Spotlight (December 2007)

Getting more masonry into men

There is an old adage that it is better to get more masonry into men than more men into masonry. This may seem to run counter to the call for more recruits into freemasonry, but what it means is that new initiates should know more about the Order they have just joined. That, too, applies to long-serving masons, whose knowledge of the Craft is often less than they claim.
The decision of Grand Lodge on 12 December to appoint a Grand Orator and to mirror this at Provincial level has added to the importance of education as key factor in the life of a lodge. Buckinghamshire has appointed Gordon Robertson as its first Provincial Orator, and he is available to attend lodges to give any of a current series of seven talks comprising two each on the three degrees plus an historic talk, each lasting about ten minutes.
In addition, the Bucks Lodge for Masonic Research is available to send speakers along to lodges and give short talks on a wide variety of topics which can make for an interesting evening. Unfortunately, too many lodges take the easy option and opt for a practice degree. This, they argue, enables a Master who might not otherwise have work during his year to perform a ceremony.
That may well be true, but it is boring. Watch the numbers attending drop as soon as a practice degree appears on the Summons. Freemasonry is rich in history and tradition, with dozens of fascinating lectures available to be given to lodges. Do you know why the furniture in a lodge is there and where it originated? Do you know the story behind the apron? Why is the initiate dressed as he is when he first enters the lodge? Would you like to know?
There is another good reason why many of these lectures are useful – they can be given in front of a non-masonic audience. All that is ‘secret’ in freemasonry are the modes of recognition. So, instead of the ubiquitous practice degree with a handful of members present, the numbers can be doubled by a lecture and ‘white table’ for non-masons.
Many masons go right through their career knowing almost nothing about the Craft outside the three degree ceremonies. Many can recite, for example, the Second Tracing Board word-perfect, but it is not so much learning masonic passages parrot-fashion that is worthwhile as understanding what freemasonry is all about.
Why not give it a go next time you are without a candidate?

John Jackson