Address by GM Needham
This address was given to the Brethren prior to the close of the
Source: Grand Lodge Website
EDUCATING ABOUT FREEMASONRY
I have heard people suggest it is time to try Masonry, but I was initially unsure what that meant. After conducting some research and studying and asking why we are here? I concluded that Masonry pursues three goals: we are here to learn, subdue, and improve. Masonic lodges resemble colleges where friends and brothers share knowledge and learn. The term “college” finds its roots in the Latin word collegium, which means partnership. Masonic teachings are conveyed within the Lodge and intended to be implemented and practiced in daily life outside it.
As I was exploring different aspects of Freemasonry, I found that there are still two distinct viewpoints within the organization: “The Ancients” and “The Moderns.” Despite the merger of the two grand lodges in 1813, the philosophical differences between these two factions have persisted.
In America, the difference between the two is evident. The two factions take different views on nearly everything in Freemasonry, including whether or not the Masonic ritual has an esoteric or spiritual component. The “Modern” elements see nothing esoteric, mystical, and spiritual; they desire less secrecy, open meetings, and open houses where the general public can view every part of the temple and the fraternity mystique dispelled. The “Ancients” focus on the fraternity’s esoteric, mystical, and spiritual aspects. They are interested in the meaning of the ritual, its roots, its evolution, and its history. Being champions of secrecy tradition, they do not prefer more openness or dumbing down of the fraternity. The Ancients oppose the lowest common denominator.
The philosophy of Freemasonry handed down from the more esoteric and mystical approach to Freemasonry as practiced by the Scottish Freemasons of the 1600s holds particular interest. As a result of this period, lodges began to use the Art of Memory. We are excited to announce the launch of our new initiative, Ritual Excellence, in Wyoming lodges. The centerpiece of this program is “The Art of Memory Award,” which aims to raise the bar for ritual performances in lodges. Our goal is to create a team of highly skilled Brothers who can deliver exceptional ceremonies that will leave a lasting impression on candidates and spectators alike. This initiative will boost pride in the quality of each Lodge’s ritual presentation and inspire greater enthusiasm among its members. Furthermore, this program is fully aligned with the Master Builder Program, which is rapidly expanding. Masons need to understand the symbols and allegory of the Craft degrees to practice Freemasonry.
In Freemasonry, ritual is the foundation that unlocks the mystical, spiritual, and philosophical aspects. It is important to memorize and understand the rituals to comprehend Masonry’s uniqueness fully. The Masonic ritual works more profoundly in the human mind, including the conscious and subconscious. The conscious mind searches for goals and purpose, while the subconscious seeks meaning. It is crucial to highlight the significance of everything in the lodge environment to the subconscious mind. There should be no random events during the ritual; adherence to the regulated tradition is essential in every Masonic Lodge. Ceremonies should be a concise and seamless exchange communicated through symbolic language; this allows the subconscious mind to make internal connections and incorporate ritual teachings. The subconscious mind quickly understands symbols.
Becoming a Freemason is a gradual, lifelong process that demands more than just being initiated into the three degrees. Masonry is a profoundly personal pursuit of knowledge in science, philosophy, art, and universal truths. It is time to reassess common beliefs about Freemasonry when acknowledging that it is deliberately hidden and conveyed through allegorical and symbolic representations. Study, contemplation, and meditation reveal these symbols’ mysteries and significance. When contemplating Freemasonry, consider the following:
“Discovery is seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.”
— Dr. Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi, Nobel Prize in the Physiology or Medicine 1937.
Speculative Freemasonry emerged due to William Schaw’s Statutes of 1598 and 1599. These statutes brought the hermetic and esoteric “Art of Memory” practice to the seven lodges in and around Edinburgh with documented minutes and records. Speculative Masonry arrived in England from Scotland; it came across the Scottish border into England, finding a home in places like the Lodge at Alnwick and the Lodge at York. During the early days of speculative lodges, the focus was on the quality of individuals who embraced and learned the teachings of the craft rather than the number of members.
In he past, Operative Masons kept their art and sacred geometry knowledge secret. Only those who showed their abilities and finished a long apprenticeship were considered skilled enough to be called Masters. Speculative Masonry followed a similar approach to the Operative craft, focusing on keeping a small but highly skilled group of individuals. Freemasonry did not aim to expand its reach or increase membership numbers. Why? Because, the wisdom of the ages is not sought by many and is known by few.
Freemasons may hear the phrase “Freemasonry has no secrets” from their fellow members. However, it’s critical to understand that our rituals have a hidden purpose modern lodges may have lost, much like the early Grand Lodge, which denounced old traditions without fully grasping their significance. It’s up to us to discover the true meaning behind these customs. Brethren, we are members of the “Ancient Free and Accepted Mason.” It is time to mirror the “Ancients” of old and focus on the fraternity’s esoteric, mystical, and spiritual aspects as the aims and purpose of the fraternity.
As Masons, we must take a moment to reflect on ourselves and acknowledge that we have neglected to teach our fraternity’s true aims and purposes; this has resulted in a flawed and distorted reflection in our Masonic mirror. We have two options: repair and polish the mirror or accept the distortions as the culture of our fraternity. The former will enable new generations to discover the truths we teach, while the latter will condemn Freemasonry to a momentary historical existence.
It’s important to understand that leadership is not a title or position but a behavior. Each brother has the potential to be a leader, even if they are unaware of it. Leaders demonstrate the passion and determination needed to achieve the desired transformation by taking the initiative to make positive changes. Those who seek progress must be willing to put in the necessary effort and assume personal responsibility instead of relying solely on formal leaders. It’s crucial to abide by the Constitution, laws, mandates, and lessons of Masonic behavior.
Masonic education is essential for gaining Masonic knowledge. Education is necessary to foster philosophical and speculative thinking. Many Lodges have lost their sense of purpose and instead become more like social clubs. Stated differently: The absence of Masonic education breeds Masonic ignorance, but the illusion of Masonic knowledge is even worse than Masonic ignorance.
The fact and consequences of declining numbers reveal that none of the programs offered in the last 70 years have altered the trajectory of Masonry. We need a new paradigm for replacing masons to sustain a lodge. Recruit the quality men you want in your Lodge. It is essential to remember that we are the oldest fraternal group, offering a unique path to spiritual enlightenment through esoteric and mystical teaching.
To truly achieve our goals, we need to move away from simply relying on statistics and focus on providing more comprehensive education to men about the meaning and objectives of Masonry.
Masonry is exclusive and should only be for some men. Quality should be our top priority, and mediocrity should not be rewarded. Strive for the extraordinary, not just the good enough. The select few members of our fraternity are the foundation of our strength. The exceptional quality of men on the path to becoming well-instructed Freemasons is where our true power lies. As you travel seeking enlightenment and finding your place and purpose in this vast universe, remember to plant some seeds to cultivate so that future generations may reap the harvest and perpetuate the endless cycle. The seeds we sew are necessary to achieve greatness. One may never rest in the shade of one of the trees they plant; you pay it forward for someone else. In doing so, there is meaning. Every man today is a result of his thoughts of yesterday. Remember, if every man helped his neighbor, no one would be without help. In this, too, there is meaning.
Finally, I leave you with this definition of Freemasonry. Offered by Jean-Claude Malterre.
Freemasonry is a body of wise, powerful, beautiful, and transcendental teachings conveyed through symbolism, promoting a fraternal, exemplary, and moral way of life, which, voluntarily observed by initiated men contributes to their spiritual fulfillment and, through them, to the Betterment of Humanity.
Click here to see GM Needham’s opening remarks