Documenti di Didattica
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FREEMASON
VOL. 38 SPRING 2010 NUMBER 3
FREEMASON
The LOUISIANA FREEMASON is the Official
Two of the Graduating Classes from
your Louisiana Masonic Learning Center
Publication of The Grand Lodge of the State of of Louisiana Dyslexia Training Program
Louisiana, F & A.M., 5800 Masonic Drive, Alex- are featured on this issue’s cover.
andria, Louisiana 71301. Published quarterly for These children and their parents or
members of Lodges in Louisiana. U.S. rate only.
Mailed ‘Non-Profit Organization’ third class, pre-
guardians dedicated an hour after school,
paid at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. five days a week for two years in order to
The LOUISIANA FREEMASON will accept complete the course work. A great deal
unsolicited articles, with the right to edit, and use of appreciation and gratitude is warranted
when space permits. Articles and pictures become
the property of the magazine. Authors are requested for their commitment.
to sign articles and include their name, address, However, if it weren’t for a portion of
phone number and, if a member, the name of their your dues, Lodge and individual dona-
Masonic Lodge. Articles that are printed do not
tions and fund raising activities in the
necessarily reflect the views of the Grand Lodge
of Louisiana. State, this program could not be offered
Address Changes should be sent to the Lodge or sustain its rapid growth and future
Secretary who will notify the Grand Secretary on needs. These picture are a small reminder
the proper form. DO NOT send changes of address
to the Louisiana Freemason. Send all email, mail of the great work your Fraternity’s chari-
and /or material for consideration for publication table dollars provide.
in the Louisiana Freemason to: An accompanying article for each
W: Steven A. Pence, P.M. Editor
graduation can be found in the Lodge
The LOUISIANA FREEMASON
105 Bayhills Dr., News Section of the magazine.
Benton, LA 71006
Email: storm52@bellsouth.net
7
continued from page 3
Grand Master’s Message:
losses mean to us. This loss of operating funds is bad enough but there are deeper,
more troubling effects to this loss of membership.
One of those effects is a lack of potential leadership for our Lodge. We are at
the point where immediately after raising, we put a newly made Brother in a posi-
tion of responsibility. In many cases it is unfair to the newly raised Brother as he
does not have enough knowledge of Lodge operations in order to serve properly.
Unfortunately that is what many, if not most, Lodges are forced to do in order to
survive. Another effect is the lack of Brothers qualified to take part in degrees. Many
Lodges rely on sister Lodges to confer degrees for them. This is not an enviable
position in which to be. Brothers I point out these issues in order to make you aware
that, I feel, we are at a critical point with this decline in membership. We must act!
YOU must act. It is no longer permissible to sit idly by and watch membership
decline. We must do everything within our power to stop this attrition. We must
use the tools we have in order to stem the losses. Should the tools we have prove
insufficient we then we must develop new tools.
An item that each Lodge should pay particular attention to is the number of
“orphaned” or “stranded” Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Masons. Last year
M:W: Brother Jeff Webb, PGM, encouraged Lodges to contact these Brothers
that have fallen through the cracks and attempt to bring them back so they could
finish their degree work. It is my intention to reinforce that policy and to encour-
age Lodges to contact these Brothers and, should they show interest, expedite the
completion of their degrees. Should this require a dispensation, you can rest assured
that it will be forthcoming, just make the request. I have instructed our District
Deputy Grand Masters to check with each Lodge and review what they are doing
to expedite bringing these Brothers back. It is my fervent prayer that each Lodge
will embrace this program and work toward reducing these unacceptable losses.
May God Bless each and every one of you.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Woody D. Bilyeu
Grand Master, 2010-2011
8
continued from page 5
Opening on The First Degree:
the Masonic community around the world today. Perhaps an effort should be made
to contact those jurisdictions that have already repealed the regulation
and find out more about the benefits and possible problems they have
encountered with the change. Through this acquired knowledge we
will be able to make a more informed decision based on fact not just
emotions, adherence to the status quo and apprehension of change.
