Dale,
A difficult task for the surfer-mason. The only way is to check the list that Grand Lodge puts out which says which lodges we recognize (which you will be quick to point out is not necessarily the same thing as being regular) This list is in the front of you lodge's sign-in book and also on the Grand Lodge site at http://www.grandlodge.on.ca/recognition.htm. Hence part of the problems (and solutions) we find with some new Masons. Here is an excerpt from a speech I gave in Paris (Ont. unfortunately) last year:
Our young Mason has had conversations with not only the brethren he has met at lodge but also on-line with brethren from England, France, Mexico and around the world. He has learned that Masonry is different in different parts of the world. As W. Bro. Kris Stevens, of Nipissing Lodge No. 420 and PM of HanYang Lodge No. 1048 (Scottish Constitution) Seoul, Korea, said recently at Heritage Lodge:
Masonry around the world can be grouped into approximately seven groupings:
1. Canada, Australia and New Zealand – Characterized by a focus on the operational business of running the organization, word perfect ritual, rapid progression through the degrees and officers’ chairs, low participation and large institutionalized charity
2. The United States of America – Characterized by religious zealousness, militant patriotism, rapid progression, large lodges, low participation and large institutional charity
3. Mexico – Characterized by its focus on philosophical and spiritual enlightenment through critical thought, education and application, and political engagement in civil society
4. United Kingdom – Characterized by its focus on the operational business of running the organization, fraternalism in the form of social activities and specialty Lodges and networking
5. France (Grand Orient) – Characterized by an emphasis on freedom of thought, personal psychological and moral refinement and a humanistic approach to relief in the form of social reform
6. Continental Europe – Characterized by slow progression, small Lodges, small scale charity and intellectual, spiritual and philosophical enlightenment through critical thought, education and application
7. Central and South America – Characterized by its idealism, its focus on philosophical and societal development through education and application of Masonic philosophy
All different and sometimes irreconcilable, but all based on our historical tenants and principles. So our young Mason with access to the world sees these different aspects of Masonry around the world and asks why we do things this way and not another way.
Another thing on the internet is that there is not usually a distinction made between Masons we call regular and those that we call irregular. Even the Philalethes Society Chats make no distinction. And how can they? Some jurisdictions we recognize, recognize jurisdictions we don’t. Often this is just because that jurisdiction has never asked us to be recognized, but it could be because of landmark differences, viz, Grand Orient of France. And yet they espouse the same principles and tenets as we do. We are on the verge of formally recognizing Prince Hall Masonry. They are different but similar. And have quite the presence on the internet. What can we learn from them? And what about the women’s Grand Lodges? UGLE has recently said that the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, as the British women’s Grand Lodge is called, is regular in their practice, except, of course, that they admit women
Our young internet savvy Mason reads all this and his mind is filled with questions and ideas about our fraternity and its possibilities that you and I have never dreamed of.
And here's you come in. When he comes to you with his questions, as he inevitably will, you can be prepared to explain things to him. Don’t just tell him “we've always done it that way” end of conversation. Say “we've always done it that way but I don't why; perhaps we could look into that together.” - you'll both learn something that way plus you'll build a relationship and as well you'll build a future leader. Who’s the future leader? Well you both are. By finding out which way the crowd is running and getting out in front of the them, you’re a leader now, but by accepting, encouraging and mentoring the inquisitive young man, you are building a leader for the future, one who will honour your cherished traditions as you would .
And who knows, perhaps he will bring an idea which will work better than the ones we had. Maybe it’s an idea that originated with a Spanish Mason, maybe a woman Mason, or maybe his own idea. But an idea that will work.
Masonry will change, whether we want it to or not. History shows it has always done so in the past. That’s life. Our duty is to shepherd that change. Encourge and guide that young Mason, or Riter, and hopefully we’ll see the flowering of Masonry in this renaissance.
Come writers and critics who prophesy with your pen
Keep your eyes wide, the chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon for the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’For the the times they are a-changin'
Frat,
David
----- Original Message -----
From: Nancy, Dale and Allison
To: David Cameron
Sent: August 26, 2008 6:16 PM
Subject: Questions to the Editor
I have been receiving unsolicited information from web sites that claim to be Liberal Freemasons . A question came immediately to my mind.
