MasterMason

Submitted by D. Roy Murray, PDDGM
Adapted for use in The Educator by V.W. Bro. Norman McEvoy

As the material for my message has been gathered from various sources, such as an old Ancient Ritual, from writings by eminent Masonic personalities, from other publications and a few thoughts of my own, I have called it “Random Thoughts of Freemasonry“.      

In our old Ritual the following passage occurs in the F.C. Degree :-

“Ages ago, our Order was first instituted, founded upon principles more durable than the metal wrought into the statutes of ancient Kings. Age after age rolled by, wave after wave of bright insidious sand curled about its feet and heaped their sliding grains against its sides, storm and tempest and the storm, through the attrition of the waves and sand of Life, through evil report as well as good. Freemasonry has maintained its beneficent influence, spreading wider and wider over the world.”

“Brethren this is our Heritage. What are we doing to preserve it today.

The Brother, who unfortunately, thinks that the only requisites to be considered a good Freemason consists of repeating, with some fluency, portions of the Ritual, or in correctly opening and closing the Lodge, or in giving with sufficient accuracy, the modes of recognition will hardly credit that statement.

He whose knowledge extends no further than these preliminaries, has scarcely advanced beyond the rudiments of the science. It is our duty as members of this ancient and honorable institution, to exert ourselves to the utmost, every one of us, from the Grand Master to the latest member raised to the sublime degree, to project a better image of ourselves, with honest endeavours, in an attempt to make this old world a better place to live in.

How can this be done?

In some Lodge closings, the following presentation is made:-

“We are admonished to practice outside the Lodge, those great moral duties that are inculcated in it, to do good unto all men, especially those of the household of the faithful, by liberal and diffusive charity, discover the happy and beneficial effects of this ancient and honorable institution.”

How many of us gave given this a second thought. ????

When we remove our aprons after the Lodge is untyled, we are prone to leave our Freemasonry right there.

How many times during the day in the stress of our modern life, do we remember the beautiful lessons we have been taught within the tyled walls of our Lodge Rooms.

Brethren, this attitude is a form of hypocrisy, and that is putting it bluntly, but nevertheless it is true, we preach brotherly love, relief and truth in our Lodges and,

in some instances proceed the next day to gouge and scratch and destroy our fellow-men for our own selfish achievements.

If this statement causes any of us Brethren to look inwardly at our Masonic Life, or if it has jarred any of us off our complacent seat, then the object of this message has been achieved.

Masonic Education must be given its proper place!!

However the purpose of Masonry is not primarily the sharing of knowledge, rather it is the creation of a certain spirit, indefinable, and which has its source, not just in historical facts and impressive ceremonies, but by the application of that knowledge by the individual to his daily life.

Freemasonry’s task is to develop a way of thinking and acting which reinforces the basic qualities of a good man, and gives these qualities a new application.

Freemasonry must help him realize, that in his relationship with his fellow man, he will be more than merely correct; that his actions will be guided, not by some rules which have been taught him, but by an inner compulsion to reach out, with understanding and helpfulness to all whom his own life touches.

Imagine the impact that Freemasonry would exert on World Affairs today.

“IF” and I capitalize the “IF” each one of us would make an honest endeavour to practice our Masonic Teachings in our daily lives.

Granted Freemasonry is exerting an influence in some areas as an organization, but the individual Mason is making a very meager contribution, despite the fact that the opportunities are unlimited and the rewards are most gratifying, not rewards with a price tag attached, but by an inner feeling of satisfaction from having achieved something worthwhile.

Today we seem to be more concerned with selfish attainment of material wealth than we are with the welfare of our less fortunate fellow-men particularly our Brother Freemasons.

There are a great many ways we can assist, and they are not always financial, a kindly visit to the sick, a friendly smile and handshake when we meet, a little common courtesy during our visits, but above all, honest dealings with each other.

You may say these are small things, yes very small things, but Brethren the little things of Life are far more valuable than much fine gold.