We should never dismiss a suggestion merely because it fails to
comport with the way things have always been done. I feel that it is
only a matter of time before this will happen, not only in Louisiana,
but the rest of the nation as well. Some day we will all wake up to the
fact and realize that our Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts are truly masons,
and that they, in the proper situations, should enjoy the rights and privileges to set
among us as brothers.
The Louisiana Masonic License Plates are ready to order! The charities of The
Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, F & AM receive 100% of the extra cost as-
sociated with this special license plate. You do not loose any equity in your current
plate and this will be good public exposure for Freemasonry. The new Library &
Museum Foundation will be one of the recipients of these new funds.
All of the ordering information is available from the computer or you may go
to your local Office of Motor Vehicles to purchase.
To order online:
www.omv.dps.state.la.us
Under “Vehicle Services” Click on: “Special Plates” Click: Continue
Enter the License Plate number you are replacing Click: Submit
Under “Select One”, scroll down to Organization/Service and continue
down and click on Grand Lodge
Click on: “Ordering Details” Click on: “Order Form”
Fill out form, print and mail with proper documentation
(Copies of: Registration Cert., Proof of Insurance, Dues Card & Check)
9
Charity Begins at Home
by
David A. Roach, PM Solomon Lodge #221
harity is the superstructure of Freemasonry. If that superstructure begins
A. 102 counties out of 254 in Texas are named for Freemasons. Some famous
names you may recognize are, Stephen F. Austin, James Bowie, David Crockett,
Sam Houston, James Madison, James K. Polk, and George Washington.
11
ATHENS #136
Honesty & Integrity Program
Athens Masonic Lodge No. 136 met to honor five high school juniors with the
Honesty and Integrity Award. The recipients were Michaela McCowen, Alexandra
Crain, Kelsey Lee, Cole Spigener, and Jason Marcantel. Kelsey Lee was unable to
attend due to previously scheduled school activity. The brethren and guests were
welcomed by W: James C Slaton, WM. The Worshipful Master introduced Bro. Na-
than Jump who gave an inspiring talk on the characteristics of honesty and integrity.
Each student was introduced and were presented with a framed certificate.
Following the awards presentation, everyone retired to the fellowship room to
enjoy a delicious meal of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings.
L:R - W: James Slaton, WM, Jason Marcantel, Cole Spigener, Michaela McCowen,
Alexandra Crain, and Bro. Nathan Jump
LIVONIA #220
Honesty & Integrity Awards
Livonia # 220 of New Roads, held an open meeting to recognize two recent,
local graduates. They were recognized for there display of honesty and integrity.
Kristina Verzwyvelt was accompanied by her mother Kim Verzwyvelt. Her father
Thomas was unable to attend. Hunter Bordelon was accompanied by his parents
Donald and Liz Bordelon. Both students graduated in May from False River
Academy. Kristina will be attending ULL in the fall. Hunter will be attending a
medical training school to become an EMT.
These young students were chosen by their school administrators to receive this
award and a check for $100.00 dollars each. They felt they met the criteria needed
to receive this honor. The guest speaker for the evening was Sheriff Bud Torres, of
Pointe Coupee parish, who was accompanied by his wife Neysa. Sheriff Torres
spoke about the importance of being honest in all that we do.
The Masons and their wives wished these students the best in their future en-
deavors.
Front Row L:R - Justin Martin, Taylor Auttonberry, Tommy Glynn Williamson, Sarah Diana Caskey,
Seth Randall Rushing and Natalie Brooke Springfield.
Back Row: R: W: Michael A Watts, DDGM 6th District and W: Gerald R Robinette, WM
R: W: Michael Watts, DDGM was the guest speaker for the evening and as-
sisted W: Gerald Robinette, WM in making presentations to the six recipients from
Lakeview High, Saline High and Castor High schools.
18
THEODORE ROOSEVELT #415
Honesty & Integrity Night
L:R - Martin Marino, Courtney Schindler, Timothy Krennerich, Ariel Davis and W: Edgar L Lea-
PM WM
The Lodge held its annual Honesty and Integrity Award night with fifty-six
members, guests and visitors in attendance. The Lodge selected three high school
students for the awards based on their achievements and individual belief in the
principles of honesty and integrity.
Martin Marino, District VI Jefferson Parish School Board member, was in at-
tendance and thanked the Lodge for taking the time to recognize these students.
