, of which number about fourteen attend regularly and another three or four semi-regularly. The others we never see, primarily because they live out of town. Needless to say the brethren were a tad shocked.

A conversation then broke out about the reasons for our declining membership, and the reasons men join and then disappear so quickly.

Many of the brethren stood and said their piece, and I was truly impressed with the way so many of them spoke from the heart. These brethren truly care about the state of our beloved fraternity, and it grieves them mightily to see so many empty seats in lodge night after night. They don’t understand why men aren’t flocking to the craft they love so dearly, and they can’t figure out why people don’t stay once they’ve joined. From my vantage point they are pretty much like every other dedicated Mason in North America today – full of angst about the decline in membership and our inability to stem the tide.

Some of the brethren talked about why they come to lodge themselves; others spoke about the boring meetings. Some pointed out that we’re not the only organization experiencing the decline; others noted that membership is cyclical, and one day we could expect a turnaround. Some spoke about possible strategies for curtailing the decline; others about ways to grow membership.

In short, while the discussion was heartfelt and fulsome, it was pretty much a re-hash of every conversation about membership that I’ve been a part of for the past 22 years, and I’m willing to bet good money it’s the same conversation most Freemasons in North America have experienced repeatedly for at least two or three decades.

Now, it is certainly not my intention to be dismissive of what was said, or to belittle in any way whatsoever those who spoke. I have the utmost respect for my brothers, and in many ways I share their concerns. I’ve offered my two bits on the subject repeatedly over the years, and most of it has followed the same line. I’ve tried to analyze and rationalize the decline in membership, I’ve suggested ways to bring in new members, and I’ve asked that ubiquitous “what are we doing wrong” question so many times it makes me sick to my stomach to hear it.

Not my problem

So often have I spoken on the subject that I know the District Education Officer was certain I was going to stand up and give the boys another pep talk, or make some suggestions, or offer some wise words on the subject. In fact, he asked me at one point to say a few words. I refused and instead, for a good 15 or 20 minutes, I just listened. Finally, when a lull in the conversation presented itself I stood to offer my thoughts. I think I caught them all off guard by what I had to say.

I started off by saying that if the non-Masons of the world couldn’t see what a great organization Freemasonry is, it wasn’t my problem and I really didn’t care.

Needless to say, the surprised looks on the faces of my brothers were somewhat comical.

I told them that when I had joined Freemasonry it was for life, because the only way to get anything out of the order was to be in it for the long haul. I stated that I had intended from the very beginning to see it through to my death – through the ups and downs – and that if some men joined with any other intention in their heart and mind, then it wasn’t my problem.

As I spoke, I could see some of them just staring at me, completely gob smacked, but I was just getting started.

I said that those who complained about boring meetings were missing the point; that it wasn’t a meeting I was attending but an opportunity to join with the men I admire, like and trust most in this world, and a chance to come together with the truest friends I will ever have. I stated that if those who quit because meetings are boring couldn’t see that, then it wasn’t my problem and I wasn’t going to lose any sleep over their ignorance.

I talked about how Freemasonry was my retirement plan. Not in the financial sense, naturally, but from the viewpoint of having a place to be and go when I finally quit working. I mentioned that one day, assuming my wife dies before I do, those brethren would be the comrades of my old age when I needed someone the most. I also said those who couldn’t see such a magnificent opportunity for their own lives weren’t my problem.

I spoke in this fashion for a good five to ten minutes, and finally concluded by saying that I was no longer going to lose sleep worrying about men who couldn’t see the light about Freemasonry.

I told the brethren that all the angst we’ve felt about the question of membership over the years really wasn’t worth it to me any more, and that I was no longer going to feel bad about something I really have no control over.

I said that if others couldn’t or wouldn’t recognize the great opportunity Freemasonry affords them, it really wasn’t my problem.

By the time I was finishing up I could see some of the heads around the room bobbing in recognition of what I was saying. They may even have been agreeing with me, but I won’t be so presumptuous. Some were still looking rather perplexed, if not downright shocked, as I’m pretty sure nobody had ever spoken to them in such a fashion in lodge before. For me, however, it had been downright cathartic.

