Reclaiming the Soul of Freemasonry VO LU M E O N E
Sovereign Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, Lexington, Massachusetts ISBN: 978-0-692-92136-4
© 2017 Supreme Council 33° All Rights Reserved
Dedication To Maumee Lodge No. 725, and countless other symbolic lodges throughout the United States that closed their doors because far too many Masonic leaders forgot what business they were in.
Acknowledgments This publication was brought to life by many hands. I gratefully acknowledge the enthusiasm, support, and sound advice and writing of Linda Patch, director of communications for the Supreme Council. Also, the survey work and statistical analysis performed by Linda and Bro. Leonard Cercone and all the staff at CerconeBrown Company is what made this treatise more than an opinion piece. It is backed up with solid data. Finally, I thank all my Brothers who took part in the several surveys. Much of what is said in these pages comes straight from your words and thoughts.
CONTENTS FOREWORD
The Business of Fraternity above All Else CHAPTER 1
Charting the Path Forward CHAPTER 2
The Right Message about Freemasonry for Men Today CHAPTER 3
Scottish Rite Member Study CHAPTER 4
Leadership in the Blue Lodge and the Role of Ritual CHAPTER 5
The Role of Technology CHAPTER 6
Secular Charity vs. Caring for Each Other CHAPTER 7
What This Research Teaches Us
From the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts, one can almost see the Battle Green — the exact location where the American Revolution began more than 240 years ago. History reminds us that the Revolution was led by many Freemasons. During those difficult times of political upheaval and change, Freemasonry existed as a nexus of fellowship and enlightenment. Since that time, Freemasonry has profoundly changed. Today, many Masonic leaders no longer prioritize the same lofty ideals as did our forefathers. Focus has turned from the timeless principles of our craft to the ephemeral practice of arbitrarily enforcing rules and regulations. It is painful to think about what happened to the golden age of Freemasonry, when our members cared more about each other than about edicts and procedures. Today, it seems that some leaders of the fraternity are more concerned about the needs of the institution than the needs of the members. Buildings come first. Ritual comes first. Procedures come first. Everything but our obligation to each other has been given priority. In Good to Great, the much-respected book on business success, author Jim Collins tells us, “Any great and enduring human institution must stay true to its underpinning of core values and a sense of timeless purpose that should never change.” In case study after case study, Collins shows us that if the bedrock of enduring principles is abandoned, an institution will not stagnate in mediocrity — it will go into free-fall. Collins proves that if an organization explains what it
stands for or why it exists only in terms that are murky and diluted, the institution is on a path to ruin. The single most critical question for Freemasonry, as inspired by Collins and many other great thinkers who examine organizational success and failure, is a simple one: What business are we in?
We must also squarely face these questions: Will Freemasonry, as it is practiced today, ever again lead a great movement? If not, why not? If we answer that with total honesty, what needs to change is clearly revealed. On the other hand, is our limited time here on Earth well spent in honoring the sacred obligation of caring for others? Have our timeless values been the sustaining force of the craft? If the answer to those questions is “yes,” then we see what is eternal and should not change. Facing the truths these questions bring forth is crucial if we are to survive. When they are answered with honesty, we are freed from the burden of struggling against archaic and outdated practices. We are freed to alter course and get to what is essential, reignite what is meaningful, and honor what is timeless. We can get back to the business of being a fraternity — a place of Brotherhood and caring—before all else. There is no denying that very few members actively attend our meetings — a sad and illustrative commentary on the current state of affairs. It is all too easy for men to stay home rather than endure meetings that emphasize edicts and the archaic practice of (often badly delivered) memorized ritual. It is time for all of us to reflect on our past and understand what sustained us in our proudest days—fellowship, restoring hope and dignity to those in need, and creating a better tomorrow for our Brothers and ourselves. As the saying goes, “plant a tree under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” That is why I have chosen to present this treatise. The revolution within the craft will not begin with some monumental gesture like a “shot heard ’round the world.” There will be no epic moment. It
certainly will not happen while performing ritual in front of a few officers in the narrow confines of a lodge room. The idea for Reclaiming the Soul of Freemasonry is drawn from my life as a Freemason, having been dedicated to the craft for more than 40 years. It is wrought from the changes we have made within the Scottish Rite, during my tenure as Sovereign Grand Commander, to refocus our fraternity on caring for each other. The work here is data driven and, as you will see, based on the findings, analysis, and recommendations of the 2016–2017 Scottish Rite Member and Prospect Study for Recruitment and Retention. The paradox is that dry, sterile numbers lead us to a place rich in fraternal feeling. In the end, the data circle us back to our fundamental values. We see why there is, in fact, much yearning among men today for what we have to offer. The revolution of Freemasonry will happen in the temple within each of us. Change must come, but some things must never change. The transformation we need at the dawn of the 21st century returns us to where we have always been strong — to the noble place from which one of the greatest honors of our lives is to declare to the world, “I am not just a man. I am a Freemason.”
Much has been written over the years about the decline of membership in Freemasonry. From Brother Dwight Smith’s seminal 1961 work, Whither Are We Traveling, to Laudable Pursuit: A 21st Century Response to Dwight Smith (The Knights of the North, 2005), to the many essays in The Northern Light (no small number of which I penned myself), there have been great thought and numerous ideas put forth on how to fix Freemasonry. The debates about Freemasonry have been long and passionate, with many theories and directions proffered, from de-emphasizing ritual to adopting a fundamentalist approach to the craft. And many, many changes have been made.
