| Missed a message? Check the Archive!
Master's Message
March 2006
Dear Brethren,
Free Masonry is recognized as the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization. Its privileges are universally enjoyed by Brethren across the earth, regardless of political, racial, social or economic concerns. Where did it all begin? It has been suggested that our Brotherhood descended from the guilds of stonemasons who constructed the magnificent cathedrals of the middle ages. Many believe that our craft is a descendent of the medieval Knights Templar. While the origin of Freemasonry may be an interesting topic for debate, the true beginning of the institution has been lost in antiquity. We do know, however, that the Lodge in its modern form began in 1717 when three Speculative and one Operative Lodge came together in London and formed the first Grand Lodge.
Perhaps a question that we should be asking ourselves, one much more important than where Freemasonry came from, is where is Freemasonry going? We live in a time of declining membership. What is the cause of this trend? It has been suggested that the face pace of today's society leaves little disposable time to commit to the craft, and that past generations, living a simpler life, enjoyed more free time. I do not agree. The lives of our ancestors were anything but simple. In the past, a Mason's Cable tow had a specific length and he was required to attend Lodge if within that distance. An average man would walk; a wealthy man might ride a horse. Meetings were held without the benefic of electric light or communication. Ritual was studied at a time when printed media was available only to the wealthy. Today we jump into the car, send an E-mail, throw on the light switch and open the book. Thanks to the modern conveniences, we have much more free time than ever before. How, then do we account for the decline in membership? Does today's society place less emphasis on the principles of Faith, Hope and Charity?
Are there fewer good men looking to be better men? Are people in today's society only willing to exert effort when the reward is physical and the gratification is instant? It appears that is what our society has come to. Do I foresee the end of our great fraternity in the future? No, I do not. There will always be men who believe in the tenets of our institution, and while the number of such men may be on the decline, they will always find each other and assemble in a group of "who can best work and best agree."
Fraternally,
James T. Lind
Worshipful Master
|
