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The Open Secret of Freemasonry

Friends and critics of Freemasonry both like to talk about our “secrets.” I think its interesting that one of our most open “secrets” is also so little spoken of either inside or outside of the Craft. In fact, one of the most admiring and vocal supporters of this “secret” is not even a member of the Fraternity!

The “secret” I speak of is toleration. We do address it, in the form of brotherly love.

In the Master Mason degree we mention that it was in the heart of David to build a Temple to the Most High God, but that it was reserved for Solomon, his son and successor, who was assisted by Hiram, King of Tyre, who sent to him H.A. What the ritual does not point out, nor do most easonic Educators, is that Hiram, King of Tyre was not Jewish, but a Zoroastrian. A believer in a monotheistic religion, characterized by a belief in a world divided into good and evil, still practiced by some 2.6 million people, mostly in the Middle East.

 

In all time periods, it is not uncommon to find examples of widespread hatred and even killing of people who hold different views of the Supreme Architect of the Universe. Religious differences abound even within a similar set of agreed upon beliefs. I am a Baptist. I have seen from 64, to 119, to over 500 different types of Baptists. Okay.. 500 is a bit of a stretch but you get the idea.

Many years ago, I visited a Baptist church where I was not “Baptist enough” to receive communion with that congregation. As humans we love to draw lines around ourselves, to keep some of us “in,” and keep the rest of us “out.”

With that context in mind, lets consider how wonderful the friendship of Solomon and Hiram must have been. Their...

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Teddy Bear Classic

The 19th Annual Teddy Bear Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the J. Philip Berquist Children's Dyslexia Center of Greater Boston is taking place on Monday, July 22nd, 2013 at the Glen Ellen Country Club in Millis.

Millions of school children with dyslexia face potentially overwhelming challenges on a daily basis, often resulting in frustration and demoralization as they struggle to acquire skills that many of us take for granted. If your child is struggling with reading and writing, how do you know if dyslexia is the cause? Where can you go for help?

For over two decades...

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Canobie Lake - August 10

Family Life is heading north to Salem, NH to enjoy a day at the theme park on Saturday, August 10, 2013. Check out all the rides and other fun the park has to offer on their website.

Passport Musings #4

Q: What are you going to do to strengthen the NMJ?

A: I think I’m most effective in recruiting, spreading awareness, getting new Brothers involved, and bringing passion to the table. Soon after I finished my first passport, I found the right people and was brought into the Valley’s Membership / Leadership Team as an AASR Ambassador. This made me shift into a higher gear, and take on more responsibility with respect to the Brethren closest to me- the many new Master Masons from my own Lodge. I recruited 7 for our Spring Reunion and hope to recruit the same number for Boston’s Richard J. Stewart class in November. I think motivating them to take on a part or meet up together at a Reunion will foster the togetherness that will help grow the AASR in the NMJ.

If you’re not having fun, meeting up with other Brethren, or appreciating an inspiring lesson, you’re probably coming back. Another element that can’t be overlooked is the simplicity of someone standing up during Lodge and just telling the story of how Scottish Rite is awesome and why they should be a part of it. Part of the success in these concepts is leading by example. All my Masonic activities are held in the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. So with all due respect for Valley boundaries in mind for the state of Massachusetts, if any Brother reading this would like me to speak about Scottish Rite at their Blue Lodge, I would be more than happy to. Lastly, I am going to collaborate with the Valley Leadership Team to the best of my abilities. It would be unwise to ignore the leadership abilities and mentoring potential of this group. The members of this group have Masonic decades on me.

Q: What is your favorite Valley?

A: There are a lot of fantastic Valleys out there, but my favorite is Boston. And I’m not saying it because I’m from Boston. It’s that good. We have serious talent here. My favorite Valley outside the area is...

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