Yet our numbers remain in decline. On the current trajectory, what we recognize as Freemasonry will be allbut gone in fewer than 20 years. The average age of a Scottish Rite Mason is 70. Without profound intervention, this is, in the simplest of terms, unsustainable. The path Freemasonry has pursued over the past 50 years
has been judged “in the calm light of history,” using the words of Abraham Lincoln. History has not been kind, nor should it be. What was once one of the largest and most influential organizations in our nation an organization sustained by its values and led by men of character has lost three-fourths of its membership. Our standing and influence in society at large has all but disappeared. Freemasonry has determined its path to the future largely through policies based on disparate personal opinion. However, if we are to succeed, we must choose our path carefully and on the basis of clear facts and undeniable, sometimes brutal, truths. Until this is done, the fraternity will be mired in debate, and real change and advancement will continue to elude us.
This is exactly why I commissioned a major research study to help us understand — on a factual basis — how to move the fraternity forward. The study I refer to in this book is one of the most comprehensive, data-driven looks into Freemasonry completed in more than 20 years. Conducted by an independent research and marketing firm, this body of work includes two surveys one of Scottish Rite membership, and the second of non-Mason American men at large. The questions were vetted by a professional agency specializing in eliminating bias in surveys like ours. The study also included a press audit of all Freemasonry news coverage in recent years, a social media audit that catalogs all social conversations on Freemasonry, and a deep review of related writings and existing research. The results of this effort present a fact-based foundation for the path forward. It is a direction that is exciting and hopeful. What is asked of us as Freemasons is daunting, yet achievable. Most important, the path is rooted in the values and intentions of the craft of Freemasonry and the vision of Scottish Rite.
Is Freemasonry Out of Step with Society? It is no secret that membership in Freemasonry has been shrinking since its high-water mark in the mid-1950s. In speaking with Scottish Rite Brethren during this research, one detects an almost dour acceptance of the decline. There exists an insidious belief that this downward trend is not only irreversible, but also, inevitable. When asked why our craft is on the decline, representative responses include: •
Young people have too many distractions.
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Men have lost the basic beliefs that draw a man to Freemasonry.
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Millennials are inwardly focused techno-centrics with limited attention spans.
Fifteen years ago, in Laudable Pursuit: A 21st Century Response to Dwight Smith, the authors painted a grim portrait of the fraternity’s state of affairs: Freemasonry today stands in the unenviable position of being forgotten by almost three generations of men. Unlike our European Brethren, who constantly battle with anti-Masons, society in the United States has not turned against us or held us responsible for world domination. We have simply been ignored and cast on the heap with Edsels, 8-track tapes, and buggy whips. Many would agree that the intense period of membership growth in the post-World War II era was a statistical aberration. It is also clear to most that the precipitous decline began during the upheaval of the 1960s and the Vietnam War era. This was a time when many young men categorically rejected the institutions of their fathers, Freemasonry among them. Laudable Pursuit continues: When World War II ended in 1945, the United States saw a rise in civic organizations with a generation of deeply engaged individuals and WWII veterans coming of age. The rise was short lived and society once again shifted, as the perfect storm of Boomers coming of age, technology on the rise, and the counterculture of the 1960s were at the forefront.
The Vietnam War was the beginning of distrust of the establishment, driven by the counterculture of the 1960s, individualism of the 1980s, and rise of the Internet, which all left civic organizations and volunteer groups hurting for members.
With this rejection by the Baby Boomers (ages 52–70 in 2017), Freemasonry was dealt a generational blow. Without the Boomers joining as young men, the legacy custom that passed Freemasonry from father to son was broken, and new membership slowed to a crawl. These issues of declining membership are not unique to Freemasonry. Many traditional and hierarchical social groups — religious groups, business organizations, and fraternal organizations, in particular — have seen a steady decline in membership over the last few decades. There is a counterpoint, however. Society is now seeing the rise of new organizations that deepen community in powerful ways. These groups are formed by common social, political, or economic interests, and are proof that people are finding new ways to connect. Though much empirical evidence and research point to a decline of “joiners,” it is important to note that there is still a vital energy at work that creates the will to join. Much of the evidence of that will is found beyond the purview of traditional groups. This impulse to join is studied by social scientists, and is referred to by researchers as “beehiving.” This is a grassroots phenomenon that grows up from tight-knit affinity groups bound by common social, political, or economic interests.
While formal institutions such as Freemasonry may not feel this phenomenon (yet), we see it in many secular trends: fitness movements have an almost religious fervor; post-college sports groups are at an all-time high; bonding experiences in political activism and charity work abound.
Even in the face of the Internet’s effects on society, people are coming back to the belief that we need real institutions and real human connection. People know it is missing from their lives. The basic need to connect is still present: humans yearn for face-to-face interaction and conversation. This need for connection is an elemental aspect of the human spirit. It is why Freemasonry can again gain a foothold in today’s society.