Receiving the awards this year were Timothy Krennerich and Courtney Schindler
of Grace King High and Ariel Davis of Slidell High.
SLIDELL #311
Honesty & Integrity Night
The Lodge presented the Honesty & Integrity Award to three deserving stu-
dents with fifty-three members, guests and visitors in attendance. R: W: Frank N
duTreil, Jr., GSW was the keynote speaker and addressed the audience with a talk
on Respect. Stephen Harding of Slidell High, Rebecca Brewer of Salmen High and
Taylor Putfark of Northshor High were the recipients this year.
This can be a relatively easy way to ensure the future of your Fraternity
and as a personal reward, reduce your taxes on your personal estate.
You can even specify the charity you wish to benefit or create a special
endowed fund in your name or in the memory of a loved one or special
brother who meant a great deal to your life.
You have the option to use several efficient vehicles such as an Annuity,
Trust, Charitable Gift Annuity, Testamentary Trust, etc. to accomplish
your personal objective.
Once established your name or the name of your special designee will be
cast in bronze and permanently displayed at your Grand Lodge
20
CENTER #244
Honesty & Integrity Awards
Four students were honored with the Honesty & Integrity Award by the mem-
bers of Center Lodge. W: Dallas M Alford-PM WM welcomed the honorees and
the members, guests and visitors gathered for this occasion. The recipients were
Tiffani Thomas, David Walker, Kebrina Young and Austin Rome.
The guest speaker for the event was District 12 State Senator Ben Nevers who
challenged the students to continue to work hard with the same determination
they have exhibited thus far. He presented each student with a certificate from
his office. W: M: Alford presented the recipients with a plaque recognizing their
achievements.
L:R David Walker of Bogalusa High; Tiffani Thomas of Ben Ford Christian; W: Dallas Alford, WM;
Kebrina Young of Bogalusa High; Austin Rome of Bogalusa High and Senator Ben Nevers.
M: W: Woody
Bilyeu, GM
23
HURD MERRILL #454 F & AM
St. Jude’s Trip
On June 6th a group of husbands
and wives from, Hurd Merrill and
Fairest Star Chapter No. 235 OES, in
Livingston, prepared a Louisiana meal,
at THE TARGET HOUSE, in Memphis,
Tenn. for staff, children, and families. L:R -Jimmy Alford, Berlin Hunt, Aaron Hughes,
The Target House provides, free of Conrad Wall, Buddy Williamson Sr., Phillip
Woods, and Bobby Sullivan. Not pictured Alford
charge, fully equipped apartments for
Kemp
families, parents and children with long
term treatment at St. Jude Childrens
Hospital.
The combined group, prepared Gum-
bo, Jambalaya, and fried fish with all the
trimmings, in the Target House kitchen
and dinning area. This has become an
annual event and was inspired by W:
Bro Phillip R Wood after his grandson,
Trevor Vanpran, a patient there now,
was diagnosed with a rare form of
leukemia.
The food was provided from dona- L:R - Clara Hughes, Geraldine Woods, Janet
tions from both Hurd Merrill and Trinity Williamson, Janie Alford, and Janet Kemp.
Union.
24
LIBERTY #123F & AM
Visting Lodge
On May 13th, members of Landmark Lodge #214 (Keithville) traveled to Lib-
erty Lodge in Keatchie for a time of fellowship and Masonic education. Thirteen
members of Landmark joined nine members of Liberty for a dinner of fried fish
and all of the expected sides.
W: Bro Andrew Bing presented the educational program with emphasis on
proper use of the rods in the three degrees.
Liberty Lodge made tentative plans to join Landmark Lodge in June as well
as making this an annual event. W: Bro Bing will provide a masonic talk on the
apron, proper means to purge a Lodge and other interesting topics.
Those in from Landmark were: W: Bro Warren Williams; Bro Kurt Kinard, JW;
W: Billy Russell, PM-WM; W: Bro Mickey Gilcrease; W: Bro Dale Harper, PM-
Treasurer; W: Bro Eric Harper; W: Bro Albert Hinson; W: Bro Durwood Lindsey,
PM-Tyler; Bro Chip Rogers, JD; Bro Ed Lazarus; W: Bro Jimmy Oates; W: Bro
Glenn Hunt; Bro J C Wallace, SD; and Bro Tony Wallace, SW.
