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Views expressed in the articles, etc., published in Pharos are solely those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views or opinions of Silas H. Shepherd Lodge of Research No. 1843, F. & A. M. of Wisconsin, its officers, or any other Masonic body. Furthermore, authors are solely responsible for the authenticity of their sources. Grateful acknowledgement is given to these authors for permission to reprint them here.
A NEW KIND OF FREEMASONRY[1]
by Charles L. Roblee
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This paper was suggested by an editorial by Ralph H. Head, Editor of the California Freemason, Volume 36, No.2, of March 1, 1989. Following the paper, several questions and statements will be presented. It is hoped that these will stimulate some serious discussion among the Brethren.
Masonry first came to America from England in about the year 1730, when a Masonic Lodge was formed in Philadelphia. According to the Gothic Manuscripts, the Craft had crossed the channel to England during the reign of King Athelstan (925940 A.D.). King Athelstan brought the operative Masons to England "to build many great abbeys and towers and many other buildings." It was during this time that the Craft began the process of being transformed from an Operative to a Speculative Order.
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As we prepare to go into the 21st Century, Freemasonry should be ready to enter a third phase, which might be called Applied Freemasonry. Applied Freemasonry would be identified as the era when Freemasonry begins to serve the human race, its true destiny.
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Masonry has not yet achieved this goal. This is partly because of its complacent attitude of being superior or better than others; and, the atmosphere created by rituals and fraternal friendships. These are beneficial, but Masonry is neither a secret society nor a social club. The changes, which will accompany Masonry's transition to the third phase, when Masonic principles are put into practical and helpful use, will not hurt the values which Masons hold so important and immutable.
A recent study presented to the Conference of Grand Masters last February, indicates that today, people are not enchanted with secret societies. And secondly, that not many people know anything about Freemasonry.
There is nothing secret in what Masons do. The more the general public knows about Masonry, the more useful the Fraternity will become. Masonry must be more universally understood, both inside and outside the Fraternity, as a way of life which has a helpful, practical, supporting purpose.
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There are five stages of life in every organism: birth, growth, use, decay and death. This applies to life groups, to nations and races. It applies to religions and systems of government. The stage of usefulness should start during the stage of growth. Masonry is now at the end of its growth stage and it must turn now to a state of usefulness.
In the new era, Masonry should inspire all Masons to live a Masonic life. How a Mason lives outside the lodge is much more important than what he does in it. Taking another degree, another oath, learning a new sign does not necessarily evidence forward steps in Masonic living.
We Need Not change our rituals.
WHAT WE NEED is a change in the understanding of them.
WE NEED NOT change precepts or doctrines or duties.
WHAT WE NEED is to recognize their significance and HOW TO APPLY THEM in practical and useful ways in our daily lives.
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Historically, Masonry, like all other organizations, resists change. BUT humanity is changing, And like it or not, FREEMASONRY, consisting of human beings, cannot divorce itself from human life. The change from Speculative to Applied Freemasonry will not harm Masonry. Any more than the change from Operative to Speculative caused any injury.
For Masonry to live on in the future,
It must demonstrate its usefulness to mankind.
It must demonstrate its ability to change, to grow and to be innovative.
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NOW IS THE TIME TO START!
How are we going to change the Fraternity to enable it to compete with the technologies of the 21st Century?
How can Freemasonry change or enhance the understanding of its ritual?
How can Freemasonry develop better recognition of its precepts and doctrines by its members? . . . by the public?
How can Freemasonry teach its members the practical application of these precepts in their daily lives?
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Today, the Public Schools are in trouble.
Since the establishment of the first Public school System in the united states, American Freemasonry has supported our Public School System. The Ordinance of 1787, which established the Northwest Territory, provided for land to be dedicated for public education. (Remember, Wisconsin was a part of the Northwest Territory). In Wisconsin, on August 16, 1848, with the adoption of the first Wisconsin State Constitution and the establishment of a Department of Public Instruction, public education came to the state.
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BUT today, many brothers are sending their children to private or parochial schools. Why?
Some Grand Lodges have taken what may be the first step in Applied Freemasonry with the adoption of an outgoing, aggressive program of support for the education of our children in the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
A National Masonic Foundation for Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Children has been formed. Over 21 Grand Lodges are members. Is active participation in this organization and its programs one of the steps Freemasonry can utilize its principles?
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Is it possible for American Freemasonry to establish these programs for our Public School systems with the same dedication and energy as the Shrine has had in establishing their hospital programs for crippled children and burn victims?
Our Grand Lodge Charities are well known today? By our members. By the Public. Or Are They?
Ask the average Mason in Wisconsin just what charities his Lodge and his Grand Lodge supports. His answers may give you a rude awakening.
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Why? and How? have we failed to properly Publicize these charities so that our members and the public are aware of them?
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MASONS, individually and collectively, must lead the way in demanding:
Higher standards for education, Greater citizen participation in government, local, state and national.
Work for a cleaner environment,
Preservation of the Bill of Rights,
Morality in government and business.
Programs to assist the homeless and hungry.
How can we develop a practical system that will enable
Freemasonry to really practice the precepts of the Brotherhood of Man?
How do all of these fit into the programs of a Lodge of Research?
[1] This paper was originally appeared in Volume 6, 1989 of the Transactions.