Who Will Be the Next Freemasons? There is a clear desire, in terms of recruiting new Masons, to attract younger members. Many look to Millennials to fill the ranks. Seventy-six million strong, and between the ages of 21 and 38 in 2017, this is now the nation’s largest generation. At first glance, Millennials look promising: they differ from other generations in that many define success by personal satisfaction rather than material wealth. They are known to be solutionoriented. They want answers and don’t rely on past history. Instead, they choose to research their options thoroughly and quickly. Research shows the strongest values among Millennials are loyalty, equality, and responsibility; they are, therefore, predisposed to finding and delving into Freemasonry as an option for fulfillment. But are Millennials the right target? Let us tease out demographic information about Millennial men. These young men have the least money and least amount of discretionary time of the existing generations. They are at the beginning of their family and professional journeys and are least likely to find the time to join organizations and stay active. What’s more, most are missing the paternal connection that was once so strong a draw for young men to join Freemasonry.
Boomers and the Call to Service As mentioned earlier, the membership in Scottish Rite and blue lodge Masonry is aging. Our research shows that while Boomers as young men may have once turned their backs on Freemasonry, societal influences and their life stage are calling them back to our tenets and values. Consider these factors: the Boomer generation is extremely large, and its values are tied to its collective commitment to faith, friends, family, and country. On the cusp of retirement, Boomers look to the future with great optimism. They do not view retirement as a time to slow down, but rather, as a time to seek meaningful ways to use their time and money. Retirees are projected to constitute a volunteer army, and to contribute more than 58 billion hours of their time to helping others. (CEB Iconoculture Consumer Insights, 2016) Nearly 60% of Boomers believe that they will have a meaningful impact on society in retirement. (Iconoculture, 2016) Boomers are realizing the responsibility they have to give back to the community, and feel compelled by the desire to help neighbors and those in need. Indeed, for many it becomes a life passion. Responding to the call to service has become a key marker of personal identity and social status.
Boomers’ life stage aligns with Freemasonry. Even if they are no longer part of the workforce, Boomers still want to feel that they are a necessary part of society, and to put their skills and experience to good use. When asked to rank 100 values from most important (#1) to least important (#100), Boomers ranked the core values of the Scottish Rite highest of any generation, with “Justice” and “Integrity” ranking in the top 10 of all Boomer values.
The Boomer–Millennial Connection Fortunately, focusing on Boomers to increase membership ranks does not alienate other generations. In fact, focusing on the Boomer “target market” aligns the organization with attracting Millennials, as well. Research points to many similarities between the two generations:
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both want to make a difference
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both want to be heard and respected
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both see themselves as “rebels” and reject their generational stereotypes
Values common to both generations further underscore this connection. They include: •
Loyalty
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Authenticity
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Responsibility
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Courtesy
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Success
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Equality
Boomers are the Prime Target Market Through the research we conducted, it is clear that Baby Boomer men, ages 52–70 years, are the prime target to become the next wave of Freemasons. The aperture for recruiting this demographic is wide open. Further, targeting Boomers will reignite the generational cycle of Freemasonry as Millennials learn of the craft from their Boomer relatives.
Will 21st Century Men Want to Join Freemasonry?
Although societal trends provide a promising backdrop for the future of Freemasonry, and by extension, Scottish Rite, does this translate to men actually joining? To determine this, we conducted a national survey of 1,000 men, ages 21–65, who have never been Freemasons. Among those surveyed we discovered: •
nearly 81% had some level of awareness of Freemasonry
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conversely, only 20% were aware of the Scottish Rite
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fewer than 30% were aware of the values of Freemasonry
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only 25% knew that Freemasonry is a Brotherhood built on, among other things, the principle of selfless giving
The results from this non-Mason survey were staggering. The value of integrity polled at 91%, with respondents saying the value was either “important” or “extremely important” in their daily lives. Across the board, the values of Scottish Rite align closely with the values of today’s men, particularly the Boomers. After establishing an undeniable connection between the values of Freemasonry and those most commonly held by American men, the survey drilled deeper to determine what organizational attributes men find most appealing. Nearly 80% stated that they would be interested in joining an organization that “helps me
become a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for others.” Nearly 3 of 4 (73%) would be interested in joining an organization “where you will form deep and lasting friendships, regardless of race, religion, culture, or geography.”
This is a clear vote of confidence. If we raise men’s awareness of what is core to Freemasonry — fraternity, compassion, and self-realization — it stands to reason that they will join.
At its core, Freemasonry is a values-based organization. Despite this, Freemasonry has often been marketed through images of famous historical figures. Deciding how to depict what Freemasonry is about is complicated further by the need to overcome negative associations among the public. To determine how best to communicate with men today, our research study provided non-Masons with a series of statements about Freemasonry, ranging from its historical beginnings to messages of fraternity. After each statement, the survey asked if this statement improved their perception of the craft. We asked about: •
Charity
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Masonic Values
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Fraternity
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Selfless Giving
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Moral Standings
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Founding Fathers
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History
Messaging That Resonated Most with NonMasons What is immediately notable (and energizing) is that non-Masons are most likely to join organizations that reflect our craft’s most important values. Messages of compassion, integrity, and “becoming a better man” ranked highest. These findings demonstrate that not only are American men morally aligned with the beliefs of Freemasonry, but also, they are seeking out organizations able to provide experiences grounded in those beliefs.
Messaging That Resonated Least with NonMasons
The concepts that resonated least with non-Masons were the organization’s historical ties and relationship to the nation’s Founding Fathers, which have been emphasized in outreach programs to non-Masons.