Okay, I really do care

Now, I have to admit – and I did tell the brethren this at that meeting – that I really do care about the state of my lodges and the membership. I mentioned that my presentation had been designed to drive home a point, and that I didn’t want them to think I was being flippant.

I truly do believe we’ve spent far too long on navel gazing and breast-beating where membership is involved. I think it’s time to stop, so we can spend more time being the best damned Masons we can be. Quality attracts quality, and I believe our biggest responsibility to the Craft is to preserve and nurture it until the time arrives when the good men we want in our organization realize that what they’re missing in life is everything that true Freemasonry has to offer.

I firmly believe that day will come, and when it does we must be ready. We must be in a position to give those men the opportunity we currently cherish. To ensure that happens is most definitely my problem.

 

 

First big adventure in new travelling project now under my belt

Haven’t been overly fruitful when it comes to blogging in the past six months. I blame it primarily on the new job, which I’m still trying to get a handle on, and which is taking up way more time than I really want it to. But hey, that’s what jobs do. Right?

Anyway, as I mentioned in my last blog post back in October, I’ve started a project to visit all of the lodges in the grand jurisdiction of British Columbia and Yukon. So far, I have four under my belt, and at this pace it’s going to take a lot longer than I originally thought it might.

The best trip so far involved a ferryboat ride from Horseshoe Bay on the coast of B.C. near West Vancouver up the coast a short trip away to Sechelt and Mt. Elphinstone Lodge in Roberts Creek back in November.

I made the trip up with several members of my mother lodge – Dormer Lodge – as a follow up to a visit that Mt. Elphinstone paid to Dormer back in February of last year.

What made their trip different, as well as ours, was that it wasn’t a drive out to lodge, enjoy the meeting and then go home kind of trip. No, this was a drive/float to lodge, enjoy the meeting, and then spend the night kind of adventure because the ferry doesn’t run late enough to do it all in one night.

When Mt. Elphinstone came down to Surrey, 13 of them made the trip. Not bad considering the expense and inconvenience of being away from home for a lodge meeting. Unfortunately, only five of us could make the return visit, but we enjoyed it tremendously.

It was the first overnighter I’ve ever done for a lodge meeting, unless you count a holiday to the historic mining town of Barkerville several years ago that involved a lodge meeting. But I digress.

The Roberts Creek trip was interesting not only for the fact it required a ferry ride to get to our destination. Being somewhat isolated from other lodges because of its location, it turns out our little gang of five was one of the largest contingents of visitors to have put in an appearance in many a year – if you don’t count official events like a District Deputy Grand Master’s visit or a Grand Master’s visit – and they were mighty glad. That gave my fellow Dormer members and me a bit of a warm feeling, knowing that we’d improved their year with our sojourning to see them.

It was also a good feeling to know that we’d gone to support one of the brethren from Dormer who had moved to that region several years ago, and who we’ve only seen infrequently since. This brother organized the trip from Roberts Creek to Surrey, and it was our pleasure to repay the favour.

As mentioned, the trip started with a ferry ride, and because I caught a later ferry I arrived at the local pub just in time to wolf down a salad and a beer, everyone else having nearly finished their fish and chips by the time I arrived. Fastest eating of a Greek salad ever seen, I’m thinking, but the Guinness went down as good as ever.

The surprise of the night was an Entered Apprentice degree, which I wasn’t expecting. The Mt. Elphinstone degree team did admirable work, and the meeting was most pleasant. The festive board featured a lovely seafood chowder, and then it was back to the hotel for several nightcaps and some great stories with the Dormer gang before calling it a night very late indeed.

For me, this adventure was very special because it typifies so much of what is good about Freemasonry. It involved brothers repaying kindnesses, lodges helping each other, travelling to meet new brothers, good degree work, and last but not least, the camaraderie of my brethren.

I hope to have many more similar adventures in the months and years to come. I noted earlier that I now have four visits under my belt so there are only 146 more to go, give or take one or two. Yes, it might take some time, but it’s going to be so worth it.