In conclusion Brethren, I would like to say that Freemasonry and kindness are synonymous terms. Be proud to proclaim that Freemasonry is a band of men bound together in the bonds of Brotherly love and affection that extends throughout the world.

To sum it all up, Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward the wicked, help for the weak, trust in the strong, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another and above all, reverence and love of God.

Comment.
It is to be noted that this paper was presented 16 years ago, yet it feels to me as if it was written just today.

Brother Murray’s point has been made abundantly clear & it matters not where in the world we reside, the fact is that a great number of our Brethren & families are in dire need of assistance, not always financially, and, (if we are aware of such a need), we should feel obligated to make a personal effort to assist in whatever way we possibly can.

Have a Wonderful Day & God Bless

Norm

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the four pups, and set about nailing it to the post at the end of his yard.

As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. “Mister” he said. I want to buy one of your puppies.

“Well” said the farmer as rubbed the sweat off his neck, “These puppies are from fine parents and cost a lot of money”

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got thirty nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?

“Sure” said the farmer, and with that he let out a whistle. “Here Dolly!” he called. Out of the doghouse and down the ramp came Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face to the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring in the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, but this one was noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid.

Then in an awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing his best to catch up.

“I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said

“Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would”

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.

In doing so, he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg and attached to a specially made shoe.

Looking back at the farmer, he said

“You see Sir, I don’t run too well myself and he will need someone who understands”

With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.

“How much?” asked the little boy.

“No Charge” said the farmer, “There is no charge for LOVE”

Author Unknown.
Editing performed by V.W.Bro. Norman McEvoy

“I have been a Master Mason for a year now” remarked the Young Brother to the Old Past Master. “While I find a great deal in Masonry to enjoy and like the fellows and all that, I am more or less in the dark as to what good Masonry really is in the world.

I don’t mean I can’t appreciate its charity or its fellowship, but it seems to me that I don’t get much out of it. I can’t really see why it has any function outside of the relationship we enjoy in the Lodge and the charitable acts we do.”

“I think I could win an argument about you,” smiled the Past Master.

“You say you have been a Master Mason for a year.”

“I think I could prove to the satisfaction of a jury of your peers, who would not need to be Master Masons, that while you are a Lodge member in good standing, you are not a Master Mason.”

“I don’t think I quite understand” puzzled the Young Mason. “I was quite surely initiated, passed, and raised. I have my certificate and my dues card. I attend Lodge regularly. I do what work I am assigned. If that isn’t being a Master Mason, what is?”

“You have the body but not the spirit,” retorted the Old Past Master.

“You eat the husks and disregard the kernel.

“You know the ritual and fail to understand its meaning.

“You carry the documents, but, for you. they attest but an empty form.

“You do not understand the first underlying principle which makes Masonry the great force that she is.

And yet, in spite of it, you enjoy her blessings, which is one of her miracles. A man may love and profit by what he does not comprehend.”

“I just don’t understand you at all, I am sure I am a good Mason.”

“No man is a good Mason who thinks the Fraternity has no function beyond pleasant association in the Lodge and charity.

There are thousands of Masons who seldom see the inside of a Lodge and, therefore, miss the fellowship.

There are thousands who never need or support her charity and so never come in contact with one of its many features.

Yet these may take freely and largely from the treasure house which is Masonry.

Masonry, my young friend, is an opportunity.

It gives a man a chance to do and to be among the world of men, something he otherwise could not attain. No man keels at the altar of Masonry and raises again the same man.

At the altar something is taken from him, never to return, his feelings of living for himself alone. Be he ever so selfish, ever so self centered, ever so much an individualist, at the altar he leaves behind him some of the dross of his purely profane make-up.

No man kneels at the altar of Masonry and rises the same man because, in the place where the dross and selfish were, is put a Divine spark for all men to see.

Where there was self-interest, is put an interest in others?

Where there was egotism, is put love for one’s fellow man.?

You say that the ‘Fraternity has no real function!!