Deploying the Right Message The fact that 81% of respondents had heard of Freemasonry, yet did not know our fundamental tenets, fully suggests our messaging must overtly and clearly articulate Masonic values.
The lack of understanding of what Freemasonry is about and what it offers was underscored in the survey. It will come as no surprise that among the general population of men, erroneous ideas about Freemasonry abound. These range from characterizing the fraternity as a secret society to more fantastical notions. The clear alignment of what Freemasonry stands for and what American men are seeking is a surprising reminder of how truly relevant we can be in society today. More importantly, the data indicate that when men are presented with the news of our craft with well-targeted, values-based messaging, they react in an open-hearted and positive way.
But Will They Join? We have established that societal conditions are trending in our favor. The Boomer target market is well aligned with Freemasonry. The core tenets of the craft have appeal for men today.
But the question remains, if presented with the right message, will men want to join Freemasonry? In a word, yes. Our study revealed that, when presented with messages of fraternity, integrity, compassion, and becoming a better man, 57% of American men today would consider joining Freemasonry. In absolute terms, this means 57 million American men. Read that again: 57 million—more than every man in the entire Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
How Do We Effectively Attract and Retain New Members? How then do we change course? How do we effectively attract and retain new members in order to share the values and instill the pride for which contemporary men are searching? And perhaps most importantly: if we are successful in appealing to these men, how can we be sure that their experience with Freemasonry will meet their expectations? When men take the obligation and are raised as Master Masons, and then proceed to take the
degrees of Scottish Rite, where will they find themselves? Will they be amidst a fraternity solemnly dedicated and built on the values of justice, integrity, toleration, reverence for God, service, and devotion to country? Will they be part of an organization in which age, social status, race, and wealth are irrelevant, and to which all Brothers are welcome? To gauge these questions carefully, we conducted a second study on the state of Scottish Rite membership. What do our own members most value and desire? This is what we found.
The Scottish Rite member study was conducted online. Subject matter ranged from issues troubling the blue lodge to satisfaction among members. We explored ritual, technology, leadership, and moving through the ranks to leadership positions in both the symbolic lodge and in the Scottish Rite. In total, more than 3,000 Scottish Rite Brothers participated in the survey. They provided more than 12,000 open-ended comments and suggestions. Every single one of these open responses was read, categorized, and analyzed in order to make the conclusions quantifiable. This endeavor has yielded one of the most comprehensive, detailed studies of the Scottish Rite and the state of Freemasonry completed to date.
What We Learned Scottish Rite member feedback was clear on several fronts. In summary, we gained three primary insights:
1. Members of the Scottish Rite want more of everything:
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more interaction with leadership
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more engagement with one another
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more ability to dive deeper into the craft
2. Members of the Scottish Rite want modern communication tools. Though they do not see technology as a replacement for gathering together in fraternity, they do see it as a way to enhance and augment the member experience. 3. The biggest challenges facing the Scottish Rite are related to inter-personal conflicts.
The State of the Scottish Rite: How Members See It Our study shows that, overall, members of the Scottish Rite are satisfied. In fact, only 8% of members surveyed reported being “somewhat” or “very” dissatisfied. When asked about the source of this satisfaction, 2 of 3 (67%) cited “Brotherhood, fraternity, and fellowship” as the greatest benefits of Scottish Rite membership. Tenure appears to play a role in satisfaction: those who have been members for either fewer than five years or more than 20 years reported the highest level of satisfaction. Why this is so is not clear, and more study is required. Brothers echoed the values of the Scottish Rite and its vision in their comments. When asked, “What is the greatest benefit of being a Scottish Rite member,” the following comments capture the essence of thousands of responses:
“The love and support from Brothers.” “Emphasis on being a better man.” “Brotherhood, camaraderie, and exchange of ideas.” “The lessons learned, which have aided me with a strong sense of self discipline to direct my life.”
What Can the Scottish Rite Do to Improve? When members are questioned on the areas needing improvement in our organization, 1 of 4 members (25%) indicated that interpersonal issues and relationship conflicts are a main source of dissatisfaction within the Scottish Rite. Specifically, members report that: •
There is a perception that senior members (both leaders and non-leaders) are neither welcoming, nor interested in the development, of younger members.
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48% of members agree that younger members may be judged negatively when first joining the organization.
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Conflicts between individuals and social dynamics are expressed as a reason why many new members have been hesitant to participate more in the organization.
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Members allude to factions existing among the member base (e.g., ritualists, those in favor of reforms, etc.) that are aligned with issues that have become flashpoints for conflict.
When given the chance to provide unfiltered feedback, Scottish Rite members’ comments paint a picture of rifts growing within the organization, which are creating significant challenges: “Stop internal bullying” “Too much infighting and pettiness by some members” “The view from the top was not worth the climb. Very dissatisfied with power-hungry politics” “Mostly upper level cliques . . . snobby leadership at the district, state, and Northern Masonic Jurisdiction level” “If you’re not part of the leadership clique, you’re going nowhere in this organization”
These are the words of our Brothers. This is their experience within our fraternity. Is this the same fraternity that is made up of men that took a solemn obligation to support one another? Could this be the same fraternity built on values that include integrity, justice, and toleration?
Scottish Rite Members Discuss the Role of Ritual The challenges facing leadership at the blue lodge level become even more acute when we consider our Brothers’ feedback. Our Scottish Rite members feel that ritual and memorization represent a major component of leadership and membership challenges affecting Masonry.
