You've asked me if you could become a Mason. That's all you need to do. Just ask. My answer is; 'yes, of course'. I think your becoming a member might be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It was for me. So that's a done-deal. There are, however, a few things you should know before you take the first step.
It was over 45 years ago I asked to become a Mason. At the time I knew next to nothing about the fraternity. I knew a few things about the Craft, but that is not why I wanted to join. My father was a Mason, and so was my Uncle Warren Chapman. After leaving the U.S. Air force I went to work for George and Doc LaMoree, both Masons.
I looked up to these men and knew them to be of good and solid character. I became aware that many of the men I admired wore the square and compass. Wanting to be part of that upstanding group was the reason I asked to join.
Back then, Masons placed great store in secrecy. It was after I became a Mason that I discovered why. Freemasonry is a philosophy that guiides a member toward an honorable way of life. The lessons of Freemasonry are taught one step at a time, and implanted in a Mason's mind by a mental linkage to an stone-masons tools. The lessons build one upon the other in much the same way they have since about 1730.
Contrary to popular opinion, there is almost no secret about Freemasonry. Masonic Buildings are identified as such, individual Masons often wear jewelry that identifys them as Masons, Masonic Lodges are listed in the phone book. In addition there are thousands of books that have been written about Freemasonry and all public libraries have many on their shelves. Notice that I said "almost" no secrets.
The organization does have a few secrets about the way the lessons are taught, the linkage to symbols that represent the craftsman's tools, and a single word that represents "a lost Master's word". That's it.
Becoming a member turned out to be one of the most important and satisfying things I've ever done. Marrying Linda was the first. Freemasonry, 45 years later, continues to be fascinating, interesting, informative and essential in supporting my personal character. It constantly reminds me of moral and ethical standards "so important to a well spent life". I was initiated, passed and raised to the 3rd Degree in Seafaring Lodge #708, Newport Beach, CA, and, in due course, went "up the officer's chairs". In 1977 I was elected Master of the Lodge. At that time there were about 400 Lodge members, a great many activities and wonderful fellowship. It was a privilege and honor to be the Master of the Lodge. ating
In 1990 I became a member of The Grand Lodge of Scotland as well as it's supporting organization, The Robert the Bruce Association where, in 1993, I was elected President. From 1990 to 1995 I served the Grand Master of California as Inspector of the 488th Masonic District. I mention my several memberships in these related layers of Freemasonry to illustrate that I have been quite active in the California craft.
California Freemasonry is similar to that practiced in other parts of the world, but not precisely the same. There are minor and major differences in the workings of the Craft all around the world. For example:
- Some Masonic Lodges admit women, but not in America.
- In a few places around the world Masonic Lodges adopt political and/or religious views. Not in the United States, where, since 1929, most American Lodges are chartered by the English Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, and are specifically prohibited to engage political, religious, and similar controversial subjects in it's Lodges.
As mentioned earlier, Freemasonry is an intellectually challenging. It is a philosophy that teaches virtues, morals, ethics and the value of a person's life experience. Accurately defining it further is a challenge. Every member develops his understanding by way of a formal ritual that uses symbols to guide the member's memory. There is still another somewhat unusual characteristic of Masonry that is not common to most organizations: No one person can speak for all of Freemasonry. There is no overall King, potentate, executive, general manager or other person to lead and speak for the entire craft. This is a strength, and as you might expect, also a weakness.
In 1717 four English lodges combined and formed The English Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Most English and American lodges that existed at that time agreed to follow the rules and regulations of the English Grand Lodge. Also in the early 1700's an English Freemason and Reverend by the name of James Anderson composed a book that became the standard for the lessons and the ritual of the craft. It has been modified over the years but it still illustrates the Masonic lessons and how they are to be presented. This is referred to as "Anderson's Constitutions". It's full title is: "The Constitutions of Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry"
The origin of Freemasonry is not known. There are a number of theories, hundreds in fact. Most historians believe that it surfaced as an association (or union) of "free-stone masons" during the period of the building of the great European Cathedrals. Then, as time passed, other craftsmen of the building trades were included. Up to this time the members were "operative" (actual) workmen. Later in time Lodges began to admit men of good character who were not "operative masons". The men from other vocations were accepted and called "speculative" masons. Then, over many years, most members changed from operative to speculative Masons. Today, Masonic Lodge members are all considered speculative.
During the 18th century and 19th century membership became an important element of a man's personal growth, philosophy, and well being. It was, then and now, desirable for ambitious men to join as a means of social and business advancement. A popular key to stepping forward in society. By the middle of the 20th century membership reached a high point, and then began to decline. Today, most Lodges have fewer members than they did in 1950, the members are older, and the fraternity is attracting fewer applicants. Masons are concerned about membership, and asking each other what happened and why? The history of Freemasonry indicates periods of large increases and decreases. . It is, in part, this worry about declining membership that causes Masons to continually "tinker" with the traditional philosophy and ritual presentation. With the best of intentions they hope "change" will make Masonic education easier to learn, and by doing so they hope to make Freemasonry even more attractive to our ever changing world.
Are we (Masons) shooting ourselves in the foot? Let's face some awkward facts. Watering down the lessons and ritual does not bring more men to seek membership. Instead, and it sounds elitist to say so, but diluting Freemasonry seems to attract more men who are not leaders in society. There are very few Mayors, Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, politicians and other civic leaders joining Masonic Lodges anymore. Why not? The few good men of outstanding and upright character that do join us every day, are just not enough. Be that as it may, most non-masons have a favorable impression of the craft. Unfortunately, there are way too many non-masons who believe our 300 year old lessons and presentation ritual are:
- Old and irrelevant.
- Our Masonic ceremonies are pompous and dated.
- Our formal dress is no longer acceptable.
- Masonic emblems are less esteemed in modern society.
The sad fact is that there are quite a few non-Masons that know very little about the fraternity - but ridicule it anyway. We need to improve our message. It is easy to ridicule almost any activity by making it sound foolish. Freemasonry must improve it's image with the general public. At the same time, we must not forget how we got here. It is the philosophy, moral and ethical lessons and the ritual that combine to improve individuals. If Freemasonry must shrink for a time, so be it - but we should not be quick to change the standards brought forward from 1717.
Freemasonry is designed to be timeless.
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