27
SSCL of CERTIFICATE MASONS
Recognition
What began as a small group of
Masons that met to study and maintain
proficiency in the Craft’s esoteric work
has grown into tight knit ‘lodge’ with
regular meetings followed by a festive
board. In order to bring some excite-
ment and breathe new life into the
study, the recitations are at times ac- L:R - W: Bro Gary Gribble, W: Bro Hoyt Hooper
companied with Renaissance, Baroque (new inductee), W: Bro Jim Allen, W: Bro Carey
and Classical musical work or could Allison (new inductee) and R:W: Ed Durham,
GJW
even presented as Gregorian chant.
As the allegories reveal their deeper
esoteric meanings, the group is able to
express them in differening styles, while
the words themselves remain forever
unchanged.
One of the highlights of the group’s
activities is the presentation of the
SSCL of CM’s Certificate and Jewel L:R - M: W: Bro Bruce Easterly, M: W:
along with the sign of recognition. The Woody Bilyeu, GM new member and W: Bro
accompanying photographs were taken GaryGribble.
during recent presentatons.
A. The lodge room was so crowded that the Grand Lodge Officers could not
enter, so they were sent to the ladies’ powder room to open the lodge.
30
The Grand Lodge Masonic Cemetery located at 400 City Park Avenue,
New Orleans, LA, announces the completion of three, newly constructed
columbarium sites on the premises of Cemetery 2 of the Grand Lodge Ma-
sonic Cemetery.
Each columbarium has 24 cremation niches on each side for a total of 48
niches for each columbarium. Choice of cremation niches are available for
purchase on a first come, first serve basis.
As it is a Masonic cemetery, the purchaser must be either a Mason or the
wife, child, parent, grandchild, grand-parent, brother or sister of a Mason.
The price for each niche is $1,500.00. The purchase package price includes
a bronze niche plate indicating the name of the person to be interred in said
niche and the birth year date.
The Cemetery Sexton, Alfortish Enterprises, Inc., will process the sale of all
columbarium niches. Their office telephone number is: 504-393-2026.
W
when the Worshipful Master at the end of the Degree informed us that we would
be required to commit to memory a greater portion of the ceremony which we
had just completed, in order to advance to the next Degree. We were assigned a
Coach, many times someone whom we knew and had a close association with who
would take us through the tedious, gut-wrenching hours of learning, repeating, re-learning,
repeating and finally getting to the point that our Coach was satisfied that we could stand
before our Lodge and not embarrass ourselves or our Coach and repeat the many answers
to the questions for the catechism of the Degree. For some, it was easy to remember and
repeat; for others it took many sessions with the Coach. Regardless, we stood before the
Altar and repeated the answers drilled into our head concerning the Degree - from a begin-
ning that made little sense due to it all happening before we entered the Lodge, to the end
when we could say “West of the Altar!” We realized that we had gone through a ceremony
that everyone in the Lodge had endured and passed. Then we moved to the next Degree and
again were told that for advancement we would need to commit to memory major portions
of the Degree; and this time the learning seemed easier and shorter - with repetition from
the First Degree being slightly altered. It moved faster and we became more confident when
we appeared the second time before the Altar in our Lodge, knowing that we would not
confuse words and phrases from the First with words and phrases from the Second. Then
to the next, the Third, the FINAL Degree! Some learned and repeated that Degree work,
some did not because it was not required. We were done with memorizing. We were told
that we had advanced as far as anyone could ever go - Master Mason - anything else was
icing on the cake. We were done with standing before a Lodge of our peers and hoping
that our minds would not forsake us and the words and phrases drilled into our heads would
all come out in the proper order. We were a member, on the Level, and never needed to
memorize anything again.
Well, Truth is stranger than fiction, and the fiction that we were done with memorizing
was just that. Strangely, Truth revealed itself within hours of our Raising when we were
asked to learn a Lecture, or take a part in an upcoming Degree, or even sit in an Officer’s
Chair for an Opening or Closing. More memorization.
