THE BALLOT BOX AND THE ACT OF BALLOTING

At the start, I state, and most emphatically emphasize, that your ballot is Sacred and Secret, and no one has the right to inquire as to how you balloted, or in any way challenge your ballot.
All members present must ballot on a petition, and it is an un-Masonic offense to disclose a ballot, whether it be for or against a petitioner.
The expression “to spread a ballot” is becoming rare, but it is used in some jurisdictions. In later years, black cubes were introduced instead of black balls, in most lodges, as an additional precaution against errors. In most English lodges, they use only white balls and have two separate compartments, a yes, and a no compartment, to deposit the balls. The use of white and black balls or cubes cast into different receptacles may be traced back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where voting for various purposes of juries, required by voters to cast shells or pebbles into various jars. Our word ostracized comes from the practice where, one was banished, or cleared, by casting of shells.

In the United States all jurisdictions require a unanimous ballot. In 1948 there were 42 states that balloted for all three degrees with one ballot and in 12 states a collective ballot may be taken on all petitions that come up for ballot at a communication at one time. If one black ball appears they re-spread the ballot on each petitioner separately. Albert Mackay, the great Masonic jurist, believed that an unfavorable report from its investigation committee on a petitioner, was equivalent to a rejection by the lodge and that is such cases it was unnecessary to spread the ballot on the petitioner. He stated if the committee made an unfavorable report they would surely vote in the negative against him. He also stated that the proper way to take a ballot was for the secretary to call the roll of the craft and as each name was called they advanced to the Altar, saluted and deposited their ballot. This was done in old English Lodges, but the membership there was small and the only members who attended were those who received a summons. Modern practices have shown that what was right in the eyes of Dr. Mackay in early days, with small lodges, scattered far apart, would not work in our lodges today where we have a larger membership. Just think if you had several petitions and had to call the roll of a lodge with a membership of two hundred members, it would take quite a while just to ballot.

It is common practice in most United States jurisdictions to re-ballot when there is only one or two black balls or cubes deposited, provided the ballot has not been disclosed by the East and no one has left the Lodge room. The Master and both Wardens inspect the ballot. This assures all brethren present that no mistake had been made. The use of the ballot box is universal in the United States, and a majority of them are constructed so that the hands are concealed as a brother deposits his ballot. The secret ballot, the unanimous ballot, the Ballot in which every member takes part in balloting, is the safeguard of Peace, Harmony and Unity for which all lodges strive.

The impression being given that the secrecy of the ballot is an ancient and fundamental tenet of Freemasonry, but there is little evidence of a secret ballot until late in the 18th century and no ballot box until the 19th century. Not withstanding all that has been said and legislated about the secrecy of the ballot, there are decisions declaring it as a Masonic offense to abuse the privilege of the ballot box by voting against a petitioner out of spite. It is difficult to see how one can be convicted on evidence, the disclosure of which is unlawful.

When we elect a candidate it means adopting him into an inner circle of friendship by a moral and spiritual tie as close and binding as between two blood brothers of a family.

This being true, we should not elect a man that we do not think will fit into our family. Still, no man is perfect, and the lodge is a moral workshop in which the rough ashlar is to be polished for use and beauty. If the lodge had been too exacting, none of us would have gained admission.

The ballot box is the valve that controls the flow of the blood of a lodge and our fraternity. It determines who shall have the privilege of transmitting the precepts of our fraternity, that which has been entrusted in our care, to future generations. We know that the west gate of the lodge must be protected and that we are guilty when we vote for someone we know who is not worthy as to vote against someone we know is worthy. Balloting upon a petition is a very vital function of a Masonic Lodge and as I stated before, your ballot is secret and sacred and must be unchallenged. This is not a landmark of Masonry, but a tradition that has been handed down to us since it was originated and has kept us strong when other orders have failed. The black ball or cube is a Giant’s strength to protect Freemasonry. If it is used thoughtlessly, carelessly and without Masonic reason, it will crush not only him at whom it is aimed but also him who casts it.

