Bro.
Wayne Anderson's
Sunday
Masonic Paper #216
Greetings my Brothers, as the Holiday Season is upon us, the Sunday Masonic Paper will be taking a slight break, and will be back on the 6th of January 2002. I would like to wish each of you and your families the very best of this most Blessed Season, and a wish for health, happiness and prosperity in 2002.
Fraternally, Wayne A
THE MEANING OF FREEMASONRY
R.W.Bro. R. Hudson Hill, DDGM Frontenac Masinic District 2000/2001 - GRC
What is the meaning of Freemasonry and what is it trying to do? How often have we been asked this question and how difficult is it fir us to answer? If you find the question difficult might I suggest it is due to two main reasons. One that it has been tradition not to talk about Freemasonry and, two, most men find the subject too complex to explain. I hope I can help in some way to provide an answer for you.
Essentially, Freemasonry is what it especially means to be individual. We are all-different and wilt hold differing views and values of the Order. To some it may mean the underlying spirit of its form and ceremonies that appeals, or perhaps the Lodge is seen as a haven of rest, away from the business of the day. It could be the symbolism in applying the tenets anti principles of the Craft; to others it may provide for social interaction or making new friends - where better to make friends, than from the judicious selection of members within the Masonic fraternity.
RICH TRADITION
The man who becomes a member of a Masonic lodge inherits a rich tradition. This is not something put together in a day, anti to profit from it he must attempt to enter into its heritage. He should learn something of the history of Freemasonry; of its achievements; its outstanding teachers and what they have taught; of its ideas anti philosophy.
Initiation does not confer this knowledge. The newly initiated Brother does not find waiting for him a ready-made Masonic creed or ready-made explanation of the ritual. He must discover for himself the purpose of the fraternity he has joined.
MISCONCEPTION
To understand what Freemasonry has done in the past we must gain an insight into its purpose anti principles, for, like every other organization it has revealed its spirit through its actions. This knowledge will reveal what the order has been and has accomplished as its character emerges clearly from its own history. What it has ever been, it is now, anti doubtless ever will be.
The misconception of secrecy within Freemasonry is based upon secret rites used in its ceremonies; and the signs anti grips by which members recognize each other. Thus we are assumed to be a "secret society. However, the rites of Freemasonry are not to hide the truth, but to teach it more impressively. These signs and grips serve as a kind of universal language and, when practiced, the innocent secrets of Freemasonry will be exposed, its mission accomplished, and its labour done.
FUNDAMENTAL TRIO
From the wisdom of Freemasonry we seek to remove hostility, which may arise from social, national or religious differences. The trio - Order, Peace and Harmon~ is fundamental in the Lodge - we will recall Harmony is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a good Freemason. Men need to understand and respect each other, to know how to dwell and live in harmony, to recognize that questions in dispute cannot be settled in an air of hostility, hut in an atmosphere of mutual perception and respect, such as Freemasonry seeks to create and prevail.
The true Mason labours not only for himself, but also for those who follow him. I quote from J. Forte Newton: "The desire to do something that will benefit others when neither praise or recognition reaches us is the noblest ambition entertained by man. To sow what others may reap; to project our good influences into the future to assist men not yet born; to bless with the glorious gifts of Truth, Light anti Liberty, those who may never know his name, is the true office of a Mason anti the proudest destiny of man".
Freemasonry has also provided for the right of each individual to his own religious faith, so men of varying creeds can come together in belief of those truths which are greater than all sects, deeper than all doctrines - the glory and hopes of man.
That the participation of all Masons is required, regardless of their rank or office, is required to successfully accomplish anything.
In short, it may be said that coming together as Masons, is a beginning, staying together, is progress, but working together is success.
I leave you Brethren with the words of Psalm 15, which is read at the opening of the Second Degree, please read
it.
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