As I have often written over my ten years as Sovereign Grand Commander, ritual has too often been used as a means to usurp or consolidate power in local lodges. Leadership has been shrunk to include only those adept at memorization. Think about that for a moment. Memorization — a useless, archaic skill in our modern age — is the arbiter of who is deemed worthy to lead. In The Ashlar, Brother N. G. Macleod, Past Master, Lodge of Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242, Johnstone, Scotland wrote in 2014: In schools, formulae sheets are given in mathematics and sciences, dictionaries are used in language exams, and few memorize quotes. Memorizing is a dying art as everything is now at our fingertips, and memorizing fact is not relevant. What does this mean for the craft? As much as we look at kids playing with phones as being strange, they are now looking at us equally as strangely reciting ritual. I predict that in the next five years, there will be few Brethren under age
30 who learn significant parts of the ritual. In ten
years, none! When a lecture is given, if there is no Brother who knows it well (and by this, I mean
avoiding a prompter saying more than the lecturer) then why not read from a lectern using slides to depict what is said. Alternatively, give the candidate an iPad or equivalent. Young people expect to see images, so why not provide a tracing board that can be zoomed into?
Some Masters already have sheets on the dais, so why not an iPad? Do obligations really need to be recited (and be as long)? Most obligations taken in any other organization are read whether it be by a scribe, lawyer, etc.
My point has been, and remains, that too many good men are held out of, or avoid, blue lodge leadership roles because of the antiquated insistence that these men be first and foremost impeccable “repeaters” of ancient texts. Good and honest men who join our craft for reasons reflecting humanity’s deepest values are then subjected to a boring, tedious experience that is 180 degrees from what they were promised. Defining leadership qualities and deeming men “good Masons” predicated on a fluency in an archaic skill is not working. Talk to the men who have been shut out of involvement in their blue lodge due to Masonic leaders bent on preserving the status quo. In fact, at a recent Scottish Rite reunion in Boston, a member told quite a disheartening story. The Master of his lodge announced to the men gathered, “If you can’t memorize and you can’t give a good sum to the charities, then you should get out of Masonry.” The exact reasons for the continued enactment of this failed strategy and sometimes cruel treatment of members remain incomprehensible. Truly, should we ask nothing more of Freemasons and our leaders than to demonstrate the ability to memorize ritual? Will our leaders continue to be chosen from a population that is adept at one skill — and one that is irrelevant in our modern age? Should we not consider a leader’s ability to read the hearts and minds of his members? To rally men to a just cause? To show wisdom, compassion, and insight while running his lodge with “equal regularity?” Unfortunately, today the answer is all too often “no.” The only requirement we ask of our leaders is the ability to memorize long passages of Masonic text. To stay resistant to change in the face of our staggering losses brings to mind the tragic World War I Battle of the Somme. In brief, the Somme was the biggest disaster in the history of British arms. It is perhaps history’s bloodiest
single slaughter.
Freemasonry and the Battle of the Somme Bill Goss, PIMCO’s former CEO, wrote an article analyzing this tragic battle:
Brits were ordered to advance on German lines — each three feet apart, at a deliberate pace, wearing 65 pounds of gear. They were accompanied by officers on horseback flashing steel sabers, confident that the charge would psychologically and then physically overwhelm the mortar-battered Germans. Instead, they were met by 1,000 German machine guns. . . . The Germans believed in machine guns, not horses. . . . The few who reached the German trenches were incinerated by German flamethrowers, another 20th century technological invention. . . . [The Battle of the Somme] was Britain’s, not Germany’s, temporary Waterloo, based on its failure to adapt to a new age. I am sure the analogy is not lost on those who care deeply about our craft. British leaders, like many Masonic leaders, did not understand the need to train to fight the first day of the next war, rather than the last day of the previous one.
Members’ Thoughts on the Debate Though this debate has been raging for years, for the first time we have asked and cataloged the perspectives of Scottish Rite members on the role of memorized ritual and its impact on leadership. And what do they say? •
Nearly half (48%) agree that many good men avoid leadership roles in the blue lodge to avoid participating in memorized rituals.
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1 in 4 respondents (25%) would like to rely less on memorization and rituals to move through ranks.
It’s important to note that this is not to say that ritual should be reduced or eliminated. In fact, the data suggest the contrary. Scottish Rite Freemasons believe that ritual is, and should always be, a central part of the craft of Freemasonry. But, our members also believe that the ability to memorize should not be a prerequisite for leadership at the blue lodge level.
The data further suggest that there is frustration with the lack of change in this area — not with the ritual itself, but rather, its coupling with leadership and advancement. When asked “which improvements/changes would you like Scottish Rite to implement,” nearly half (47%) of all members reported that they “would like to see more open-minded leadership” in the organization. This indicates that, even when appealing to leadership for change, at least half of the men of the Scottish Rite question the ability of leadership to be responsive in initiating such changes. This is a clear shot across the bow that Masonic leaders at all levels must heed.
