Masters Message September 2026

Brethren,

Have you ever heard a piece of music that instantly brought back a memory or reminded you of a friendship?

Music has a remarkable ability to connect us. Within Freemasonry, it can serve as a bond that strengthens brotherhood and creates harmony. Two Brothers may not always share the same thoughts, opinions, or perspectives, but give them a piece of music they both appreciate, and suddenly there is common ground. Music has a way of bringing people together.

There is music written for nearly every aspect of our Masonic experience, from the opening and closing of Lodge to our degree work. Music can fill a room that otherwise feels empty, adding color, life, emotion, and meaning to the moment.

Is your Lodge using music? If so, what kind of music are you using? If not, why?

Here is an interesting piece of Masonic history: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a Brother Freemason. He wrote at least eight compositions specifically for Freemasonry.

Music has been a part of Masonic ceremonies and social gatherings for centuries, particularly in connection with the opening and closing of Lodge. It can add emotional depth to our ritual and to significant Masonic occasions, including degree work and the installation of officers.

But music can offer us something beyond simply enhancing our ceremonies. It can help express the values at the heart of our fraternity: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

When we incorporate music into our Masonic experience, we also create a bridge between the past and the present. The Brothers who came before us understood the power of music. A melody can cross generations, cultures, languages, and borders..

Perhaps that is one of the greatest lessons music can offer Freemasonry. Harmony does not require every voice to be the same. In fact, true harmony exists because different voices come together, each contributing something of its own while becoming part of something greater.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Brother Corey Nowak

Worshipful Master

Silas H. Shepherd Lodge of Research #1843