…presented at St. George Lodge No. 243, St. George, November 6, 2007.

Feared by some, maligned by others and considered beautiful by only a few, such is the life of a warty toad.

It is doubtful that we spend much time thinking about toads. Once in a while when we chance on one, they are forced into our minds. Otherwise we have an indifferent regard for them.

Endangered by our chemicals, chewed up by our machinery, maligned for his secretiveness and clearly evil looks, silent, hidden, quietly helping out and asking nothing from us. He rather fits the bill as a symbol of masonry.

We, too, are secretively hidden away, silent, well-camouflaged, doing good and asking nothing from our neighbours. We, too, are suspect and, perhaps, evil in our intent, attacked by the fearful and gnawed on by the media.

So, in jest, it seems appropriate to hail the toad as brother in spirit and consider his adoption as a complex Masonic symbol of public misunderstanding or, at best, indifference.

If we choose to be visible and to illustrate our true agenda and intent, it will take an effort from each mason. Each of us must be willing to let the world know that he is a freemason who is dedicated to self-development in order to be a better and more useful individual to all mankind.

Sadly, the toad will not serve as symbol of a known, vibrant, engaged masonry, uncloaked and a public ally contributing to our neighbours. The toad will remain a toad, true to his essence, as nature has created him.

Active masonry may re-visit its primary essence by the efforts of each of us and reap the regard it is due. Give of yourself.