Should the message need to be clearer, read these words from a member sent in a letter to the Supreme Council: My lodge has a single-minded purpose, and that is to help the same four or five recycled (for the last 15 years) past masters refine their bullying skills. I am a reluctant blue lodge member only for the purpose of belonging to the Scottish Rite and Grotto. Unfortunately, some of our blue lodge tyrants have also infiltrated my Scottish Rite jurisdiction. They are so mean-spirited, power hungry, and bitter. After I joined, I was somewhat ostracized by the ruling elite. Needless to say, my blue lodge is spiraling down at a record rate (as it should and should be expected) due to lack of community involvement, outreach to our own Brethren in need, and the attitude of superiority. When TWICE we turned away from offering help to a Brother in such dire need it was aired on the local news, I was finished. We also received this letter signed by a past Grand Master: I read Grand Commander’s McNaughton’s message in the May (2017) issue of The Northern Light. I would like to thank him for pointing out the tyranny wrought by the continued emphasis on the importance of memorized ritual. However, unlike our forefathers who had to draw the sword and throw away the scabbard, I can loose the shackles of tyranny by the simple act of taking my leave from the fraternity.
Balance Perhaps what our members are asking for is simply balance. A quick analysis of the current division of our time within the craft today could be represented in the first pie chart that follows (page 43, top).
I contend that a balanced plan is key to a successful future for Freemasonry. A new operational model represented by the second pie chart restores the connection to our fundamental teachings. Though the 24-inch gauge is used by operative masons to measure and lay out their work, as Freemasons we are taught to make use of it for the more noble purpose of dividing our time. The gauge is divided into 24 equal parts and is emblematic of the 24 hours of the day which we are taught to divide into three equal parts— eight hours for the service of God and helping a distressed Brother, eight hours for our usual vocations, and eight hours for refreshment and sleep.
An article on this issue of balance appeared in the February 2017 edition of the Scottish Rite magazine, The Northern Light, and it generated a great deal of comment. The letter below is representative of the feelings expressed by a number of our members who wrote in reaction to the piece: Indeed, lack of balance is precisely why many lodges have such low attendance they can scarcely open. Watching someone be scorned for his dress or his appearance is not what I call Brotherly love. It is an attitude that has degraded our purpose and meaning. I chose to apply for membership 50 years ago because I was honored to be accepted among good men. It was then, and still is, something I am proud of, to be called a member of the Masonic lodge. I proudly remember my father and his look of approval when I was raised. I sincerely hope other Brothers read and heed this message of balance and review the lodge mission. Call a work day. I’ll be there. Call a mission to help. I’ll be there. Call a project for youth. I’ll be there. But, this old routine? No thanks.
What Do Scottish Rite Members Want? Other changes that Scottish Rite members would like implemented include “more social events” (52%), and to “use social media to increase fraternal bond” (50%). Both of these improvements speak to the point made earlier that members of Scottish Rite want more interaction with leadership and with each other.
In fact, the use of technology to augment in-person interactions was a predominant theme in the research. One member reflected many similar comments in his own: “I believe online communication should take place at all levels. This would make communication possible with all members who are not able to attend a physical location.” It is important to underscore that members define technology primarily as social media communication and improved website services and tools. Technology is not, nor should it be, a replacement for in-person events. This desire for adding more strategic and more robust digital communication capabilities comes as no surprise. The survey shows that 80% of Scottish Rite members use smartphones, and nearly 60% use Facebook. As new members join the organization, these numbers will, without question, increase. Communicating and connecting with membership in ways that they prefer only makes sense. Scottish Rite members provided feedback on how technology could be used on a range of issues, from recruitment to deepening their experience within the craft: •
80% are in favor of continuing to provide news and updates through email and social media
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60% would like to see more interactive webinars and live presentations with leadership and want online education and discussion boards
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60% would like more interaction on social media with local Valley leaders and the Supreme Council
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50% would like to see blogs written by the Supreme Council or local Valleys
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40% would like the chance to interact with fellow Brothers, either in person or online, to learn more from one another and discuss degrees
These sentiments are reinforced through the thousands of comments from members. Here are some examples: •
“Utilize technology to help members with memorization problems, who want to help and become leaders, to learn and participate in degrees and leadership.”
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“Provide seminars, educational courses, books, lectures, blogs, meaningful websites, [and] text reminders of meetings and events.”
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“Provide instructional classes in understanding and implementing new technologies into the operation and administration of the lodges and Valleys.”
Members and Education Education was a main theme with Scottish Rite members for how technology could be used with more impact. In fact, when asked to provide an open-ended response on how the organization can best improve, one in five (20% of) respondents voiced an opinion about integrating technology for educational purposes; 97% of these responses were in support of online education.
How do we help men who want more from our craft, or who want to go deeper into the teachings? The members have asked for an online member center rich with learning materials and interactive opportunities to connect with each other. They want the center to be robust — sustained with new content and teaching tools that are curated to keep them vigorous and current. They want the leadership with “hands on the keyboard” — active and participating in this online arena in order to create connection across all members.
