DDGM Messages for 2009-2010

How do we make better?

So I ask this question - What truly makes a man a Mason?

Is it the building we meet in - I don't think so! Yet there was a time when actually building the structure would indeed make a man a Mason - a stone mason and an operative mason.

Is it the Lodge Room? - Or is it the ritual?

Does going through the 3 degrees of our ritual complete the process of making a man a Mason? Sure at the completion of the 3 rd degree - to all external appearances he now stands a just and upright Freemason. He has completed the necessary requirements of the craft - he has traveled through the degrees of Freemasonry and we welcome him as a Brother with al the rights and privileges that accompanies it.

But - Then What???

Does not the newly made Brother have questions? Does he not seek answers? Does he not want to know what Masonry is all about?" Have we not all asked the same questions during our own initiation, passing and raising?

We know that they have been told that masonry "Makes good men Better!"

But HOW?

Man by his very nature is incurably curious; he desires to know How & Why! He wants to truly understand! The candidate traveling through his degrees has never been more hungry for information and answers! He has many questions that need to be answered. Questions about the Ritual; the Language; the Symbols of Masonry.

But I ask you what do we really give them when they enter?

Stop for a moment and think! Think about the image that is projected in most Lodges to these curious candidates as they enter and work their way through the degrees. Learning and memorizing a few Q & A will not satisfy their need to know! Think about what they might expect and what they in fact, find! The notion that a few short hours during the 3 degrees of the Ritual will answer their questions is absurd!

New members need and should have time to learn not just the ritual but the Traditions, the History and the Lessons of Freemasonry!

You know that man by his very nature wants to know what's around the next corner - what's behind the next door! But - if it comes too easy; if there is no struggle to achieve it loses it appeal! That which he has to struggle hard for - becomes precious, becomes valuable and something to cherish.

This holds true for Freemasonry!

Are we not making it too easy - too fast? Are we not just adding numbers to fill our ranks and our side Benches? Being allowed to join Freemasonry should be something special; it should be an achievement and a privilege; and it should create a sense of exclusiveness. The ceremonies of Masonry should be a special achievement and not an instant gratification! If it's easy to join - it's equally easy to leave!

The Freemasonry, that the new men find in our Lodges, has almost nothing to do with the Historical, Mystical or Legendary societies they have read about and it greatly disappoints them. By removing the mystery and the majesty of Masonry from our ceremonies we make them, that most terrible of things - we make them ordinary!

We are moving way too fast just to fill our ranks. New Masons must be allowed to take their time - to learn all the lessons of the Lodge!

We must also reduce the race to put new Masons into an Officer's chair. We have adopted the custom of pushing a man as fast as possible through the chairs into the East. This custom also encourages the men who do not take chairs for what ever reason, to turn away from Lodge - they may feel alienated or pressured. They may not want to be forced to make a choice especially if their cable town does not allow.

European Freemasonry on the other hand, believes that the Fraternity is special, is solemn, noble and exclusive. It may take years to get the EA degree and they are not rushed through the degrees but taken step by step with dedication. With a ritual that is word perfect, step perfect and done with pride and dignity. They may never sit in an Officer's Chair - yet they very seldom miss a meeting.

What then I ask, can we do her in our Lodges?

From the GL of Canada in the Province of Ontario comes this profound Statement. We Must Slow Down! Becoming a Mason is not the final step - but it is the first step, the first step of many steps towards a acquiring a wealth of Masonic knowledge and understanding.

Who can bestow upon another what he does not have, what he has not been taught? And who can share what he does not know? Who can confer the Masonic Ritual to another in any other way than that which was and is portrayed for him in his Lodge?

Brethren we have only ourselves to blame as we have pushed too fast for too long. Those in authority in our Lodges can only give what they know and what they have been shown, and teach only what they have been taught. Right or wrong!

It is time to turn the corner.

We have to put Masonic knowledge at the top of our agendas so that those who will take the East in Lodge will have the knowledge of Freemasonry necessary so that the new member will look to them for answers and for enlightenment.

But - How do we correct many many years of neglect?

I believe we have to start by educating all new masons so they learn the history, the traditions and the lessons of the past. Brethren I believe that the new mentors program adopted by Grand Lodge is but one tool to help us achieve this goal. I believe that if the Lodges adopt this program and use it - in a very short span of time we will have well informed Master Masons who, when taking positions of authority in Lodge, will be able to lead with the confidence that the Centuries of Masonic knowledge is there, guiding and helping them in their duties. I plead with all of you here today to look at the Mentor's Program, down load it from GL web site, adopt it in your Lodge, change it if and where necessary to fit your lodge - but use it. We will then be on the road to recovery with informed and Knowledgeable Masons at every station.

Brethren we own it to our past as well as the future to all those who follow us.

We have an obligation to leave Masonry better then we fount it. This way we will entice good men to join, not just to increase our numbers but truly to take part in a Fraternity of Brotherly Love Relief and Truth.