“People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid.” – S. Kierkegaard.

Dear Brethren:

Have you ever thought about our Master Mason degree? It is considered to be “Freemasonry’s Great Lesson.” It depicts man’s search for Truth, for Courage, for Prudence, and for Immortality of the Soul. Hiram Abif lived and “died” to instill in the hearts, minds, and souls of Freemasons symbolic lessons of life. These include, but aren’t limited, to Perseverance, Love of Mankind, Courage, Patience, Fortitude, and the Immortality of Man.

Hiram’s enemies came from his inner circle, namely the workers he trusted. So do most of man’s adversaries. He will usually guard himself against attacks from those he believes he must fear, but has no reason to protect himself from those he loves and trusts.

The work Hiram Abif did in the Temple is symbolic of the work you and I do daily. As he supervised workmen; you and I supervise and organize our lives, dreams, goals, and hopes. The enemies he encountered – greed, jealousy, and selfishness – we meet constantly. As he wasn’t always victorious, so neither will we be. The hope held out for Hiram will be held out for you and I, if we are, like him, faithful to our trust.

As Hiram Abif prayed daily for guidance from God before drawing his designs, so must we. Through the Supreme Architect of the Universe, we acquire the self-image we must have if we are to be successful. Until a man learns how to pray for himself, he cannot hope to learn the Supreme Masonic Secret. It is through prayer and through living, what Freemasonry teaches, that this secret will come to life. In putting into practice the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God, we will develop his character and personality in the image of the Supreme Architect of the Universe. This is the greatest lesson taught by the Hiramic Legend!

I encourage you, my brother, to institute your freedom of thought. Get involved in our Craft and practice our lessons in your daily life. I invite you to lodge and to share in the lessons of Masonry.

Fraternally,

John Lacki, Jr.
Worshipful Master