Man, the Fraternity performs the greatest function of any institution at work among men in that it provides a common meeting ground where all of us, be our creed, our social position, our wealth, our ideas, our station in life what may meet and share with one another & by doing same create Brothers

Question ====What caused the Great War?

Class hatred.

What is the greatest leveler of class in the world? Freemasonry.

Where is the only place in which a capitalist and laborer, socialist and democrat, fundamentalist and modernist, Jew and Gentile, sophisticated and simple alike meet and forget their difference? Answer == in a Masonic Lodge.

Through the influence of Masonry, which opens her portals to men because they seek the brotherhood only she can give.

It is said Masonry has no function?

Why, son, the function of charity, great as it is, is one of the least of the things Masonry does. The fellowship in the Lodge, beautiful as it is, is, at best, not much more than one can get in any good club, association, or organization.

The great fundamental beauty of Masonry is all her own.

She, and only she, stretches a kindly and loving hand around the world, uniting millions in a bond too strong for jealousy and fear.

The worst of men have used the strongest of means and have but pushed Masonry to one side for the moment, not all their efforts have broken her, or ever will.

Masonry gives us all a chance to do and to be, to do a little, however humble the part, in making the world better, to be a little larger, a little fuller in our lives, a little nearer to the G.A.O.T.U.

Unless a man understands this, believes it, takes it to his heart, and lives it in his daily life, and strives to show it in practice to others by his every act.

Unless he live and love and labor in his Masonry.

I say he is not truly a Master Mason!!!

Agreed; though he may belong to all Rites and carry all cards, though he be hung like a Christmas tree with jewels and pins, though he be an officer in all Bodies.

But the man who has it in his heart and sees in Masonry the chance to be, in reality. what he has sworn he would be – a brother to his fellow Masons – is a Master Mason

The Young Brother, looking down, unfastened the emblem from his coat lapel and handed it to the Old Past Master.

“Of course, you are right,” he said, lowly. “Here is my pin”

Please don’t give it back to me until you think I am worthy to wear it.”

The Old Past Master smiled. “I think you better put it back on now,” he answered gently.

“None are more fit to wear the Square and Compasses than those who know themselves unworthy, for they are those who strive ever harder to perfect their own personal Masonry.”

Comment
I have read this paper many times and felt it could be seen as being a little cruel to many Brethren, then I recalled Brotherly Love Relief and Truth and started to get a better picture as to what the Older Brother was trying to convey.

I believe the Question being posed to us all as Brethren has to do with our own SELF interest, and, is it possible that we could/should be more aware of those much more dependent than ourselves & is there a possibility that we, in any way, could be of additional service.

Food For Thought

Have a wonderful Day & God Bless

Norm

This paper has been created by myself for presentation to a Masonic audience as and when the opportunity may arise.

For some time I have thought upon the commandment given by Jesus and recorded in the New Testament (John 13.34) which states “A new commandment I give you, Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” and the additional admonition given by Jesus and recorded in the New Testament (Luke 10.27) “Love thy neighbour as Thyself “ and have pondered the question.

What does this look like, for each of us, in our daily lives?

For many this poses no problem at all, however, for many it presents many issues, in that they may have no concept of what Love even looks or feels like, and worse, may have no sense of Love for themselves.

It is this concept of “Self Love” that I wish to address in this paper.

To begin, and to give some foundation to the subject, my research has led me to the following material, which is taken from a book by Michael J. Gelb, titled Da Vinci Decoded and the Chapter is titled “Practical Love and Self Assessment”

1. I feel connected to something greater than my own ego.

2. I consciously nurture my connection to something greater than myself every day.

3. I practice conscious loving kindness with my colleagues and associates.

4. I practice conscious loving kindness with the people I interact with on an incidental basis (waiters, salesclerks, attendants of whatever kind, and so-called strangers.

5. I allow myself to experience the fullness of love, giving and receiving, in my life every day.

When I read this “Self-Assessment” and began applying it to myself I started to realize just how difficult these standards can be and how, in my opinion, few people could honestly give themselves high marks to all five of the questions being posed.

