…presented at Onondaga Lodge No. 519, Onondaga, October 28 2003.
Brethren-We all know that the cornerstone that supports any structure must be laid square and true for the building to be of solid construction. In like manner, our newer members need a solid Masonic foundation, or else the moral structure they attempt to build for themselves will not be secure.
During his initiation, the candidate gets his first insight into the mysteries and privileges of Masonry, and it is here that his Masonic education begins. Without a doubt, the candidate is the most important person in the ceremony of initiation, and generally they are tremendously impressed with their first contact with Masonry. It is imperative that we do everything within our grasp to continue to hold this zeal and foster their desire to learn more. Why is this important? Well, Grand Lodge reports, that in many jurisdictions, within twelve month’s of their joining, as many as 60% of new initiates no longer attend lodge. Over the years, all of have heard, when discussing why so and so no longer attends, phrases like, “I guess he didn’t find what he was looking for”, or “Masonry isn’t for everyone”. Well, in my mind, I find these offensive statements to the honor and meaning of our craft. Masonry had better be for everyone. When our society no longer has need of men who practice the fundamental tenets of our institution, those of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, then we are indeed in trouble. Take a moment to pause and reflect on what our Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Donald H. Mumby calls Masonry’s “high and glorious destiny”. We should never underestimate the power we, as Masons, possess. Can you imagine, if every man of mature age in the world was a Mason, and actually practiced the basic tenets and fundamentals of our craft, and truly lived their Masonry?
War would be something that our children and their children simply read about in history books. We would have no need in our vocabulary for words and phrases like ‘weapons of mass destruction’, ‘greed’, ‘hate’, ‘fraud’, and ‘murder’. September 11th 2001 would just be another day in the history of the world and not a date reflecting the darkest of man’s depths. It is pretty profound knowing that Masonry could make this kind of impact, but it’s absolutely true. We have the opportunity to make a tremendous impact of the history of mankind, and it all begins on the most basic of levels-our lodge rooms. The fact that a new Mason no longer attends is not his fault. We all have to look inwardly and ask ourselves if we’ve done everything in our power to make him feel wanted-have we included his family, where possible? Have we made the bulletins and meetings as informative and interesting as they could be? Do our lodges play an active role in the community? And, have we suitably impressed our candidates that it is not enough to be a Mason, but he must live it as well?
It is the duty of the officers to instruct our candidates how to transform his rough ashlar into a perfect one. Masonry is so much more than correctly presenting the ritual. It must be lived and practiced daily. Often we see degrees presented by the officers and those taking past in an indifferent manner, reciting the work in a statue-like way. Many of our brethren have lapsed into an apathy as far as conferring work is concerned, and we must all guard against this, for as long as we confer the degrees in an indifferent manner, so will we continue to turn out Masons with little or no Masonry in their hearts, having little or no conception of what it really means to be a Mason. It is my firm belief that an officer, and , ultimately a master of the lodge is made on the first night of a man being made a member of our craft. Let us all resolve to make sure that no attitude or action of ours detracts from the solemnity and honor of initiating a man into Masonry, and making him our brother.
In closing, I would like to say that one month ago, in this lodge room, I had the honor of witnessing the initiation of Brother Bill Oliver into Masonry. All of those taking part did their respective charges in an excellent manner, and we hope that Bro. Oliver was suitably impressed by this ceremony. And this evening, Bro. Larry Smith proved his third degree in an equally impressive way. Both of you appeared to be good candidates, and we hope you will be good Masons. You are the future of this lodge, and of Masonry. Ask questions, read as much as you can get your hands on regarding our fraternity, and enjoy each and every step of your Masonic journeys. Thank-you, brethren.
Source- Short Masonic Talks, by various authors, Grand Lodge Library
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