As mentioned in one of my previous articles, one of my biggest Masonic regrets is waiting so long to travel. It now seems fitting to share the third and final part of the article from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, shared by my friend RWB Chad Kopenski. I’m sharing this just after attending our Annual Communication and one week before heading to the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education (http://mcme1949.org). This is the very place where I first met Chad.
If you’re not yet traveling, visiting other lodges, or attending conferences, I’d strongly encourage you to start. The friendships and bonds formed along the way are truly priceless, and I say that from experience.
I’m always happy to share ideas and I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your lodge as well. With that, I’ll leave you with the final excerpt from “Living Masonically Outside of Lodge” from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. I hope you enjoy it.
Until we next cross paths, travel well my Brothers.
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Freemasonry is a personal journey towards becoming a better father, husband, friend, citizen and man supported by others at different points on that same journey. The importance of the Fraternal Connection cannot be understated and, for many years, the focal point of that connection was the individual Lodge. We now live in a world where there are many ways to connect with Brethren from different cities, jurisdictions and countries. You are an individual Mason, but you are part of a Brotherhood that spans the globe and spans the centuries. A perfect ashlar’s true beauty is only discovered when it is used in concert with others, together creating something beautiful, useful, and steadfast.
Some Masons find that regularly attending Lodge is not a good fit with the other demands on their time and efforts. These Masons usually find that the best way for them to connect with their Brethren is through activities that are outside the regular Lodge meeting. Participating in a community event like Special Olympics or a local fair, attending special Masonic events like Table Lodge or the Annual Inspection, taking a specific part on the Craft Team for one degree or another, or even just meeting with Brethren for a meal or an activity separate from Lodge altogether are all wonderful ways to connect with Brethren. Masonic Brotherhood was never limited to the confines of the Lodge Room and to the monthly Stated Meeting, nor should it ever be.
Because of the character, values, and skills of the Brethren, every Masonic Lodge does provide a unique experience. For some, a successful Lodge experience centers around education and discussion, for others it centers on the meal and the Brethren talking for hours, still others focus on Ritual Excellence, others focus on community service; Brethren are encouraged to visit other Lodges and discover the unique experiences available.
We live in a world with many resources for the digital or online Mason. Besides Facebook and Grand Lodge websites, you can find Masonic podcasts, Masonic blogs, and Masonic online communities where Brethren can connect, share, and discuss. These online resources can often supplement the experience of Lodge or meeting with other Brethren in- person, but should never completely replace that experience.
When connecting with Brethren, especially online, it is well to keep in mind the Ancient Charges of our Order, particularly the section regarding behavior toward a strange Brother.
You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant false pretender, whom you are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware of giving him any hints of knowledge. But if you discover him to be a true and genuine Brother, you are to respect him accordingly; and if he is in want, you must relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be relieved. You must employ him some days, or else recommend him to be employed. But you are not charged to do beyond your ability, only to prefer a poor Brother, that is a good man and true, before any other poor people in the same circumstances.
Finally, all these Charges you are to observe, and also those that shall be communicated to you in another way; cultivating Brotherly Love, the foundation and capstone, the cement and glory of this ancient Fraternity, avoiding all wrangling and quarreling, all slander and backbiting, nor permitting others to slander any honest Brother, but defending his character, and doing him all good offices, as far as is consistent with your honor and safety, and no farther.
We live in a global society. You will encounter Masons of all stripes as well as cowans and pretenders in your travels. Therefore, do not be too eager to reveal specifics of Ohio Ritual, Masonic Code, or Lodge business. Recognize that Masonry is a big tent and that people come to it for many different reasons seeking different experiences and have very different opinions. Be careful to avoid letting productive discussions devolve into rancorous arguments. In short, remember the cardinal virtues of Temperance, Prudence, Fortitude, and Justice.
Because connecting with other Masons is crucial to living a Masonic life, Brethren are encouraged to find the right fit for themselves. It may be that being involved only in activities outside the Lodge is the best fit for a Brother due to family and work obligations. It may be that the Traditional Observance Lodge in the next county or the Lodge in their District that is made of mostly veterans is the best fit for a Brother and what he values. It may be that an online community is the best fit for a Brother to use a particular lens to view Masonry and connect with informed Brethren. In general, we find that Masons will drive 3 hours one way to a Lodge or activity that is the right fit when they wouldn’t cross the street for the wrong one.
Conclusion
Freemasonry is a personal journey towards becoming a better father, husband, friend, citizen and man supported by other men at different points on the same journey. Brethren have always been charged with taking the lessons learned in Lodge and practicing them in their daily lives. In our modern society, it is more important than ever that Masons endeavor to live their Masonic values and put them into action, educate themselves and reflect on topics relevant to a well-spent life, connect with other Brethren and live a life that informs, influences, and inspires others.