The business news program “Wall Street Week” noted, “There are more than 1.4 million charities in the United States. That’s more than one charity for every 300 people. Do we really need so many?” In the days ahead, will the leaders of the craft continue down the misguided path of emphasizing the support of secular world charities, while at the same time ignoring their own members? This question is central to how we structure real change in the craft in order to recruit and retain members according to our most important values. Recently, Matt Levatich, CEO of Harley Davidson, made an interesting comment about the decreasing sales of motorcycles and their plan for the future. He said one of their most important strategic objectives was to create two million more riders while not losing sight of the existing ones. This is certainly a sound strategy for the craft to pursue in the days ahead. But how? The answer lies in believing in and putting into action a world-class vision statement: We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills its Masonic obligation to care for our members. We will not create two million more “riders” for the craft if we continue to stress memorized ritual as Freemasonry’s most important objective. It has been proved that giving away huge sums to an uncaring secular world does not fill our ranks. Rather, we need to stress the lifelong friendships we make in the craft, the inspirational, convenient, and enjoyable events we hold, and — unlike any other organization in the world — how we care for each other, and our widows and orphans. Perhaps the most interesting data from the Scottish Rite section of the survey relate to the question of secular charity versus an increased emphasis on taking care of our Brothers, as articulated in our vision. Taking care of each other and our Brothers in need has been my emphasis throughout my tenure as Sovereign Grand Commander.
When asked which improvements Scottish Rite should implement, half of all members (49%) state that they would like to see “increased focus on supporting members and member families in need.” In addition, when presented with the option, only one of five members (21%) is in favor of adding “more secular charity work.” This disparity presents a mandate to leadership. We must continue to shift our focus inward and steer this organization toward our agreed upon mission to fulfill our Masonic obligation.
I consider this portion of the survey as proof undeniable of support for our vision and the path the Scottish Rite is taking into the future. Our members are speaking loudly and clearly about how they are living Freemasonry in thought, word, and deed. Scottish Rite leaders now, and in the future, must take this to heart. We must continue to hear our Brethren, see them, and act on their wise counsel.
The Scottish Rite Grand Almoner’s Fund Over the past ten years, our Grand Almoner’s Fund has been reinvigorated. In full alignment with our vision statement, our fraternity has returned focus to our fundamental obligation — to care for our Brothers in need, their families, and their surviving spouses. Our relief efforts are sometimes sweeping and broad, such as the rebuilding support we provided after Hurricane Sandy. We stepped in to help our Brothers in the Southern Jurisdiction following the great Louisiana flood in 2016. Often our Grand Almoner’s Fund provides support in quiet, personal ways. For instance, a Brother who is out of work is helped. He writes in thanks, “The Scottish Rite made the difference between hope and desperation for my family.” A widow, drawn from the shadows by Brothers who took the time to honor their obligation and help her, said, “Because of the Grand Almoner’s Fund, I won’t have to live like a beggar
anymore.” In truth, we do not need data and surveys to tell us that we must again hitch our fraternity to the star that is our obligation, and shed the ritual stone. Through the decades, Freemasonry as a whole has lost sight of the greatness of our obligation, instead choosing to wed itself to the false importance of edicts and rules. The fault is in ourselves. But the solution is within us, as well.
Reclaiming the Soul of Freemasonry To reignite Freemasonry, and continue to revitalize our own fraternity, we must bring the focus back to caring for each other. I am encouraged that Grand Lodges throughout our jurisdiction are either establishing Brotherhood funds or reinvigorating those that have been dormant. They are setting the example for the future.
I believe Freemasonry will survive — even thrive — in those states. The future will be brightest where our values are guiding the lives of our Brothers who turn to one another. This effort should be undertaken in every Grand Lodge in the country.
Each symbolic lodge must rekindle its connection to its members and reach out with physical and emotional support. As simple as it may sound, I believe this will be the salvation of our craft. There is no greater power, there is no greater achievement, and there is no greater honor for us as Freemasons than to restore hope and dignity to our Brothers in need.
As mentioned, this study is one of the most comprehensive,data-driven looks into Freemasonry conducted in more than 20 years. The paradox is that data and fact bring us full circle to the Masonic values of caring. It is imperative that we heed the words and wishes of our Brethren — our very existence as an organization depends on it. It would be a considerable misstep not to follow the very clear instructions given by our Brethren, and from men across the United States. This research has evidenced unequivocally that: •
If Freemasonry positions itself correctly, today’s men will join. However, the fraternal promise must be real and experiential for the members at blue lodges and in the Valleys.
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The Scottish Rite organization must focus on better servicing its membership — critically, through focus on what survey respondents report as the two most important benefits of membership: compassion for each other, and the fraternal bond.
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The Scottish Rite must find ways to remove barriers — and more important, open pathways—for more men to participate in leadership roles. In doing so, the Scottish Rite can be an alternative to
the challenges at the blue lodge level — a place where members
can be confident that the values of Masonry will be felt, lived, and passed on. •
Members feel that returning the focus to taking care of each other is the single most important factor in revitalizing the fraternity; this theme permeates all responses. In fact, it is because of that bond and that promise that these men joined the craft.
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Scottish Rite leadership must get to know and become more involved with members at all levels. Using technology to accomplish this goal will be key in the years ahead.
Pride and Hope The staggering fact that 57% of American men would be interested in joining Freemasonry — if presented with the right Masonic messages — should give each and every Brother a renewed sense of pride and hope.