Now I would like for you to think about the solemnity of the occasion and the important role you play when balloting on a petitioner. If you will, picture the ballot box on the Holy Altar, the most important piece of furniture, excluding the Bible, in the lodge room; this has come down to us from our ancient forefathers both Jew and Gentile. On this rests the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, flooded by the representatives of the three lesser lights. The Altar is located in the center of the Lodge room, half way between the Wisdom of the East and the Strength of the West, and half way between the Beauty of the South and the Masonic Darkness of the North. Here, at the most sacred spot in the Lodge room, we advance and give the Due-Guard and Sign and deposit our ballot. Here, each of us members present, act as judge and jury of every petitioner who seek admission into our Lodge. At this most sacred spot, only you and your God know how and why you balloted as you did. This is as it should be, secret from other Lodge members. If we have 80 members present we have 80 different standards or criterions to judge the petitioner by.

As I have stated throughout this article it is not to try and tell you how to vote, but to get you to give some thought to the act of balloting. Are we not prone to vote on hear-says, when with a little extra effort on our part we could get the true facts for ourselves? If we placed six brethren in a circle, and whispered a statement to the first brother, and let them pass the statement around the circle, we would not recognize it when repeated by the sixth brother. Masonry makes better men out of good men but none of us are perfect. When we come into this world, we are as the rough Ashlar, and we work to fashion our Temples and our Souls, so they will be acceptable to God. We know that we are going to make mistakes in finishing our temple. We will erect part of it with materials, part of it with our acts, and deeds, which will not be acceptable in His sight, so we eradicate these, and reconstruct with good materials, and are stronger by having had this experience, and the Supreme Grand Master forgives us, and accepts the rebuilt Temple.

Do we, as Masons, try to emulate Him in our daily lives? Brethren, in visiting many lodges in the area, I have seen things that really bother me when balloting. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS: Balloting is not a popularity contest. If you dislike an individual, but feel he would be an asset to the lodge, and you don’t know of any moral wrongdoings, then it is your obligation to the Lodge, and to yourself, to cast a white ball.

I would like to close with a poem written by Most Worshipful Thomas Q. Ellis, Past Grand Master of Masons in Mississippi, entitled “My Ballot,” but before I do, may I once again stress, that this paper is not to tell you how to ballot, but to get you to think, before you cast your ballot.

MY BALLOT

I STAND AT THE SAME ALTAR WHERE,
PROMPTED BY BROTHERLY LOVE,
I VOWED SOLEMN VOWS WITHOUT FALTER,
WITNESSED BY HIM ABOVE.
AS ONCE I KNELT THERE IN REVERENCE
I NOW STAND REVERENTLY THERE
MY THOUGHTS HAVE SUFFERED NO SEVERANCE AS I VOWED,
SO I’LL VOTE UPON THE SQUARE.

IF THROUGH FRIENDSHIP I FAVOR THE SEEKER
BUT THINK HIM UNWORTHY AT HEART;
LESS MY LODGE BY MY BALLOT GROW WEAKER
SUCH FAVOR FROM JUSTICE MUST PART.
AT THE ALTAR WHERE LIGHT FLOODED OVER ME,
I’LL BETRAY NOT THE TRUST THAT I BEAR,
I’LL SHAME NOT THE EMBLEMS BEFORE ME
SO I’LL CAST MY VOTE ON THE SQUARE.

OR SHOULD HE NOT BE TO MY LIKING,
BUT MERIT BY ACTION THE TRUST,
MY SOUL I’LL NOT PERJURE BY STRIKING A BLOW
WHEN SUCH A BLOW BE UNJUST.
I’LL WELCOME HIS STEPS ACROSS THE BORDER,
I’LL HONOR THE TRUST THAT I BEAR.
I’LL VOTE FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER,
BY CASTING MY VOTE ON THE SQUARE.

TIME FLIES AND BEFORE LONG MY PETITION
WILL BE FILED IN THE GRAND LODGE ABOVE.
I’LL BE GLAD THEN I TEMPERED SUCH MISSION
WITH JUSTICE AND BROTHERLY LOVE.
“WITH THE MEASURE YOU MEET HAS SPOKEN’
BY THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER UP THERE,
NO PROMISES WERE MADE HAS HE BROKEN
AND HE’LL HANDLE MY CASE ON THE SQUARE.

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Remember, my Brothers; White balls elect, Black cubes reject.
Look well to your ballot.
Ballot for the good of the Order!

