The Digital Freemason

"In every Masonic Lodge room there is the Rough Ashlar and the Perfect Ashlar, placed there for us to "moralize on". These two and the Trestle Board constitute our Movable Jewels. What is their significance, what do they have to do with Freemasonry, and, can they assist us in our quest to show ourselves approved?"

"During the time I have been a Freemason I have been told by many older experienced Freemasons that we have to make it easier for young guys to join. I've been told that the decline in membership is partially due to it being to hard for young men to find time from family and work to Freemasons. So, we have to make it easier."

What is the explanation of the words, "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons," which appears to be the official name of so many Grand Lodge while others have it shortened to "Free and Accepted Masons". The individual words have been explained, but here is a discussion regarding all words when used together.

Probably one of the first things that strikes the newly-made Mason is the number of strange or unusual words used in our ceremonies. Unfortunately, far too many Masons have not taken the trouble to find out the real meanings of these words, consequently a new Mason's inquiries frequently produce only unsatisfactory answers. As these words are not to be found in our popular dictionaries, many Brethren have an entirely wrong conception of their meanings, which sometimes leads us to an unfortunate misunderstanding of the message intended to be conveyed by our ritual.

Commenting that "the beautiful flooring of the Lodge" (first tracing board lecture) seemed to vary from Lodge to Lodge, a Brother asks whence the floor covering derives.

Colours have so large a place in the customs of the craft that inevitably the question arises "did ancient symbolism inspire the colors of Masonry or were they chosen and the symbolism then found to fit them?"

"The question, "Why do men wish to become Freemasons?" is of little importance. But the subsequent query, "Why do Freemasons remain such - why do Freemasons love Freemasonry?" is of such great and far- reaching importance that almost every Masonic writer and philosopher has tried to answer it; a perfectly normal procedure, as there appear to be almost as many reasons as there are men to give them."

"Each November, millions of poppies blossom in Canada. They blossom on the jackets, dresses and hats of nearly half the Canadian population and they have blossomed over 80 years, since 1921. The poppy is the symbol that individuals use to show that they remember those who were killed in the wars and peace keeping operations that Canada has been involved in."

The Toast to "The King and the Craft" is not, of course, any part of the Ritual, but it is one of the best authenticated heirlooms we have received from the remote past.

Discover the legend behind the cornucopia and how it ended up representing the Stewards

Indian scout, buffalo hunter, pony express rider, circus owner; Buffalo Bill Cody remains one of the all-time colorful heroes of Western lore.

We often hear a Masonic speaker make a statement that Masonry is not a Secret Society, with an emphasis on the word not. Occasionally we hear one say that Masonry is a Secret Society. But rarely does either cite an authority to support his position or really attempt to define the term.

In Russia, as in other countries where Freemasonry exists or existed, there are romantic stories about the early days.

A fundamental question, rarely asked, is the reason why our ancient brethren, who developed the complicated symbolic structures of moral and philosophical teaching we now know as speculative Freemasonry, would choose to base their system on such modest materials as the builder's trade, his tools and legends.

Authorities in the evolution of Freemasonry tell us that the Master's Degree was not present in the Old Operative Lodges. It is evidently the creation of the founders of Speculative Freemasonry.

Has any of you had the opportunity to take in the movie "Patch Adams"? The story relates to the non-conformist attitudes and unorthodox practices of an individual becoming a doctor. He did not subscribe to the methods that were being taught on how to treat patients.

The practice of visiting is one of the oldest customs of the Craft, dating back to the earliest days of Operative Masonry.

When the Nazis came to power, policy towards the Freemasons was equivocal. Efforts to eliminate the Freemason did not receive top priority.

To the non-member who has given this matter any thought whatsoever it soon becomes apparent that the greatest asset in Freemasonry is the spirit of friendship that exists between Freemasons in their relationship with one another and their attitude of thoughtfulness for the welfare of others.

There was a time when the multitude made paths to the door of the man who made the best mousetrap. Those were days when a product or a service was its best advertisement. In keeping with this general state of affairs, Freemasonry's greatest salesman was and still is the proper living standards of its individual members.

Twain gives a long list of examples of how each organism in its time would have utterly convinced that it was what everything before them had been created for, but they were all wrong. They were obviously all stepping stones on the way to man.

It is, unfortunately, not an unusual experience in the life of a Mason to find himself confronted with a question which seems to emerge from his subconscious mind, bringing with it the urge for an immediate and decisive answer. For example, does Freemasonry measure up to my expectations?

My Brother, having just been made a Member of our Masonic Fraternity, you may find some of us are strangers. This could be disturbing to you, and after listening to the Ceremony which you have just been through, you may be a little confused.

The Masonic parallel for this nuclear definition is the fewest number of Masons that are actively participating in the running of the lodge such that the lodge operates effectively.

One of the greatest benefits that one gains as a Freemason is the ability to visit other Lodges around the world and be welcomed with open arms. Being welcomed by strangers, particularly from entirely different countries, is a powerful experience that truly represents the amazing bonds of fraternity forged by Freemasonry.

