Archive for the ‘Introduction’ Category

Masonic Conduct

Posted by Joe Negron in Discussion, Introduction on February 16th, 2009

The conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”


~Bro. George Washington

 

Foreword by: Bro. Joe Negron
 Webmaster, Munn Lodge ~ NYC

 The following (Short Talk Bulletin: STB-86-06) article was originally published in June of 1986, before I even graduated from High School. Oddly enough,  I remember the first time I saw it. I don’t remember exactly how or why but for some reason I was in a Masonic Lodge in my home town of Perth Amboy, NJ — a small town, twenty-something miles from Manhattan and less than 1-mile out of the southern-most Borough of NYC. I was waiting for my friend Anthony who was picking something up from the Mayor of Perth Amboy, I think Tony’s mom worked for him. In any case, I had the luxury of seeing the inside of our Masonic Hall and boy was I impressed… The atmosphere, architecture, ambiance, men walking around in tuxedos, and for me, the most important thing: the bar & pool table… (I mentioned I was 17, right?) – I didn’t know too much about the Masons. I had read a little about some of the Freemasons in American History. They had a huge portrait of George Washington on the wall, like the one above. Then there was Ben Franklin, another one of my idols; I had just finished reading his autobiography. And then there were a whole bunch of other old men (in tuxes & top-hats) that I didn’t know. 

Right behind the pool table were twin stairways with a signs that read “Members Only Beyond This Point”, but I didn’t think too much of it, at the time. There were portraits going all the way up to the mezzanine. Well as fate would have it, This little blue pamphlet was laying on the coffee table right, next to where I was sitting. Someone must have accidentally left it behind. I picked it up & read it to help pass the time. I remember after reading it I didn’t know what half of it meant. But I remember saying: “Wow, I want to be like that!”  When the Mayor came out, I asked him about it & how I could join this club? My friend gave me a look — like I had breached the protocol, talking directly to the mayor. He said something like “Joe!!! Uncle George, err, Mr. Mayor, err, Sir.. Your Honor… Please forgive my friend…” The mayor laughed & said, “don’t worry, come back in a few years — we’ll make sure both you boys get in…”

Fast Forward 20+ years: The Masonic Hall in Perth Amboy, NJ is no longer there. The building is, but now it’s an office or something. At the time of this writing, the one in the next town over, South Amboy, has got a “For Sale” sign in front of it. For that matter, I’m not sure where are any in Middlesex County. If I wanted to go to a Lodge any where near there, I think I’d have to go to Union County. [I'm gonna hafta look that up...]

Right now, I write articles and publish web logs (blogs) to spread the message, and maybe inspire other young men.  I’m proud to be a Freemason and amazed at how something comes full circle some 20 years later… Now I have the luxury of sharing this article with some young man who may end up joining our lodge, or yours… Or maybe even someone who can help me restore the Perth Amboy or South Amboy lodges and Masonic Halls to their former grandeur and magnificence… Who knows what someone influenced by MY writings will do for The Fraternity in another 20 years — or 200.

What do you do to help grow The Fraternity & “the Happiness of the Human Race?”

What have you done?    What will you do?     What will be done?

 

[Please feel free to add your comments at the end]


STANDARDS OF MASONIC CONDUCT

 

 
 
This Short Talk Bulletin has been adapted from a paper of the same title prepared by the Committee on Masonic Research and Education of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Minnesota.
 
It has been said that the purpose of Freemasonry is the pursuit of excellence. All of the teachings of Masonry are directed to excellence in performing our duties to God, our country, our neighbors and ourselves. The continuing effort to improve oneself is the true mark of a Mason. This principle was stated well by Grand Master Donald J. Flood at the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. 

“We must constantly remember that in every moment of our life – in public – at work – at pleasure – with our families – even when you are alone – You are a Mason!

     The non-Masons who know us will judge each of US, and Masonry itself, by the way in which we conduct ourselves. We have in trust the reputation of Masonry. Let us not betray that trust! Masonry will flourish if we follow these precepts.
    
