Freemasonries

If a mathematician today is asked about geometry, you would get a stare of confusion. Why? Because there is (non) Euclidean, solid, analytical, etc geometries. Over time with more research, geometry has evolved into new branches. In a similar manner, Alan Bauer (PGM of Grand Orient of France—not recognized) said there is no such thing as Freemasonry, but rather there are Freemasonries. What did he mean? The Craft has evolved over time from a two degree system to three is the obvious.

To start with, we have regular freemasonry (us) and irregular freemasonry which covers a multitude of Grand Lodges. These might not be recognized for various reasons such as not acknowledging the existence of God or political problems with the GL.

However, it is probably as relevant a term in mainstream practice. Some GLs use the three degrees of the Scottish Rite (many differences in ritual practice, but nonetheless still ‘accepted’). Many European GLs have a chamber of reflection before the EAD to allow a candidate to think about why he is joining—a great introduction to the Craft.

We also have the Swedish Rite of degrees where the first three degrees are different but instantly recognizable to any British freemason (who can speak the language!).

Historically, older manuscripts have shown Noah rather than Hiram (Graham MS 1726) and different pass words in degrees. For example, marrow in the bone was used by many lodges and even today this word/phrase varies not only between provinces, but also local lodges. This is also applicable in signs especially the MMD. Some of the main characters, and if we include Royal Arch masonry, are different such as the names of the principals and sojourners. Attempts to standardize rituals have existed from Desaguliers (18th C) to the Duke of Sussex in 1813, but with little success and from a Scottish perspective, little interest as lodges prefer to use their own.

So returning to the original question, what are freemasonries? Possibly the best explanation could be: it is what you practice in your lodge. It is not wrong, it does not need changed and it contains all the lessons we need. However, it does require the intricate lessons to be taught properly to new candidates with an emphasis on learning rather than a conveyor belt of degrees.

Perhaps the pandemic which has changed how some lodges work and the ever decreasing number of floor workers means that this emphasis is now a necessity to survive. Some lodges might have to read ritual to continue conferring degrees. Alternatively, give PGLs a real remit—they provide degree teams at their (more regular) meetings to confer degrees on candidates unable to join their local lodge which cannot confer a degree. Their local lodge then instructs them on the meanings of the degrees.

It might also mean recognizing more—such as women freemasons, co-masons, all Prince Hall masons and maybe accepting more than one GL in one country. It might mean listening to younger brethren rather than older brethren less keen to change anything that they don’t like!

There are options and we now need to be sensible and brave, and make risky decisions to bring the Craft into a new world.