Today, as the internet increases our capacity for exchange of information, boundaries are disappearing faster than many of us can adapt. We want to be within the regulations of our Grand Lodge. How can a mason in the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, possibly determine if it is regular?
Dale
Saturday, 30 August 2008
The Lost Tool of Freemasons
Respectfully,
Freemasonry is as philosophical order with the stated goal of improving the moral development of members.
Given the growing awareness of the effect of the commericalization of freemasonry since the 30's, there seems to be confusion about what can be done to arrest the further erosion of quality within the order.
Not to be unkind, but we are hard pressed to find remnants of the elitist core. Once, royal or tradesman, scientist and farmer stood in lodge as equals.
This suggests to us, the trademan or farmer selected by the elite, were of a remarkable calibre; men able to converse in a serious way on the deeper meanings of life, of the purpose of existence. A poll of lodges shows the intelligensia have been pushed aside by mob rule. As such, sadly, the expectations for entrance were not the only standard to fade in the 30's. So too has the expectation of intellectual development of the man has been removed.
The results of generations of contemplation were handed down to a group of selected men, who gradually lost the wherewithall to know what to do with that body of knowledge. As ideas cannot be extinguished, the teachings remained in our achives. The unprepared mind, has no need to search for things he does not understand. His simple needs became problemation to the purpose of Freemasonry when he was joined with many like him and together imposed their collective will, (limited expectations) on measures of success.
Where is the evidence of success? For the unprepared, success is dressing up in a suit and apron, excuding every aspect of elitism they are quick to challenge with at the ballot box. A good guy is acceptable. And so it goes on.
Entrance to the order brought forward in the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge, requires preparation between degrees. The antients would learned the craft mouth-to-ear, would cringe if they heard the loose talk about memory work being unimportant.
Enough! Audi Vide Tace
We can use the tools of our motto to regain the path to development.
On an individual basis, quietly in the background, each serious minded fellow can bring back the moral, intellectual and philosphical conviction of Antient and Accepted Freemasonry.
We can attend lodges with vigilence, watching others to search out like-minded men. In discussion at the festive board, we can listen for opportunity to let others know, they are part of a growing number of members who are resurrecting the brilliance of masonic membership.
When Jewish boys are of a certain age, they attend school to study the Torah. Under the guidance of mentors, they are paired up with another boy. Together they are a study group who read and argue/discuss the meaning of readings. Around the world, there are many examples where ancient forms of learning have been preserved like this example.
However, I am convinced, mouth-to-ear , the lost working tool can and should be brought back as the tool of learning for freemasons.
Fraternally,
Freemasonry is as philosophical order with the stated goal of improving the moral development of members.
Given the growing awareness of the effect of the commericalization of freemasonry since the 30's, there seems to be confusion about what can be done to arrest the further erosion of quality within the order.
Not to be unkind, but we are hard pressed to find remnants of the elitist core. Once, royal or tradesman, scientist and farmer stood in lodge as equals.
This suggests to us, the trademan or farmer selected by the elite, were of a remarkable calibre; men able to converse in a serious way on the deeper meanings of life, of the purpose of existence. A poll of lodges shows the intelligensia have been pushed aside by mob rule. As such, sadly, the expectations for entrance were not the only standard to fade in the 30's. So too has the expectation of intellectual development of the man has been removed.
The results of generations of contemplation were handed down to a group of selected men, who gradually lost the wherewithall to know what to do with that body of knowledge. As ideas cannot be extinguished, the teachings remained in our achives. The unprepared mind, has no need to search for things he does not understand. His simple needs became problemation to the purpose of Freemasonry when he was joined with many like him and together imposed their collective will, (limited expectations) on measures of success.
Where is the evidence of success? For the unprepared, success is dressing up in a suit and apron, excuding every aspect of elitism they are quick to challenge with at the ballot box. A good guy is acceptable. And so it goes on.
Entrance to the order brought forward in the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge, requires preparation between degrees. The antients would learned the craft mouth-to-ear, would cringe if they heard the loose talk about memory work being unimportant.