Before we can expect to attract good men to the fraternity by our conduct and reputation in public, we must learn to conduct ourselves with propriety in the Lodge. One of our first duties shall be loyalty to the fraternity and obedience to its laws. This is a fundamental requirement.
     Propriety is not the result of law, but rather of tradition, custom and usage. Like good manners, it has behind it only the force of opinion.  While there (may be) no penalties for breaches, there are tangible rewards for observance of the rules and ceremonies of good manners!” 
 
An ancient philosopher advised “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”  This also applies to your actions when you are visiting another Lodge, particularly in other states or countries.  While the principles and ideals of Masonry are universal, social customs and Masonic traditions and laws differ from place to place. For example, all Masonic Lodges open with a prayer and it is not surprising that the words of the prayer may vary from place to place. When we go to other states in our country we find that the attitude of prayer is not the same everywhere and in other countries the name of Deity may even be different. Likewise we find that the customs concerning such things as the proper way to address a Brother or a Lodge officer, the appropriate dress for a lodge meeting, proper topics of conversation, and even the working tools and the Grand Masonic Word change as we go around the world. But wherever you may be, you can be sure that respect and honesty toward Masons and Masonry, as taught by the square and com-pass, will be the fundamental guide for your conduct.

In this paper we will discuss the principles, traditions and ideals that should guide our conduct as Masons. This paper does not present a list of Masonic do’s and don’ts. Such an attempt would fail for at least two reasons: first, no one would read it, and second, as Masons, each of us is expected to apply the tools and principles of our Craft to our own lives.
 
One of the most interesting experiences in Masonry is to visit a Lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction. Whether it is in a foreign country or just in another state, there will be interesting and surprising differences. But, a word of caution, you must comply with the laws and customs of the Masonic Jurisdiction in which you are traveling! Therefore, before you visit, find out what to expect. The List of Lodges Masonic, found in every Lodge, give the names and locations of all the Lodges in the world that are recognized by the Grand Lodge. Since there are clandestine Lodges, it is essential that this book be consulted. Finally, if you are in a foreign country, you should consult the Grand Lodge office in that country.
 
In the United States and Canada, a current dues card is required as proof of membership.  However, there are countries where a dues card will not be accepted. In these cases a letter of introduction from your Grand Lodge is necessary.
 
Concerning appropriate dress: a dark business suit is often acceptable for a Lodge meeting. But, in some Grand Jurisdictions, formal dress is required even for side-liners. Outside of North America you will usually be expected to have your own apron, so carry it with you.  Regarding Masonic pins, rings, etc., these are often worn only within the Lodge. Some Grand Lodges even have rules that prohibit wearing these in public. And then there are countries which have outlawed Freemasonry. It is not prudent to even carry a pin into those countries.
Law Suits Between Masons - While this is not an area of strict Masonic regulation, it is a subject addressed by ritual, traditions and Masonic law. Our ritual states that “no contention should ever exist” between Master Masons. Tradition has interpreted this to include the subject of law suits, requiring that Brothers make every at-tempt to resolve such differences without recourse to the courts.
Business Advertisements and Contacts - The general rule in these matters is that you should not seek financial benefit from your Masonic membership. To do otherwise is considered to be in poor taste at the best and unmasonic or even criminal at the worst. Lodge membership lists cannot be used for business mailings. Masonic membership cannot be used in a commercial or political advertisement or sign. The square and compasses cannot be used for any commercial purpose, as a symbol or a design. This point has been tested in the courts and Masonry has the exclusive use of this emblem.
Respect - Every person has a basic need for both self-respect and the respect of others. When our friends show, by word or deed, that they hold us in low regard, we may react as strongly as if we were threatened. On the other side, we would do almost anything for a person who holds us in high esteem. Thus, respect is both the least honor that we require and the highest honor that we can hope for in our dealings with our fellow men.
The term “respect” includes courtesy, tolerance, kindness, sympathy, prudence, temperance, and a host of other concepts that refer to our relationships with people. It encompasses our words, our actions, our appearance and even our thoughts. Inside the Lodge and outside of it, we should strive to demonstrate in every way our respect for a Brother’s honor, feelings, efforts, hopes and any other part of his life that we may contact.
While conduct within the Lodge is the concern of all Masons, it is especially important for the officers of the Lodge. Once again we quote from Brother Flood’s comments: 
“We can’t expect our Brothers to know these principles if we don’t teach them and practice them. This is Masonic education in its finest sense. It is not from the lack of desire to learn that the Craft suffers, but rather from the lack of instruction.
     Masonry does not exist for the mechanics of ritual alone. Just as important is the learning, interpretation and exemplification of that ritual and of the basic principles of our Order. Equally important, too, for the candidate and for every member is the need to fully understand these principles, as well as our responsibilities as Masons.
    What is required of every single one of us is the dedicated and devoted application of the high moral principles of Masonry. By these simple methods, we develop the character that guarantees our own self-improvement and discharges the duties of God, our country, our neighbors and ourselves.” 

