SS357: February 2023 Trestle Board: Secrecy (Season 7, Episode 1)

Master's MessageAs your Master for 2023, I’d like to hear from you. Send me a note at [email protected] if you have any comments, concerns or questions at all. We have around 170 brother-members many of whom are out of state, many who are possibly unable to attend lodge. But either way, drop me a note and tell me how you are doing or offer some words about your journey at this stage in your life. I’d love to hear from you.The theme this month is secrecy, an important topic throughout the history of the Craft. The picture-insert of the figurine, with index finger placed close to his lips, appears to be a gesture to remain silent. Perhaps the depiction also hints at a finger pointed heavenward, as if to also suggest silence and reverence are combined to express the virtue of both. The ideal of secrecy forms a basis for protecting or even perpetuation our Masonic domain or body of knowledge. But what’s the big deal about that? Many are or have been hostile to our fraternity. Here’s a quick summary of why we have a need for maintaining “secrecy”:• Freemasonry stands against oppression and totalitarianism (AASR).• It is non-sectarian yet abhors atheism and promotes religious belief.• It proposes free-thought and free-conscience for determining truth.• It has spiritual rituals that can be the subject of ridicule or mockery.• It has no religious dogma yet invokes the blessings of Deity.• It has been seen as a conspiracy or prejudicial by the profane (historically).• Freemasons can be and have been the target of violence.• Seeks improvement in all human affairs through a select brotherhood.• Tolerates diverse philosophies in the exposition of truth.• Science and Religion go hand in hand.• It stands against ignorance, fanaticism, corruption and hate.These some of the bigger reasons; our modes of recognition and ritual details are lesser ones but just as important, if only for reverence in what leads to sacredness and respect for what is good and true among men. Tell me what you think. (Picture of figurine courtesy of the London Museum of Freemasonry)John McCargar, HAMasterFrom the WestA human being living alone at -71 deg C in the wilderness of snowy forests isn't affected by any secrecy; or is he part of one? In theory, secrecy and openness are mutually exclusive, meaning they can't exist at the same time just like war and peace. In the information age we live in, anything that brings criticism or vulnerability is termed to have been engulfed in secrecy or layers of it. Esoteric may or may not be a secret but a secret might be esoteric or it loses its definition. Does that make sense? Does secrecy breed incompetence, of course, it does. Maybe that is why it should be handled by the initiated and/or chosen few and not just anyone with a pulse. To avoid dire consequences secrecy acts as a shield. Ask an electrician the meaning of insulation that protects him but only a trusted man well-trained in the craft deserves that protection.The universe itself holds secrecy, colors don't announce the outcome when mixed.Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Babylonian civilizations came and went away as time and tide wait for none. The society we live in has been destroyed and rebuilt many a time with the added knowledge that demands secrecy. The attentive ear receives sound from the instructive tongue and mysteries of freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Freemasonry itself has withstood the tide of changing times because of the respect for the esoteric and the eyes that are upon its members. The goodness of heart and purity of intention keeps the tenets of our esteemed institution sacred and solid. The burdens and responsibilities that come with it entitle a Freemason to its benefits and privileges. Classified it is what makes them want it more or more will want it hence keeping classified, is the secrecy we all must deal with. Elite clubs have their limitations.Shivam J. Sharma, HASenior Warden