Was it necessary to memorize all of the answers to questions about a Degree if we were
to become active and involved and would witness many, many times. If we were not active
and involved, what purpose did it serve? Did the majority of those men who joined and
who would never be active or involved really serve any purpose and did they remember any
of the memorized words and phrases for any period of time following their Raising? Too
many men regurgitated the words, spit them out in the correct order, and left them where
they landed never to use them again. Too many never took the time to realize that the words
really meant to prepare all who took the Journey of Freemasonry for the “meaning of the
lessons” behind the words. Today, listening to the lectures of the Degrees still makes me
feel amazed at how the words come out and touch me and bring me closer to what I am
supposed to be trying to be; to remind me that I am a part of something very important
in the world; that surrounding me are like-minded men who have sworn to help, aid, and
support me - all Brothers.
continued next page
34
continued from previous page
Memorization - Of What Benefit?:
The purpose of memorization is many fold, in my opinion. Firstly, it places us with
someone whom we get to know very well - another member of Masonry who will take
valuable time to coach, teach, mentor, stand beside and uphold me for the rest of my life,
and I, him. To this day, Worshipful Brother Walter Pilcher has my undying appreciation
for taking me under his wing and being my Coach. He was an insurance agent, and to him,
time was money - if he missed a call, he could miss securing another insurance policy; if
he failed to respond to a policy holder’s needs, he could risk losing a customer - yet, he
took his time to coach me. I remember the two of us walking out in his pasture behind his
home in Greenwell Springs during the early June mornings when dew was still on the high
grass, and the cattle looked at us curiously as we walked and talked and I learned. Secondly,
my coach did not just teach me words, he taught me lessons, he told me of traditions and
shared stories of other Brethren in the Lodge, he gave me reasons for why the wording was
so strange, why passages from the Degree related to passages in the Bible that I had never
realized were related to Freemasonry; he set me on the path of Freemasonry. And he taught
me some lessons of life that I probably would have missed without his guidance - lessons
about dealing with different types of people, all Brothers, but different. That may have been
the most valuable part of the hours with my Coach.
We have all witnessed a man who has examined himself - questions and answers and
zipped through all three Degrees. We have also probably witnessed a man who struggled
with the memory work and made it through the answers with major pauses and a few word-
ing rearrangements - all passable, but not word perfect. But I ask you to also think - of
the two, who stayed and attended and became involved and worked at his Masonry and
lived his Masonry to the best of his abilities - the self-assured man who zipped through or
the struggling man who tried to make sense of the phrasing? My guess would be that the
one who struggled had invested more and the Degrees had more value, and he would thus
stay to learn more and polish and increase his knowledge. Perhaps that is not always the
case, but he who sees more value in his membership will always remain involved longer.
Advancement in Masonry means more than going from Degree to Degree after successful
recitation of a catechism.
Should men be required to commit to memory the greater part of each Degree? Are men
who volunteer to be Coaches wasting their time when a man never returns to become ac-
tive, or never completes his Degree work? Is memorization uniformly required throughout
Freemasonry? Are the catechisms uniform from state to state? How do other States deal
with advancement? It varies, and many States have completely deleted the long question
and answer catechism requirements and moved to a candidate understanding the Degree
before advancement. How is that accomplished?
Quickly looking into each State’s advancement requirements can give a better answer to
Grand Lodge methods nationally - Where is recitation of Degree work still required with
memorization and examination prior to advancement - Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut,
Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia - 23 require various detailed
recitation of all or major parts of the catechism, with some requiring additional written
understanding of Degrees.