Enough! Audi Vide Tace
We can use the tools of our motto to regain the path to development.
On an individual basis, quietly in the background, each serious minded fellow can bring back the moral, intellectual and philosphical conviction of Antient and Accepted Freemasonry.
We can attend lodges with vigilence, watching others to search out like-minded men. In discussion at the festive board, we can listen for opportunity to let others know, they are part of a growing number of members who are resurrecting the brilliance of masonic membership.
When Jewish boys are of a certain age, they attend school to study the Torah. Under the guidance of mentors, they are paired up with another boy. Together they are a study group who read and argue/discuss the meaning of readings. Around the world, there are many examples where ancient forms of learning have been preserved like this example.
However, I am convinced, mouth-to-ear , the lost working tool can and should be brought back as the tool of learning for freemasons.
Fraternally,
Monday, 4 August 2008
Freemasonry: An Idea
What is freemasonry? It is an idea.
Freemasons will beaware of that old saw- familiarity breds contempt. Not to be unkind, but this is a limitation that a man places on himself and those around him. Some readily acknowledge the brilliance of people we know. The masses often determine brilliance by celebrity or accumulation of wealth. Others calcuate superiority through technical expertise. such the practice of law and medicine.
How do we identify the clever among us on whom we should place our trust to help lead us into the future? When we are in the presence of bright people, does an internalized sense of low esteem prompt defensiveness and competitiveness? The 5th Estate thrives on such criticism. Do we shamefully admit to the experience of schedenfreude- a small pleasure one experiences over the discomfort of others when scientists fail to find answers.
That they read more, study more, achieve more suggests they are industrious. Are they wealthier? Not necessarily, but likely. Do they hold public office? Perhaps but not necessarily. Are they pious or outspoken? Unlikely. Are they aggressive and angry? Doubtful. Or are they able to create in areas of art, business or industry?
Few are confident enough to encourage the avant garde'. Remarkably, freemasonry hands us this lesson and gives oblique directions: audi, vide, tace. To acheive enlightenment, to understand we must master of our impulsive, emotional nature. The tools listening, watching and silence are the tools of science. Until we are skilled, we are clumsy; full of potential but undisciplined, but when we learn to break down tasks into manageable bits, we can build great things.
Can we collectively apply these tools?
In the 30's standards for admission to our Order were changed; adding thousands of names to the rolls. This new, commerical common denominator, changed the criteria for admission. In the minds of brethren from that period, to compromise a benchmark to increase numbers was necessary. But I cannot help but wonder if this process was a trojan horse that undermined the strenght of our order.
It would be foolish to argue that freemasonry has been unchanged by the compromise for membership. For example, a larger membership allowed influence at a larger scale. More members, added to our financial reserves and allowed the Order to make significant contributions to health research That was and is an expression of agape.
The proliferation of lodges connected urban, suburban and rural communities which fostered social development across Ontario.
But the trojan horse was the effect on the growth of masonic literacy. Generations of masons have had little understanding of the abstract ends and means of the science which is ironic since we have lived through a time of unrestricted communication. What of our expectations ? Have they eroded to the extent few lodges value masonic scholarship?
I believe, during the past decades our Grand Lodge has vigorously fought against encroaching apathy about learning and scholarship, hampered in their efforts by the widespread, compromise of standards, that began in the 30's and absentmindedly passed on year by year.
Of course, masons who are uninformed about antient landmarks cannot reveal those secrets Those who have left before being raised, may chat idly in public passing on simplistic notions of freemasonry. We have not truly suffered egregious damage.
However, uninformed masons can not teach skills that were not taught to them. That causes a gap which must be filled.
Freemasonry is an idea; complicated and amorphous.
Everyperson has a valid opinion, reflecting a unique persepective on the world. Agreed, there are experts and so some opinions are more accurate than others. That said, however there are truths among opinions.
Brethren who chafe in lodge when education is offered, are not out of line with their incomplete training, but they should not and cannot stop progress.
The oaths and obligations, the progression of our ritual, the architecture of freemasonry all tell us our goal is to search for the lost secrets, enlightenment. An idea, especially the purest idea of antient freemasonry, cannot be extinguished.
