It has been almost a year for me since I entered the mysteries of Freemasonry. July 27th will mark my first year as a Master Mason and it is one of those occasions that will stick with me for the rest of my life. What I found most remarkable about this adventure was that all of my preconceived notions about “the craft” were, of course, incorrect. Unless you’ve actually been through the process, you can’t really appreciate what it means for those who take it upon themselves to join this ancient order of brothers.
Freemasonry is not what most people think, especially since its been sensationalized so much in books, movies and the media. It is absolutely exciting in its own way, but we don’t spend our time guarding the lost bloodline of Christ or vast treasures hidden beneath our nations capital. But, we do guard a certain intangible treasure, more valuable than all the gold in King Solomon’s mines; the treasure of brotherhood, truth and unconditional love. I had thought that these concepts were in danger of vanishing from the face of our beautiful planet, but now I know that they are alive and well in the hearts and minds of those I call “brother”.
As I sit here writing this article, looking at the square and compasses over my desk, I smile recalling the night I made it Master Mason. Each of the steps I’ve taken along this path have been memorable, partly because of what was involved in getting me there, but mostly because from the moment I first stepped into the lodge as an initiate I am always surrounded by people who are genuinely happy to see me and who have never treated me as a “stranger”. My brothers give willingly of their time to bring others into the craft, not for money or personal gain, but to help us all become better individuals. Beyond the lodge, they continue to build a sturdy foundation for all the world to build upon, a foundation built with the strongest stones of morality and truth. There is nothing about my life that has not changed and improved as a result of my membership in the lodge. I see the world with a compassionate and patient gaze, realizing the totality of my participation in the whole of society. For me, Freemasonry represents all the best qualities of being a man, of being a HUman. My path to Master Mason reminds me to be more cognizant of my interactions with my peers, friends and family. The lessons I have learned have helped me through rough times, lighting the way to the end of the tunnel in times of darkness.
The Lodge I belong to is located in Colonial Williamsburg, one of three privately owned buildings in the historic town. Whenever I go to the lodge, the entire experience intensifies for me since we’re steeped in such a historically rich area. Some of the members of my lodge are characters for the Colonial Williamsburg experience, such as a brother who plays George Washington, one of the most famous American Masons. Though our lodge has been rebuilt over the years, time ravaging all things, it still retains that air of history and mystery from the 1700s, in which it was originally built.
Being a Mason, whether I’m in Lodge or in my home, has enriched my life beyond the ability for words to articulate. The lessons and experiences keep me warm even when I am not there. I know that no matter how long I stay away, as life has a way of pulling us in so many directions, I can walk into my Lodge, or any other Lodge in the world, and I will be welcomed as brother and friend. I know that I can implicitly trust any of my brothers and I know that when I am in trouble, they will be there. And they know that when they are in trouble I will be there.
Freemasonry is not what you think. It has its “secrets” and “mysteries”, which I will not reveal to you because that is not our way. But, again, the secrets are not what you would expect and they have no meaning when they are simply printed. The mysteries are not written down because words are not enough, words are seldom enough, to completely articulate what it means to be called “brother”. There are many books on Masonry, such as “Born in Blood” and “The Idiots Guide to Freemasonry”, which is where I began my journey. The best way to understand and learn about Freemasonry is by talking to a Mason.
If you are interested in Freemasonry, I have a few words to consider before you seek out myself or my brothers.
-- Do not worry about how much time you can commit, but understand about how much of your heart you can share.
-- Do not worry about the dangers of the rituals, but understand that you are always among friends.
-- And do not worry about embracing the path blindly, but understand that your inner light will guide the way.
To be a mason, you must be a man over 18, you must believe in a supreme being, and you must be sponsored by two Master Masons. Being a mason is much more than showing up for a meeting, turning in an application and paying your dues. In the beginning, just as when Deity created the universe and all its wonder, your path to Master Mason will require work before you can rest on grass among brothers.