Since officers set the example for the whole Craft, before seeking or accepting a line position a man should be certain that he is willing to demonstrate the highest standards.
 

Dress - In many Jurisdictions there is no mandatory dress code, but this does not mean that we should disregard our appearance. Al-though as Masons “We regard no man for his worldly wealth . . . . “, human society everywhere considers a man’s outward appearance to reflect his inner self and attitudes.  Your manner of dress reflects the respect that you have for the dignity of Masonry, its work, its goals, and its members. At all times your apparel should be appropriate for the occasion and those attending, remembering that the altar of Masonry is the altar of God. Thus the clothes you would wear for a golf tournament or a degree in an underground mine may not be appropriate for work done in the Lodge quarters. 
At Tyled Meetings - At the sound of the gavel in the East, the officers and brethren take their places and the Lodge comes to order. This means that everyone is seated unless called up by the Worshipful Master or unless rising to ad-dress the Worshipful Master. In most introductions all speaking is directed to the East.  Therefore it is improper for two Brothers to speak to each other during an open discussion, unless directed by the Worshipful Master, and it is never proper for two Brothers to hold a private conversation (whispered or otherwise) in a Lodge at labor.
 
Each candidate at each degree is instructed in the proper way to salute. He is also told that he should salute when rising to address the Worshipful Master and when entering or retiring from a Lodge while it is at labor. These instructions remain in effect even after we have completed our degrees. Always rise when speaking, even if you are only giving a second to a motion.  Give salutes that are accurate and precise. A sloppy salute is actually a sign of disrespect!  Finally, when referring to a Brother or when ad-dressing him, courtesy requires that we use the term “Brother” followed by his last name. Of course, “Worshipful Brother Jones,” “Right Worshipful Brother Smith,” or “Most Worshipful Brother Flood” are also proper forms.
 
The proper way to enter or retire from a Lodge is not always clear to new Masons. When entering or leaving a Lodge at labor, the proper place to stand, while giving the salute, is at the west of the altar. Not at at the door or at your seat. The salute is normally given to the East, but the Worshipful Master may direct these salutes to be given to the Senior Warden. Of course, everyone should enter through the Tyler’s door. The preparation room door is for candidates only. Every member guards that door, and the ballot is the key that locks or unlocks it.
 