This idea is developed through discussion- mouth to ear. Time to pick up the discussion of the gentle science and see where it takes us.
When we hear someone making an effort to express his ideas, we can convey an atmosphere of interest and encourage dialogue. The opinion will always be different that yours or mind. Are there threads of agreement for us to find? What does the speaker offer that helps us define our own thoughts? Watch, listen and be quiet and learn the lesson Pythagoras taught his students.
Dg
Freemasons will beaware of that old saw- familiarity breds contempt. Not to be unkind, but this is a limitation that a man places on himself and those around him. Some readily acknowledge the brilliance of people we know. The masses often determine brilliance by celebrity or accumulation of wealth. Others calcuate superiority through technical expertise. such the practice of law and medicine.
How do we identify the clever among us on whom we should place our trust to help lead us into the future? When we are in the presence of bright people, does an internalized sense of low esteem prompt defensiveness and competitiveness? The 5th Estate thrives on such criticism. Do we shamefully admit to the experience of schedenfreude- a small pleasure one experiences over the discomfort of others when scientists fail to find answers.
That they read more, study more, achieve more suggests they are industrious. Are they wealthier? Not necessarily, but likely. Do they hold public office? Perhaps but not necessarily. Are they pious or outspoken? Unlikely. Are they aggressive and angry? Doubtful. Or are they able to create in areas of art, business or industry?
Few are confident enough to encourage the avant garde'. Remarkably, freemasonry hands us this lesson and gives oblique directions: audi, vide, tace. To acheive enlightenment, to understand we must master of our impulsive, emotional nature. The tools listening, watching and silence are the tools of science. Until we are skilled, we are clumsy; full of potential but undisciplined, but when we learn to break down tasks into manageable bits, we can build great things.
Can we collectively apply these tools?
In the 30's standards for admission to our Order were changed; adding thousands of names to the rolls. This new, commerical common denominator, changed the criteria for admission. In the minds of brethren from that period, to compromise a benchmark to increase numbers was necessary. But I cannot help but wonder if this process was a trojan horse that undermined the strenght of our order.
It would be foolish to argue that freemasonry has been unchanged by the compromise for membership. For example, a larger membership allowed influence at a larger scale. More members, added to our financial reserves and allowed the Order to make significant contributions to health research That was and is an expression of agape.
The proliferation of lodges connected urban, suburban and rural communities which fostered social development across Ontario.
But the trojan horse was the effect on the growth of masonic literacy. Generations of masons have had little understanding of the abstract ends and means of the science which is ironic since we have lived through a time of unrestricted communication. What of our expectations ? Have they eroded to the extent few lodges value masonic scholarship?
I believe, during the past decades our Grand Lodge has vigorously fought against encroaching apathy about learning and scholarship, hampered in their efforts by the widespread, compromise of standards, that began in the 30's and absentmindedly passed on year by year.
Of course, masons who are uninformed about antient landmarks cannot reveal those secrets Those who have left before being raised, may chat idly in public passing on simplistic notions of freemasonry. We have not truly suffered egregious damage.
However, uninformed masons can not teach skills that were not taught to them. That causes a gap which must be filled.
Freemasonry is an idea; complicated and amorphous.
Everyperson has a valid opinion, reflecting a unique persepective on the world. Agreed, there are experts and so some opinions are more accurate than others. That said, however there are truths among opinions.
Brethren who chafe in lodge when education is offered, are not out of line with their incomplete training, but they should not and cannot stop progress.
The oaths and obligations, the progression of our ritual, the architecture of freemasonry all tell us our goal is to search for the lost secrets, enlightenment. An idea, especially the purest idea of antient freemasonry, cannot be extinguished.
This idea is developed through discussion- mouth to ear. Time to pick up the discussion of the gentle science and see where it takes us.
When we hear someone making an effort to express his ideas, we can convey an atmosphere of interest and encourage dialogue. The opinion will always be different that yours or mind. Are there threads of agreement for us to find? What does the speaker offer that helps us define our own thoughts? Watch, listen and be quiet and learn the lesson Pythagoras taught his students.
Dg
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