The following States have requirements for advancement other than memorization -
Arizona requires a study of the history, philosophy and symbolism together with the steps,
signs and grips - learning the catechism is optional; California requires the Obligations, signs
continued page 36
35
continued from page 35
Memorization - Of What Benefit?:
and modes of recognition, an open book proficiency is given before each Degree, learning
the catechism is optional; Colorado requires signs and grips, Obligations are optional; the
District of Columbia requires the modes of recognition and penalties in each Obligation,
the Master must see to the instruction within one month of Degrees, and each Lodge has
the option of requiring a written or oral research paper of speech following each Degree
prior to declaring proficiency; Hawaii has the option of limited memorization with a Ma-
sonic educational program; Idaho requires limited recitation before the Lodge or before a
Committee and working tools, Obligations, methods of recognition and a written test on the
symbolism of each Degree; Illinois requires suitable proficiency determined by the Master
of the Lodge; Indiana requires knowledge of steps, due guards, signs, tokens, words and
provides a mentoring program; Iowa requires signs, words, grips and completing a Masonic
Enlightenment Course; Kansas requires limited memorization and Lodges each set their
standard; Maine requires limited memorization; Massachusetts requires that a candidate
attend a District Lodge of Instruction and receive a certificate after each Degree with a 4th
Class on appendant bodies following his 3rd Degree - each Lodge may require memorization
as it deems appropriate; Michigan requires signs, passwords and several sentences; Mis-
souri has no memorization and candidates may receive a Degree at each following meeting;
Montana requires limited memorization; Nebraska requires limited memorization; New
Mexico requires limited memorization; North Dakota requires limited memorization; Ohio
has one-day Classes and the Grand Master can exempt all Candidates from any memoriza-
tion other than Obligation, step, due guard, sign, grip and words, Lodges conferring may
determine what standard they chose to use on each candidate; Pennsylvania examines each
Candidate in the preparation room as to the grip, due guard, words and a short list of ques-
tions on the prior Degree; South Dakota uses an educational format with limited memory
work; Utah uses an Alternate Proficiency Program with written material that the candidates
studies and answers written questions, and must know the Obligations, words, signs and
a Master Mason test oath; Virginia requires candidates to know signs, due guards, grips,
words, and understand the Obligations, attend a course on ideals, philosophy, charities,
structure, history and customs is taught; Washington requires knowledge of Obligations,
signs, words, grips and all modes of recognition, and uses an educational program for each
Degree and to demonstrate knowledge before the Lodge votes to advance; Wisconsin has
limited memorization and an extensive educational program; Wyoming uses long and short
forms of proficiency and a candidate is examined by a committee before advancement - 26
states use modified proficiency for advancement.
What does Louisiana really require? In 2003, Grand Master Joe Cabuk issued a let-
ter, short of an Edict, saying prior to 1850 there was no memorization requirement, and
statistics showed that 1 out of every 3 Entered Apprentices dropped out, with over 5,000
Entered Apprentices quitting since 1980. Therefore, Grand Master Cabuk stated that total
and complete memorization of all catechisms would no longer be required in Louisiana.
Instead Lodges had to establish a program of classes where Masons could study, discuss,
and memorize catechisms. “Consistent with the original historic tradition of Masonry”, one
or more Masons could recite the catechism in the presence of candidates, pausing as needed
to insure that the candidate understood the meaning, and know now to give the step, sign,
and passes. This did not require any memorization, and might be done immediately after
a degree. Prior to this, Entered Apprentices were required to memorize 180 questions, and
Fellowcrafts were only somewhat shorter. Now, proficiency could be shown to a com-
mittee of 3, and a majority vote of the Lodge would be the sole judge of each candidate’s
continued next page
36
continued from previous page
Memorization - Of What Benefit?:
proficiency. The Lodge must be “satisfied”. However, at the Grand Lodge in 2004, the Law
was changed only to allow alternatively a committee of three to examine and report on a
candidate’s proficiency. A candidate still had to attempt to memorize and recite the entire
catechism. This matter is today still left to the sole discretion of the individual Lodge - they
must, in the end, be satisfied.
So, does learning the answers to 180 questions in the Entered Apprentice and 125 in the
Fellowcraft make a man a proficient Mason? If he learns no more - and many do not - is he
capable of going forth and practicing Masonry? Do the words make the Mason? So many
different systems are in place in the United States - almost all are geared toward advancement
in a short period of time, not losing the man along the way, getting the candidate through,
adding a Raising to the record of the Lodge, a number - but is this Masonry?
