The Business of Freemasonry Masonry is debated to be MANY things depending on who you are talking to. One thing that no one talks about is the business of Freemasonry. Brethren like to dispute regularity and things like that but outside of that argument, someone makes the material to do so. For those that know, the cost of Masonic regalia can reach the thousands. Let us consider these items. Apron, gloves, ritual (Duncan and or Lesters) and if proper suit/tuxedo and the like. Then there are items like collars, officer pins and more, and that’s just individual Masons! (Collars for officers). Then there are key items like lodge furniture, as well as banners rods, and more. So if one buys all that, how can one say you are NOT a Mason? People counter the argument by comparing it to Fraternities which are centralized. Masonry however is NOT centralized. This is even shown in the ritual where Masons in ancient times met at a “High hill or low dale” Buildings never came into the mix until the creation of the “organization” of Masonry. Not necessarily a bad thing, however I think one can easily become driven for the appearance of Masonry and forget the essence of Masonry. Today it seems, we are concerned more with the appearance of looking like a Mason versus being a Mason. All the trinkets symbols and aprons mean nothing if you forget WHERE you were FIRST made a Mason. We often see pictures of Brothers in REGAL regalia but when ask them…..come you… they are quick to say “This isn’t the time nor place” yet the business of Masonry empowers many to feel true. This is how the Business of Masonry an perverted the Essence of Masonry The comparison I draw, is similar to the life of Jesus in the Bible. Twice was it documented Jesus Christ reacted very strongly against money in the church, going so far as to assault them for turning “his Father’s house into a den of thieves.” Some would say that is a bit extreme but can we not say the same for the Craft? Illustrating the example that Jesus never himself cut, carve, mark, stained, etc. himself and even met at high twelve and low twelve (Example meeting Nicodemus). Jesus made use of the environment to handle the business at hand. Never overly engaged in the exterior trappings, he maintained His premise & essence and I think that there is an example that can be adhered to with regards to Masonry. Though Business is important to Masonry (as evident of the position of Treasurer and Secretary) the true Business of Masonry lies not in Roberts Rules of Order and figuring when and how to raise to funds for events, but to continue the development and evolution of good men making them better. Everything purchased is a representation of something and that should not be forgotten. Items should be purchased if possible to better understand what is demonstrated in the ritual and VSL. This is not to say items should be omitted as they serve key points, but they should not serve as centerpieces. Symbols are items of representation that convey meaning or message. When symbols become the focus, it becomes idolized and we can forget the message in the brand. Masonry is a peculiar institution that has existed before time immemorial and those symbols are a testament to that. They allude to a science and philosophy and the business is secondary to that, never to overtake that.
SMIB Bro. L. David Stewart II, 33° K.T. Seth Lodge of Research #7
ldavid@icmstudies.org References. Duncan, M. C. (2001). Duncan's Masonic ritual and monitor: To the degrees of mark master, past master, most excellent master, and the royal arch : explained and interpreted by copious notes and numerous engravings[. Bensonville, IL: published and distributed by Lushena Books, Inc. The Holy Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by His Majesty's special command. (1995). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Lester, R. P. (2004). Lester's Look to the east: A revised ritual of the first three degrees of masonry, a complete work of the entered apprentice, fellow-craft and master-mason's degrees, with their ceremonies, lectures, &c. also constitution & by-laws of the lodge and officers' installation. Belle Fourche: NuVision Publications.