There are probably no other topics of discussion that have caused as much ill will, alienation and contention as have politics and religion. In the interest of harmony among Brothers, it is considered unmasonic to introduce any religious, political, or other divisive topic into a Masonic discussion.
A final word for the officers of the lodge.  The flag of our country and the Great Light of Masonry merit our utmost respect, both in their care and their handling. The Bible should be handled with reverence and care, the flag should be treated with honor and should fly freely when being carried. The other jewels, furniture, and regalia should be cared for and kept in good repair to demonstrate the high regard we hold for our Craft and its work.
During Degrees - One of the most solemn and meaningful events in a Mason’s life is the time of his raising. Yet we often see this degree marred by laughter and inappropriate comments. The Grand Lodge of Arizona requires the following to be read at the beginning of the second section of the Master Mason degree:
“My Brethren:
     A candidate is about to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The Lodge room will be used as a stage to enact a drama which, symbolically unfolds the great lesson of the immortality of the soul.
     To properly impress the candidate with the seriousness of this ceremony, there must be no talking, whispering, laughing or other commotion during the conferring of the degree. Bear in mind the fact the Temple, for this portion of the degree, is supposed to be silent and unoccupied.
     Only the participants in the drama are to speak, and they are instructed to make no facial expressions, gestures or other unusual deliveries which might induce levity. The cooperation of each one here present is EXPECTED.
     An adherence to these instructions will help serve as an impressive climax to the candidate’s progress in Freemasonry and this section of the degrees could well be one of the richest experiences of his life.”

The principles contained in this statement are equally appropriate for all degree work, lectures, preparations and gatherings connected with the degrees. Nowhere does Masonry give any man license to take liberties with another. Comments that are intended to arouse a candidate’s concern for his personal dignity or safety are among the most discourteous acts that can be inflicted upon a candidate. Such actions are a gross misrepresentation of the Craft and are disrespectful to all of its members.

There is one form of disruption of degree work which comes from the best of intentions – side-line prompting. How often have we seen a forgotten word, or even a dramatic pause, produce an uproar as a number of concerned Brothers attempt to help the speaker. Prompting should be done only by the Worshipful Master or the one designated by him. The Masonic virtues of silence and circumspection are nowhere more appropriate than in this situation. 

The perfect points of our entrance, as reflected in the four cardinal virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice, provide us with a complete guide for truly Masonic action. It behooves each of us to periodically evaluate ourselves against these four standards, to see where we have those rough corners to which the common gavel can profitably be applied.

Am I temperate in my relations with others, or have I been excessive in my actions toward someone? Have I displayed fortitude in pursuing the excellence I can achieve, or have I chosen to do as everyone else does? Do I direct myself wisely and prudently, or do I sometimes go beyond the bounds of courtesy and good taste?  Have I given to each Brother, candidate, friend, and associate the consideration, help, and respect which they justly deserve, or have I let my own pride, comfort, and desires blind me to their needs?

These are the standards of Masonry. It is not easy to apply them to ourselves. But then, being a master of any craft is never easy, and being the Master of oneself is perhaps the most difficult of all.
‘
Short Talk Bulletin 86-06 As published   by: Bro. Joe Negron of  Munn Lodge NYC

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The Masonic Network Public Blog

Posted by Masonic Network in Introduction on January 23rd, 2009

Masonic Network Logo

On December 23, 2008, we launched the first Social Networking site dedicated to Freemasonry.

We have spent months working on this site and are constantly working on improving the system as well as adding new things that could be useful or enjoyable for our Brethren members.  

We have more than 100 active members and the number is growing day by day. On a typical day the Administration team receives more than 60 requests to join and we have dealt with more than 3000 requests since launching.

Our latest feature is a public blog open to all Masons and people interested in finding out more about Freemasonry, to show the world the truth behind our Brotherhood, to prove to the members of the public that nothing untoward happens in a Lodge room during our meetings and that for centuries Freemason’s have provided a helping hand to the communites we live in.

Hopefully the readers of this blog will understand why we are so proud to be Freemason’s.

For our first post we wanted to share something that a Brother on the network shared with all of us about a week ago:

The Silent Summons

A member of a certain Lodge, who previously attended meetings regularly, stopped going. After a few months, the Worshipful Master decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening, and the Worshipful Master found his brother at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the Worshipful Master’s visit, the brother welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The Worshipful Master made him self comfortable, but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After several minutes, the Worshipful Master took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth, all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. His host watched all of this in quiet contemplation. As the one, lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and its fire was no more. Soon, it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The Worshipful Master glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow once more, with all the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the Worshipful Master reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your fiery summons, my brother. I’ll be back in our Lodge next meeting.” — Author Unknown

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