We fail if we do not make our members fit to receive the special instruction unique to the Masonic Lodge.

We often hear a Masonic speaker make the statement that Masonry is not a Secret Society, with the emphasis on the world NOT.

Are the principles on which Freemasonry is founded still relevant today and more importantly are they relevant to the future?

In his somewhat imaginative history of the Craft, Anderson mentions several assemblies of Masons; but there is no real evidence that there had ever before been such a thing as a Grand Lodge. Probably they had in mind the annual gatherings of the great London Companies, and wanted to establish something similar for themselves.

Great speeches are made not entirely by strength of knowledge, but by perseverance, and an irresistible desire to create something. To do nothing is not only to fail, but also to tread a dull and uninteresting path.

"How well are we guarding our west gate?" This is the gate through which the uninitiated must pass in order to become a member of our great fraternity. Some may feel that we are permitting too many to pass who can pay the fee and contribute little else.

Much has been written and spoken about the creation and maintenance of "Our Image." What you "see" and "hear" is absorbed and retained in your mind for a period of time dependent upon how much it influenced you, your general interest in the subject, or perhaps, just plain curiosity.

Most Masons in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario eventually realize that there are two kinds of Ritual.

In being associated with construction and in having our lodges as a representation of King Solomon's Temple, there is in myself and perhaps many others, a wonderment of the origin, the design, and the building, of this magnificent structure.

The all-seeing eye is an important symbol of the Supreme Being, borrowed by the Freemasons from the nations of antiquity.

At the start of the journey which the initiate into Freemasonry takes, he is told to "keep sacred the Mysteries of the Order." What are the mysteries? Ask any number of Brethren this question and the replies are varied and significant. For the mystery is that part of the ceremony which is least understood by them.

Why did men of wealth, education, and power, join an organisation of artisans at a time when class was of the very first importance?

As a young boy my mother told me home is where the heart is, but I didn't grasp the concept at that time in my life. Years later, as a grown man returning home with a family, the realization was brought home each time we arrived. Today our children bring the grandkids home, home to our hearts.

All my life I have loved tools! At a very early age I was taught to use them and care for them. I have a much-treasured collection of them, and as a Professional Engineer, tools have, of course, been very much a part of my life. It is but natural, then, that they symbolism of working-tools in our Masonic ritual speaks to me with great eloquence. Of all the beautiful and moving charges and lectures in the three degrees of our Lodge work, those which accompany the presentation of the Working Tools are my first favorites.

Mackey discusses the square, "...one of the most important and significant symbols in Freemsonry..."

The Wailing Wall is crowded these days. Masonic leaders, great and small, are lined up, each awaiting his turn to lift his voice in lamentation. The figures show a falling off of membership. Attendance at Lodge meetings is not what it used to be. The thing to do is to adopt this project or that gimmick, and then all will be well. As might be expected, the projects and gimmicks are about as impossible as they are ridiculous.

Early in our Masonic travels we were told that we were seeking admission to a lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Sts. John. God, we know, for we had to state that we believed in God to be considered for membership.

It cannot be overemphasized that the serpent or snake plays no role in the teachings or ritual of regular Freemasonry. Its introduction as a fastener for Masonic aprons is easily seen as the work of regalia manufacturers. That said, the symbolic usages of the snake are of interest to students of religion, esoterica, and of history.

If you have ever watched an expert mechanic grease your car, and you are inclined towards reflective analogy, you may have some inkling of what ritual is and the purpose thereof. Ritual is really an established pattern for imparting knowledge of the tenets of a system of philosophy.

A Mason is sometimes asked by a friend, a neighbour, or a business associate, "What do the Masons do?" The question may be worded more generally, "What are the Masons?"

"My brother, I have now the pleasure of presenting you with a lambskin or white leathern apron. It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more honourable than the Star & Garter, or any other order that can be conferred upon you at this or any future period by king, prince, potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason."

There is no more spectacular reminder of our Masonic historical and ritualistic heritage than the moon at its height of fullness. While astronomers view the moon with the analytical eye of science, the moon has been a focal point for cultures around the world throughout history and has inspired music, poetry and religion alike.

As part of the ever increasingly busy lives we lead, it is easy to take the path of least resistance. The slippery slope from what starts as cutting corners, quickly becomes habit, and leads to the norm. This does not make it correct, just improper standards. Constant care must be exercised to ensure proper etiquette is maintained before, during, and after lodge meetings.

That less than ten in every hundred Masons in the US avail themselves of the privilege (or ever will) is a regrettable circumstance. Many brethren are unaware of their ability to call upon lodges abroad, or that they may seek assistance in case of emergency away from home.

The word Cable-tow, we are told, is purely Masonic in its meaning and use. It is so defined in the dictionary, but not always accurately, which shows that we ought not to depend upon the ordinary dictionary for the truth about Masonic terms. Masonry has its own vocabulary and uses it in its own way. Nor can our words always be defined for the benefit of the profane.