|
|
 |
Articles
 print pdf file
An Address to the Young Lodge Officer
FREEMASONRY is a Society which by means of its many lodges scattered over the four quarters of the globe is having a more far-reaching effect in the civilized world than we sometimes imagine. We are progressing slowly but surely towards the day when Freemasonry in the fulfillment of its destiny will play a very big part in guiding public thought and along the lines of the high ideals of moral and social excellence which it endeavors to teach. English-speaking Freemasonry has outlived many institutions of a somewhat similar character and is so well founded today that if the Landmarks on which it rests are kept secure we can look forward to a steady advance and a growing influence.
Now the chain of Masonry which engirdles the world is composed of many links. These links vary in brightness and strength, and the failure of any to hold together can have disastrous effects on the whole chain.
The links are represented by the individual Ldges, which are composed of men who meet together not merely as a loosely-knit body of casual acquaintances, but as a body of men bound together by close ties of brotherhood and pledged to the practice of the ideals which our Order teaches, and so one can see that the strength of the link depends as much on the individual as the lodge itself.
It is right and proper that all brethren with natural ability to perform the duties of office in Lodge should aspire to office rank, but let that aspiration come from the desire to serve the Lodge and the Craft, and not merely from a desire of personal advancement.
In one of our higher degrees we have the words. "The further you advance in Freemasonry and the higher the rank to which you are elevated, the more important are the duties and the greater the services expected of you," and a realization of this is called for from each office-holder.
It is of great importance that you now take a serious interest in Masonic matters other than your book of ritual, for it is now that you should further prepare yourself for higher office, so that when, in due time, you reach the Oriental Chair, you can respond in all sincerity to the inspiring address which will be recited to you on that happy occasion and can feel in a position to advise and instruct your brethren.
Delve into the history of the Craft during the past 250 years, read of its development from the momentous meeting of the four lodges in a London tavern to the present day and realize all that your forebears have done in the past to hand on to you the glorious heritage which you now possess.
Appreciate the courage and high ideals of those few men who in the early days of the 1700's, in an age when religion counted for little, when loose living was openly applauded and benevolence and charity were ridiculed and the humanitarian termed a crank, when bigotry and intolerance prevailed, dared to stand out against these abuses and by formulating our Ancient Charges established a code of moral and social conduct which sets the standard today.
In an age when it took courage to be religious and of high moral character, Freemasonry set an example by confirming the old Landmarks of the Craft, chief of which may be said to be a firm and sure belief in the G.A.O.T.U., the Volume of Sacred Law, and a belief in a future life, temperance in all things and charity to all men. Such were the Landmarks then and such they are today, and you, Brother Officer, in your present position should be, by the example of your own conduct, maintaining them in your own lodge.
The Charge of the Master, given at all Installation meetings, reminds us that our responsibility to maintain the honor and reputation of the Craft accompanies us out of Lodge as in it so that we may "prove to the world the happy and beneficial effects of our ancient Institution.''
One of the striking characteristics of Masonry is that it includes in its ranks men from every station in life, all built in different moulds and with different individualities. Some have joined our ranks with probably mistaken ideas concerning our Craft. A few from unworthy motives, hoping and expecting personal gain and pecuniary advantage from membership, or may be expecting nothing more than the social pleasure of an ordinary club. If any such be in your lodge it will be your duty to endeavor to direct their thoughts to the deeper and more serious aspect of Freemasonry.
Remind them that Freemasonry demands service - service to the Craft, to the Lodge, and to the brethren. It demands the development of a benevolent and generous nature, a ready response to the calls of Charity, and a cheerful recognition of the opportunities given them in the time of their prosperity of assisting those who have fallen by the way.
Thus, Brother Officer, you in your little niche will be doing your bit towards the burnishing and strengthening of the link in the Masonic chain which bears your lodge's name. Let me remind you that your assiduity should be commensurate with your progress. Strive to fit yourself for advancement in due time to the highest office in various degrees in Freemasonry which may be within your compass, but keep in mind the important consideration, not, "how far have you progressed in Freemasonry?", but "how far has Masonry progressed in you?"
You may call it by any term you please, but Masonic effort is investment, and reward of Masonic effort is character. You may have wealth and put your money into investment, but no investment will pay you greater dividends than Freemasonry if you make Masonic effort to build character!
-- G. Reeves-Brown, P.A.G.D.C. (taken with permissionfrom March 1950 issue of the Philalethes Magazine)
back to top
« back
|
|
|