In addition, and in the hope to make this subject more understandable, I have chosen, for this audience of brothers, to link the words LOVE and RESPECT as being synonymous.

As I see it, in order to be even able to begin to live our lives we must have LOVE and RESPECT for those with whom we are interacting and, above all, for our creator.

Continuing on this line of thought, it has been my experience through my association with family, friends, associates, employers, employees etc. that many people, for whatever reason, have little or no LOVE or RESPECT for themselves.

For them this presents a huge problem, in that, in my opinion, without LOVE and RESPECT for ones self, a person finds themselves constantly seeking love and validation and, by being a constant SEEKER, cannot ever get themselves to the point of being able to GIVE and SHARE.

For me this realization came about in 1988 when through, what some would call a coincidence, I came into possession of an Audio Tape titled “Learning to Live & Love” and authored by Dr Wayne Dyer.

Since that time, I have read much of what Dr Dyer has written and have developed a relatively good collection of his Books, Audio Tapes and CD’s.

All of this material is geared to assist the individual in his own self development and value of self and it is here that I see their value to us all, and especially to us as Freemasons who are dedicated to making ourselves as good as we could possibly be.

I perceive the smoothing of our personal ashlar to be a, never ending, objective for us all.

Dr Dyer is very allegorical in his presentations and on no occasion can I recall him ever telling anyone anything. His method is very Masonic in nature, in that he teaches by the telling of stories & giving examples.

Over the past approximately 30 years, I have on numerous occasions found myself doubting or questioning myself and have turned to this material for support & confirmation.

Also during this same period, and again within the past few days, I have had occasions where friends, family, and acquaintances have discussed their issues on this subject with me and I have referred them to, or provided them with support material.

Dr Dyer passed away some years ago, however I am certain his works are still available

Comment:
I recall having shared this paper in The Educator some years ago & in my deliberations as to what to share with you all, at this time & place, I spotted it in my library of used presentations & felt the message was even more important than its earlier sharing. There is much happening in the World around us and we are all in a position of sharing our LOVE with those less fortunate, in so many ways.
Have a Wonderful Day & God Bless
Norm

Kevan van Herd, Editor of the Banner
Kelowna, B.C. Canada.
With some small additions made by V.W. Bro.Norman McEvoy.

Once upon a time, a king had a great highway built for the people who lived in his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many of his subjects as desired to participate. The challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best, and the winner was to receive a box of gold.
On the day of the contest, all the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing and fancy food to  make the trip a luxurious journey. Some wore their sturdiest shoes and ran along the highway on their feet to show their skill and endurance. All day they traveled the highway, and each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king about a large pile of rocks and debris that had been left almost blocking the road at one point, and that got in their way and hindered their travel. At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line wearily, and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a small chest of gold.

He said,  “I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This chest of gold was under it all. Please have it returned to its rightful owner.”
The king replied, “You are the rightful owner.”
“Oh no”, said the traveler, “This is not mine. I’ve never known such wealth.”
“Oh yes,” said the king, “you’ve earned this gold, for you won my contest. He who travels the road best, is he who makes the road better for those who will follow.”

Brothers:
Remember those words of wisdom as you travel the road of life !
Personally, I thought that this fable contained an excellent lesson for us all, and I hope you agree.

I do wish you all a happy holiday period and trust you will be ready to cope with the problems and challenges that Masonry (and ourselves) may encounter in the years that lie ahead.