According to the data, we can be sure, finally, that we are not an organization out of step with society. In fact, trends point to the opportunity for a renewed interest and period of growth. Even more encouraging is that the messages that resonate with American men — especially those seeking something greater — are at the core of Freemasonry. They want to be part of an organization that is about selfless giving, integrity, justice, becoming a better man, and taking care of each other, all within the bonds of fraternity and Brotherly love. But we have also seen through this research that which is killing Freemasonry at all levels: interpersonal challenges, pettiness, disorganization, and power mongering. The results show that we can no longer deny that the insistence that memorized ritual be the portal to leadership is a millstone around the neck of Freemasonry. The groupthink that supports leaders to continue practices counterproductive to the craft must be recognized and resisted by courageous men. Groupthink is one of the most dangerous and insidious phenomena at work in Freemasonry today. It occurs when the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. Group members minimize conflict and reach a consensus without critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints. Actively suppressing dissension conveniently
isolates leaders from outside influences —
and reality. This must end. The Scottish Rite will rise to this occasion. We will become the standard bearer for the craft. We
will base our Masonic leadership on the Scottish Rite vision statement. Our obligation — and our members — demand nothing less. The Scottish Rite difference is in the strength of our vision. Our strength is fraternity. We remain committed to one another, dedicated and bound by hundreds of years of Masonic teaching.
Freemasonry Itself Is Our Salvation Freemasonry itself is our salvation, albeit based on incredibly important changes that demand we live up to our oaths: 1. In our blue lodges, we must cultivate and allow open-minded leadership. We must support the men who are brave enough to step out from behind the yoke of ritual as the only path to making men leaders. 2. In Scottish Rite, we must stay steadfast in helping members and member families in need. This is what makes us a unique and powerful voice in the fraternal world. 3. For our Scottish Rite members as a whole, we must provide more attention and interaction, and build ways to increase the bonds among Brothers. The use of technology is key in this regard. To make these changes, we must reinvigorate membership around the core values of Freemasonry. Men have been introduced to the fraternity in different ways, whether through a father or uncle, an event, or even television advertisement. Whatever it was that was seen or experienced, something stirred us, something that was always there in our innate spirit that then drove us to this path. For no matter from whence we came, we were all first prepared in our hearts. And it is to this first stirring we must return, and use it to chart our course forward. Now is the time to instill pride across our organization — to remind and inspire our members to pick up the common tools of Freemasonry to labor, change, and build. The research shows that we all became Freemasons for the same reasons: to become better
men, and to be among Brothers who have taken a solemn obligation to do the same. At the core, we pledged to care for each other. This vision — this obligation — is what must be emphasized. This is no longer anecdotal or about personal opinion; our own members say this clearly. Yet at times, our Masonic experience does not reflect these values we know to be absolute. The membership study highlights some serious challenges that must be addressed should we have any hope of rebuilding our numbers. There is simply no place for anything within the fraternity that is petty, negative, or non-productive. To be Masonic is to lift our Brothers up, to show them the light. And in doing this, we too find the light.
So How Do We Change? True change must come from within. It already exists in the minds and souls of each man living by the code to which we have sworn. But the spark that ignites this sense of purpose can come from outside of us. We’ve all seen the signs, sought the teachings, and felt the reinvigoration that comes with this nudge toward self-reflection. And this is where Scottish Rite can help. We, the Scottish Rite, must lead by example, and rally all Masons, including ourselves.
Next Steps We now begin an effort to reclaim the soul of Freemasonry through
ongoing and enhanced
communication and interaction with our members. Our goal is not to preach, but, instead, to inspire. Each man is to be moved to become the change we want to see, not only in the world, but also in our own Brotherhood. For centuries, Freemasons have been champions of morality, freedom, and choice. It is time,
dear Brethren, to stop the talking and to act. It is time to take steps to rekindle the power that is already inside each and every one of us, and set it free. The next steps to be taken by the Scottish Rite will be guided by years of Masonic teaching. Our actions will be built on the values that sustain us — those values sorely missing in society today.
As the Scottish Rite, we must bring our values to the fore and show men that there still is a place for “all that once was good, and can be again.” To be more than just men. To be Masons.
John William McNaughton, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander, (2006–2017), Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, John William McNaughton graduated from Indiana University with a degree in forensic studies. He put the degree to work for ten years as a detective in the Fort Wayne Police Department before leaving to join the family business, All Rite Distributing Company, Inc. McNaughton rose rapidly through the ranks of the Scottish Rite. He received his honorary 33° in 1997, serving on several key committees within the Scottish Rite’s Supreme Council. He was elected Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in 2006, and served in that role through August 2017. Commander McNaughton’s tenure has been marked by exceptional business and managerial acumen. He established firm financial footing for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers and the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library. McNaughton directed a major reorganization project to renovate the Museum & Library and bring the operations of the Supreme Council and the Museum together under one roof. McNaughton led with an abiding affection for the welfare of the Scottish Rite, and with a keen focus on securing the fraternity’s long-term future. Most notably, McNaughton refocused the fraternity on upholding its fundamental tenet to care for Masons in need through the establishment of the Grand Almoner’s Fund. He has worked tirelessly for the retention and continued growth of the membership. He streamlined Scottish Rite ceremonies, initiated work on degree revisions, and spearheaded the presentation of degrees in video format. MASONIC CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
A Freemason since 1974, John William McNaughton served as Worshipful Master of Maumee Lodge No. 725, Fort Wayne, Indiana. In the Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Wayne, he presided as Thrice Potentate Master of the Fort Wayne Lodge of Perfection beginning in 1996. He became an Active Member of the Supreme Council in 1998, and was elected Sovereign Grand Commander in 2006. McNaughton was awarded the Supreme Council’s most prestigious honor, the Gourgas Medal, in 2013. McNaughton is also a member of the York Rite and Mizpah Shrine.