I'm a proud Freemason! Someone asked me recently why I am a Freemason. What’s the point? Well, I can tell you. We have secrets, undoubtedly. But that’s not a sinister thing. It’s a cool part of the intrigue and mystery, that makes the organisation so appealing. We meet a few times a year on a formal basis. Our meetings are followed by a meal. It’s a lovely setting, with like-minded people, who have some things in common. …….. But what are those things? Well, we all strive to be better people. We strive to be the best we can be within our communities. And as Companions, to reinforce and strengthen our spirituality Freemasonry has secrets, in part, because the message they hold is more impactful when delivered that way. We are taught to be just men. Just and honourable. To treat people “on the square”. To render every kindness that may be required to others. To act to others as we would have them act towards us.
We are taught to be charitable, thoughtful, noble in word and deed. Merciful and generous with our time and resources. We are taught all of those things and more, through a series of allegorical “plays”, in which the Masonic “secrets” are communicated. And why do we do that? Why not just say the lessons, why bother with the secrets and the mystery? ….. Well……let’s consider that. If I say to you, all of the things above, about our message, you nod and say “sure, they are all worthy things to do”. But, instead, if I show you the message in a real life example, a show, a play, where you have to look at what’s happened and seek for the underlying meaning, to really think about what message the play is trying
to convey through its imagery, don’t you think that has a better chance of becoming a way of life? Tell me something, and I’ll listen. Show it to me, make me THINK about it, make me work out the meaning and look for a deeper truth, and it will become part of my thinking. That’s the main reason we have our meetings and keep our secrets as far as I’m concerned. Because the “plays” force people to truly examine them, examine themselves, and come out as better versions of themselves, because of that examination. The irony is, that some of the “secrets” that people ridicule and are afraid of, like a “Masonic handshake”, came about because Freemasons were persecuted, attacked and killed historically, driving the organisation into being more reclusive. Society caused the very thing that it now complains about. But, it’s time to change that. It is time for Freemasonry to take its rightful place, as a force for good in the world……. Because that’s what it is. Freemasonry is second only to the National Lottery in terms of charitable donations in the UK. We provide massive amounts of relief to people’s suffering and assistance where it is most needed. From air ambulances, to blood bikes, to fire engines, then to care homes, youth hostels, shelters and food banks. From helping people get life-altering treatment that isn’t available on the NHS, to helping a young ballet dancer be able to go to study at the feet of masters in Moscow because there was no other way of being able to afford to pursue her dream. Funding a disabled football team to represent GB in the World Special Olympics and return with their gold medals! Freemasonry is stunning. It has given me some amazing friends, the knowledge that wherever I go in the country (or indeed the World), there will be a place where I will be welcomed as someone with whom there is a bond, an understanding and a camaraderie.
I cannot begin to explain how much it has changed my life, my outlook, my spirituality and my desire to continually strive to chip away at my rough edges, to further smooth and prepare the stone block of my life and render it fit for the hands of a more expert workman to shape into a fit member of society. I see articles and reports of the terrible incidents happening across the world and I am sad. The way things are currently, we don’t need more people in Freemasonry………. We need more Freemasonry in people. We need more messages of compassion, of honour, of truth and of charity. More time to love thy neighbour and to be more tolerant of those who live among and alongside us. These are the messages of Freemasonry. These are the messages that should be inculcated in every fibre of our daily lives. And these are the reasons that I try so hard to improve myself and be a better person. Sometimes I fail. I go back to the individual I recognise existed within me just a few years ago. But I can at least recognise when that happens and I try very hard to fix it. Freemasonry taught me that. Shame on anyone for casting doubt or cynicism, on one of the most amazing organisations I have ever come across. I am a Freemason. I couldn’t be more proud