Comment
Brethren & others, who may have just finished reading this paper, please, may I ask you to “stop for a moment” and quietly express our personal thanks for the blessings that now lie before us.
Have a Wonderful Day & God Bless
Norm

A MASONIC DECK OF CARDS

Created by R.W. Bro. H. Daniel Knox, P.D.D.G.M. Waterloo District. Canada.

and adapted for sharing in “The Educator” by V.W. Bro Norman McEvoy

In many countries Masonry is not accepted and in fact it is prohibited.
This fact has led Brethren who wish to practice our craft to create what could be considered an underground movement.
I am told by a very reliable source that there are men who have had their Masonic Furnishings and Jewels made into miniature form and transported by them from place to place, mostly in private homes. They are said never to have met in the same place twice in approximately two years In a effort not to be found.
I have also learned that should a foreign mason be caught, he would be jailed for approximately two weeks or until his deportation papers are prepared and he is then deported. Should a local mason be found out, very serious consequences apply, as much as life in prison

What I am sharing in this paper is the work of a brother who overcame this hurdle by carrying a simple deck of cards with him which, by his skillful work, related to him, the following:

A Ritual Book; Almanac; Calendar and most important of all, his Volume of the Sacred Law.

He had taken his playing cards to Lodge one evening, and when asked by the Worshipful Master, what he intended to do with them, he offered the following:-

His explanation was as follows;

The Ace; in the Pythagorean System.

The number one is identified with reason, because it is unchangeable.

It reminds us that there is but one Supreme Being which we ought humbly to adore.

The Deuce or Two is opinion– relating to possible strife and disorder.

Also, it is the representative number of the pillars of Fire & Cloud;

the import of which is found in the VOSL.

The Three==three is the perfect number.

The ancients believed their world to be ruled by Three Gods;

Jupiter (Heaven) ; Neptune (Sea) & Pluto (the Underworld)

The fates controlled birth; life & death

The Trinity is the basic Christian Creed, and Jesus arose from the dead on the Third Day.

The numeral three describes Masonry almost in its entirety; Three Great Lights;

Three Lesser Lights; Three Degrees;

Three working tools in each Degree;

Three Grand Masters; and the list goes on & on.

The Four, is associated with Justice & Solidarity;

It reminds us of the Four Tassels representing the FOUR Cardinal Virtues;

Temperance; Fortitude; Prudence and Justice.

The Five, is the mystic number of the Pythagorean System, and philosophy,

because it is the sum of 2 & 3, the first even & odd numbers.

It also calls to mind the five noble orders of Architecture.

The Six represents the six days the Great Architect of the Universe laboured to

Build his Temple and rested on the seventh.

The Seven is the sacred number and the luckiest.

There are seven days in the week.

Seven deadly sins :- Pride; Wrath; Envy; Lust; Gluttony; Avarice and Sloth.

There are seven vitues:- Faith; Hope; Charity; Temperance; Fortitude. Prudence

The Eight is the number of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5.3=11) one of which comes

to mind” Blessed are the pure in heart for the shall see God”

The Nine, refers to the number of stars visible in many Lodge Rooms:-

Seven in the West;

One in the Mosaic pavement &

the bright Morning Star in the East.

The Ten, denotes strength and goodness,

The Ten Commandments

The original Landmarks of Masonry, and the very foundation of our Society.

The Jack or Knave alluded to that nefarious Fellowcraft;

Jubelum, who, when his companions Jubela and Jubelo failed in their attempts,

he felled the Grand Master Hiram Abif & took his life.

The Queen, “The Widow” “Is there no help for the Widow’s Son”

I am sure as we have traveled through life, when circumstances have dictated it,

there has been a answer to this question.

The King Can only have reference to King Solomon.

In closing== a Quick summary:-

There are 365 spots in a deck of cards, the number of days in a year.

52 cards in a deck, the number of weeks in a year.

12 Face Cards, the number of months in a year.

There are 4 suits ==The number or Seasons in a year, often referred to as :-
Spring  == The time of childhood

Summer == The time of Youth

Autumn == The time of Manhhod

Winter == The time of Old Age.

Comment

I have found this paper very interesting in that it provides possible explanations as to the extent that some of our Brethren must go to, in order to practice our craft. My feelings are with those Brethren and the risk taken to practice what the majority of us simply take for granted. True or Untrue this paper demonstrates an accurate view of our Lodge Set-Up & certainly has given me a very different approach to its possible history & hidden meaning of our Furnishings & Philosophy.

Have a Wonderful Day & God Bless

Norm