If we profess to practice Masonry, then perhaps we should practice - education, education,
education. Light added to More Light. We in this Lodge of the Nine Muses claim to be a
Traditional Observance Lodge. This Lodge tries to do it better - because he had studied,
our first candidate amazed us with his Masonic knowledge prior to the Entered Apprentice
Degree, his advancement was measured, and he gave each of us more Light as we advanced
him. We learned with and we learned from him. May we never lose the tradition that we
have started here - may advancement in this Lodge mean a measured, proficient, educated
candidate is joining Freemasonry better prepared to practice Masonry - so mote it be!
The content of this article was presented during a meeting of the Lodge of the Nine
Muses on May 12, 2010.
A. He carried a special deputation from his Grand Master to claim the moon
as part of the territorial jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas. Today, that
proclamation still stands.
37
Freemasonry As It Relates to Social Justice
by
Clayton J. Borne, III PGM
I. INTRODUCTION
hat is it that makes an understandable definition of our Spiritual Brother-
of that society.
That having been said the obvious question that is created, the answer to which
molds and defines our Masonic identity, is, “Do we believe that the difference in
the social and economic structure of a society, of necessity, alters its preception
of social justice?” In other words, is the issue problematic or is social justice a
constant based on certain defined moral principles or standards?
A panorama of the world reveals that generally Freemasonry in Europe has
maintained its discipline and operates in an academic or “Philosophical” style. In
South and Central America, although retaining much of the philosophical character,
Freemasonry reflects a Sociological style.” In Mexico and North Africa, a “Politi-
cal” style is clearly evident.
I agree with those historians that say that North American Freemasonry with
its more affluent Society has deviated more from its roots than any other form of
Freemasonry and has developed into an almost purely “Philanthropic” style to
the neglect of much of the philosophical character for which we are known over
most of the world. Yet, even as it is different, it remains the same; it continues to
be Freemasonry.
Because of the variables in Freemasonry’s operational philosophy any specific
attempt at an all inclusive definition is difficult at best and perhaps impossible to
achieve. This is probably one of the reasons for the ambiguity in the definitions
that have been tendered over time by Masonic scholars.
The character of Freemasonry is almost paradoxical in the sense that even as
it changes it remains the same. That consistency is made possible because in all
jurisdictions there is actually some fusion or integration of styles. All evolved from
and contain aspects of the philosophical and charitable characteristics and seem to
vary only in the placement or emphasis of these disciplines.
What is certain is that no brother can actively participate in the practice of our
craft without it affecting his life. Freemasonry truly does become a way of life.
Its philosophy, if properly applied, could well serve as a guide post for human
understanding and a road map to world peace.
Now that we have established the predicate when, we are asked the question
“What is Freemasonry and what does it do?” Although each of our answers may
continue to be subjective and personal, we should all agree that Freemasonry is dia-
metrically opposed to and severely limited by a predetermined purpose or cause.
What Freemasonry is therefore, is an ideal, an esoteric tradition preserved by
good men for thousands of years. Embracing that thought I am not even sure that
Freemasonry is definable, for to define an ideal, is to limit the ideal and how can
one limit a concept whose object is perfection.
This article was presented at the Rosicrucian Society in March 2010. This is the
first of two installments.
39
The Louisiana Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
FREEMASON P A I D
P.O. BOX 12357 Baton Rouge, LA
Permit No. 920
ALEXANDRIA, LA 71315-2357
2010-2011 OFFICERS
Woody D. Bilyeu, Grand Master
Beverly J. “BJ” Guillot, Deputy Grand Master
Frank N du Treil, Jr., Grand Senior Warden
H Edward Durham, Grand Junior Warden
Joseph H. Baker, Jr., PGM Grand Treasurer
James M. Walley, PGM, Grand Treasurer “Emeritus”
Roy B. Tuck, PGM, Grand Secretary
William J. Mollere, Grand Chaplain
James E. Steen, Grand Marshal
Clifford D. Whitehead, Grand Senior Deacon
Bobby Wayne Harlan, Grand Junior Deacon
Elmo J. Pitre, Jr., Grand Sword Bearer
Travis M. Holley, Grand Pursuivant
John W. Lutes, Grand Standard Bearer
Ralph H. Owens, Grand Tyler
Willey G. Bell, III, Grand Photographer
J. Keith Gates, Grand Organist
I.C. Turnley, Jr., M.D., PGM, Grand Physician