…presented at King Solomon Lodge No. 329, Jarvis, November 20, 2007.

What can be more useless to a Mason than a lodge that is smug and self-satisfied and, with repetitious vigour, rests its honour in the performance of our rites and ceremonies?

Such a harsh question! Let’s take a more positive approach.

Masonry teaches by allegory. The practice of our learning is in putting it to use.

“To be outside the lodge what we profess to be within it.”

If it is our goal to assist each mason to find the very best in himself and to employ that self-knowledge by contributing to his fellow man, then it seems reasonable to assume that the greater the contact, the more visible , the greater degree of involvement in the community, will yield to us a greater opportunity to practice what we have learned.

As we listen to the dire predictions of some, it is easy to accept the decline in the number of masons as a reflection of how busy we are in our lives in today’s world.

Apparently so busy and materially distracted that we give no thought or have no need to be better individuals, no need to find ourselves in the whirl-a-gig blender of present society, no need for the peace to be found in quiet reflection, no desire to spend time with others who seek tranquility, perspective and understanding.

No one living in today’s society can reasonably deny the fact that life seems to have become a scramble. Materialism comes at a price in time, energy and money. Relationships are strained. Communication is often on a need-to-know basis. Emotions and feelings are repressed and duty and ethics are situational and perverted to serve the perceived or real needs for advantage. Spirituality is on the back burner.

As long as we are adequately diverted by the security of materialism, it seems to ease the angst that is still felt by many.

We humans are, nevertheless, aware of our inevitable end. At what point we come to give it consideration varies with the individual but it is clear that younger people are finding materialism inadequate as a means to a fulfilled life.
As a consequence they are reaching out to find more and there is a growing interest in fantasy, cultism, and eastern mysticism as a possible answer. They are looking to the past for wisdom.

Of late, freemasonry is becoming a benefactor by our modest but steady increase in new members.

Masonry has a tradition of mystery, arcane secrecy, responsibility and respectability. For those who fear the absolutism and fanaticism of some others, masonry appears to offer a democratic and acceptable alternative to materialism.

We cannot disregard the feeling of belonging and security our fraternity, its rites and ceremonies, engender.

If we who are the discoverers of Masonic advantages do a good job assisting others to see the benefits it provides, the example it sets, and the charity it offers, masonry will not evaporate.

The goals that society heralds today ought not alter our knowledge of the inherent sense of each man’s desire to know himself, to be as good as he can be, to love and be loved and feel that he is a vital and meaningful part of society.

He wants to connect with eternity and live his life in a fulfilling way.

Frustration, rejection and failure are desperate not motivational. Masonry offers wisdom, understanding, belonging, motivation, security and hope.

Masonry does have much to offer of great importance to the individual in this society.

How is a man to find that out unless masons communicate its values, demonstrate it practice and actively participate in the community as masons?

You never know the thoughts that are in a young man’s head or what impact you may have on his thinking. You will never know until he chooses to inquire about masonry because of your example.

Masonry will not die if you give of yourself.