What is Masonry to you?
By: W Bro. Charles Humphreys, PM of Red Deer Lodge No. 12
When I first became a brother mason I, like every one was assigned a mentor. My mentor was a gentleman in his mid 90’s who had been a Mason since before the second world war.
His answer to this question was that “Masonry exists to make good men better”. A very succinct and truthful answer but I have to wonder though, is it the only answer? Is it complete? It is a difficult truth that some brothers finish their MM degree and disappear, while others become staple fixtures in a lodge.
Why the difference?
Perhaps for some it is our;
Origins and History
Ostensibly, Freemasonry traces its roots back to the medieval stonemason guilds, where craftsmen-built cathedrals and castles across Europe. These skilled workers formed lodges to regulate their craft and pass down their knowledge to apprentices. Over me, Freemasonry evolved into a speculative fraternity, emphasizing moral and philosophical teachings rather than actual stonework.
What was masonry to them?
I suspect that, in the me that they lived, the answer was something more than just “making good men beer”. I would argue that, though mes change, there are certain inhalable aspects of man that remain constant. A need for acceptance and a place where one can relax, free of the judging eyes of society, wives and others.
The fact that a guild of workers and tradesman was able to morph into a more social group governed by principles of good and morality, hints that, even in the distant past, a place where good men can learn to be beer was always desired. Given the private nature of masonry, one can also assume that this desire included elements of selectiveness and privacy if not actual secrecy.
What’s the difference? Its subtle perhaps but I would argue that the logo on the building removes secrecy, while the armed guard maintains privacy.
So, is this what Masonry is to you? A selective group of men with common aspects seeking fellowship?
Or perhaps its our;
Principles and Tenets
At the heart of Freemasonry are its core principles: brotherly love, relief, charity and truth. Freemasons are dedicated to fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among members, extending help to those in need, and upholding honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. These principles serve as guiding lights, shaping the character and conduct of Freemasons worldwide. Again, helping good men to become beer, but in the context of a unified group.
Is this what Masonry is to you? A set of tenants and principles that we help each other follow?
Dedication & Sacrifice
Many of the brothers in this room have held positions as officers in this lodge, some have sat in the east, become offices of Grand lodge, joined concordant bodies, the list goes on. I think it is fair to say that those brothers would agree that such positions take me, dedication and sacrifice.
So, did they do this solely to make themselves beer? That seems like an oddly selfish answer for why someone would become deeply involved in masonry.
Did they perhaps do this for some type of perceived status?
Status with whom? We are a private society and people outside of masonry have no metric by which to ascribe our masonic achievements. For them, ‘Most Worshipful Brother’ carries about the same meaning as ‘Brother Toastmaster’.
Is it for some kind of business of financial gain?
Masons will be friends with masons, and friends tend to do business with friends, but there are elements of skill and qualification wholly separated from being a Mason that factor into this. Perhaps the strongest argument for masons doing business with masons, is that a brother is ‘less likely’ to “do you dirty”, but ‘less likely’ seems like a flimsy justification for years of memory work, meetings, dues and so on.
So maybe it isn’t about Dedication & Sacrifice.
Perhaps being a Mason is about;
Brotherhood and Fellowship
I touched on this earlier, but one of the most cherished aspects of Freemasonry is its sense of brotherhood and fellowship. Freemasons come from diverse backgrounds, united by common values and shared experiences. Lodge meetings provide a forum for meaningful discourse, mutual support, and camaraderie, fostering enduring friendships that transcend boundaries of race, religion, nationality and age. I mentioned how my mentor was 95 years old, at the me I was 29. I struggle to think if another situation where two men from such different worlds could meet and chat as equals.
Still, perhaps being a mason is about;
Charity and Community Service
Freemasonry is synonymous with philanthropy and community service. Freemasons are committed to making a positive impact on society through charitable endeavors and civic engagement. From supporting local causes to funding educational scholarships and medical research, Freemasonry exemplifies the spirit of altruism and compassion.
Maybe that’s what it means to be a free mason. Or perhaps it is all about;
Personal Growth and Enlightenment
Beyond its outward rituals and philanthropic endeavors, Freemasonry offers a path to personal growth and enlightenment. Through introspecon, study, and fellowship, Freemasons strive to culvate virtues such as wisdom, compassion, resilience and jusce. The journey of a Freemason is one of self-discovery and continuous improvement, as individuals seek to embody the noble ideals espoused by the fraternity.
Could that be the answer?
I don’t know what the answer is for you, but I would argue that, Freemasonry is more than a secret society that rules the world through the pages of Dan Browns novels;
I would argue that it is a timeless tradition that transcends generations, cultures, and beliefs. It is a journey of initiation, enlightenment, and service to humanity. To be a Freemason is to embrace a way of life guided by principles of brotherhood, integrity, and benevolence.
Maybe the true answer is all of these things, or none. Aer all, the question was ‘What is Masonry to you?’ and that involves a level of introspection that is often very difficult to communicate and quantify to others. Still brothers, I would recommend that you think about this, meditate on the question and find an answer for yourself. Aer all, it isn’t to me or to any of the brothers in this room that you owe an answer. It is only to yourself.
Thank you for your time
When I first became a brother mason I, like every one was assigned a mentor. My mentor was a gentleman in his mid 90’s who had been a Mason since before the second world war.
His answer to this question was that “Masonry exists to make good men better”. A very succinct and truthful answer but I have to wonder though, is it the only answer? Is it complete? It is a difficult truth that some brothers finish their MM degree and disappear, while others become staple fixtures in a lodge.
Why the difference?
Perhaps for some it is our;
Origins and History
Ostensibly, Freemasonry traces its roots back to the medieval stonemason guilds, where craftsmen-built cathedrals and castles across Europe. These skilled workers formed lodges to regulate their craft and pass down their knowledge to apprentices. Over me, Freemasonry evolved into a speculative fraternity, emphasizing moral and philosophical teachings rather than actual stonework.
What was masonry to them?
I suspect that, in the me that they lived, the answer was something more than just “making good men beer”. I would argue that, though mes change, there are certain inhalable aspects of man that remain constant. A need for acceptance and a place where one can relax, free of the judging eyes of society, wives and others.
The fact that a guild of workers and tradesman was able to morph into a more social group governed by principles of good and morality, hints that, even in the distant past, a place where good men can learn to be beer was always desired. Given the private nature of masonry, one can also assume that this desire included elements of selectiveness and privacy if not actual secrecy.
What’s the difference? Its subtle perhaps but I would argue that the logo on the building removes secrecy, while the armed guard maintains privacy.
So, is this what Masonry is to you? A selective group of men with common aspects seeking fellowship?
Or perhaps its our;
Principles and Tenets
At the heart of Freemasonry are its core principles: brotherly love, relief, charity and truth. Freemasons are dedicated to fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among members, extending help to those in need, and upholding honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. These principles serve as guiding lights, shaping the character and conduct of Freemasons worldwide. Again, helping good men to become beer, but in the context of a unified group.
Is this what Masonry is to you? A set of tenants and principles that we help each other follow?
Dedication & Sacrifice
Many of the brothers in this room have held positions as officers in this lodge, some have sat in the east, become offices of Grand lodge, joined concordant bodies, the list goes on. I think it is fair to say that those brothers would agree that such positions take me, dedication and sacrifice.
So, did they do this solely to make themselves beer? That seems like an oddly selfish answer for why someone would become deeply involved in masonry.
Did they perhaps do this for some type of perceived status?
Status with whom? We are a private society and people outside of masonry have no metric by which to ascribe our masonic achievements. For them, ‘Most Worshipful Brother’ carries about the same meaning as ‘Brother Toastmaster’.
Is it for some kind of business of financial gain?
Masons will be friends with masons, and friends tend to do business with friends, but there are elements of skill and qualification wholly separated from being a Mason that factor into this. Perhaps the strongest argument for masons doing business with masons, is that a brother is ‘less likely’ to “do you dirty”, but ‘less likely’ seems like a flimsy justification for years of memory work, meetings, dues and so on.
So maybe it isn’t about Dedication & Sacrifice.
Perhaps being a Mason is about;
Brotherhood and Fellowship
I touched on this earlier, but one of the most cherished aspects of Freemasonry is its sense of brotherhood and fellowship. Freemasons come from diverse backgrounds, united by common values and shared experiences. Lodge meetings provide a forum for meaningful discourse, mutual support, and camaraderie, fostering enduring friendships that transcend boundaries of race, religion, nationality and age. I mentioned how my mentor was 95 years old, at the me I was 29. I struggle to think if another situation where two men from such different worlds could meet and chat as equals.
Still, perhaps being a mason is about;
Charity and Community Service
Freemasonry is synonymous with philanthropy and community service. Freemasons are committed to making a positive impact on society through charitable endeavors and civic engagement. From supporting local causes to funding educational scholarships and medical research, Freemasonry exemplifies the spirit of altruism and compassion.
Maybe that’s what it means to be a free mason. Or perhaps it is all about;
Personal Growth and Enlightenment
Beyond its outward rituals and philanthropic endeavors, Freemasonry offers a path to personal growth and enlightenment. Through introspecon, study, and fellowship, Freemasons strive to culvate virtues such as wisdom, compassion, resilience and jusce. The journey of a Freemason is one of self-discovery and continuous improvement, as individuals seek to embody the noble ideals espoused by the fraternity.
Could that be the answer?
I don’t know what the answer is for you, but I would argue that, Freemasonry is more than a secret society that rules the world through the pages of Dan Browns novels;
I would argue that it is a timeless tradition that transcends generations, cultures, and beliefs. It is a journey of initiation, enlightenment, and service to humanity. To be a Freemason is to embrace a way of life guided by principles of brotherhood, integrity, and benevolence.
Maybe the true answer is all of these things, or none. Aer all, the question was ‘What is Masonry to you?’ and that involves a level of introspection that is often very difficult to communicate and quantify to others. Still brothers, I would recommend that you think about this, meditate on the question and find an answer for yourself. Aer all, it isn’t to me or to any of the brothers in this room that you owe an answer. It is only to yourself.
Thank you for your time