Hope this was a learning experience.
Hiram Abiff
The Widow’s Son

"No man has ever knelt at our altar of Obligation an arose the same man."
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“A LETTER FROM A MASON’S WIFE”

How many wives of Masons
Have given very much thought,
To the wonderful Biblical lessons
That Masonry has taught?

Have you asked yourself this question?
When you sit alone at night?
While hubby is away at Lodge,
“Is my reasoning wrong or right?”

The nights are lonely and long, I know,
But then this thought occurred to me,
“If my husband wasn’t a Mason,
What kind of man would he be?”

They call us “Masonic Widows,”
I’ve been one for many a year,
I have spoken my piece on lonely nights
And I even berated my hubby dear.

Later, I regretted speaking those words
And with compassion tried to see,
“If my husband wasn’t a Mason,
What kind of man would he be?”

I attempt to be a patient wife,
And while alone I meditate,
I try to see his point of view,
It’s only fair; after all, he is my mate.

I always knew what the situation was
It’s really nothing new,
So why complain after all these years,
I’m sure I speak for each of you.

Many say that men make Masonry
And this I understand.
But deep in my heart I am still convinced,
It’s Masonry that makes the man.

As we journey along life’s highway together,
Finding the inner most dreams of life,
I pray that Masonic ideals keep him the way he is,
Yours truly, a Mason’s wife.

Hiram Abiff

The Widow's Son

"No man has ever knelt at our altar of Obligation an arose the same man."

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WHAT IS A FREEMASON?

** NOTE ** This article is a conversation between a mother and her son and brings out information Freemasons should give their children. I recommend it for all the Freemasons, as a guide for enlightening their children about our noble fraternity.

Mom, please explain to me, with clarity, what is a Freemason?
Why are you interested in that, son?
Dad is a Mason and that I know.

The mother, with great tenderness, and affection, with her hands stroking her son’s hair, made him sit down by her side, and she began to narrate the true description of the husband who was a Freemason. “A Freemason, my son, is a well educated man; a man of good conduct, who does not allow any bad passion to vibrate in his heart, which doesn’t entertain even the least trace of any injustice or cruelty, but always seeks the truth and is a shining example of good conduct and honesty. In any case, he acts with fairness.

He considers the home, a Temple, and discharges his duties to his home. He is a specialist, who does not get tired of learning. He respects all opinions and is against all oppression, but he humbly extends a helping hand to the needy, practicing the noble virtue of charity.

He hates evil and is always ready to defend the virtuous and the oppressed. He helps the elderly and gives advice to youngsters. He forgives every offense.
He always strives to acquire perfection, with the full knowledge that no one is “without defects.”
In some way, my son, I believe I have defined the personality of a Freemason, because I drew for you, a picture of your Father.

The son, stood, leaned over, and kissed his mother gratefully, and whispered in her ear,” Mom, I am really proud, of my Dad.”

Hiram Abiff
The Widow’s Son

“No man has ever knelt at our altar of obligation, and arose the same man."
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WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MASONRY WE ALL KNEW?

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“Freemasonry is a charitable, benevolent, educational and religious society. Its principles are proclaimed as widely as men will hear. Its only secrets are in methods of recognition and of symbolic instruction. It is charitable in that it is not organized for profit and none of its income insures to the benefit of any individual, but all is devoted to the promotion of the welfare and happiness of mankind. It is benevolent in that it teaches and exemplifies devotion as a duty. It is educational in that it teaches by prescribed ceremonials a system or morality and brotherhood based upon the Sacred Law. It is religious in that it teaches monotheism, the Holy Bible is open upon its Altars whenever a Lodge is in session, reverence for God is ever present in its ceremonials, and to its Brethren are constantly addressed lessons of morality; yet it is non sectarian or theological. It is a social organization only so far as it furnishes additional inducement that men may gather in numbers, thereby providing more material for its primary work of education, of worship and of charity.

Through the improvement and strengthening of the character of individual man, Freemasonry seeks to improve the community. Thus it impresses upon its members the principles of personal righteousness and personal responsibility, enlightens them as to those things that make for human welfare, and inspires them with that feeling of charity, or goodwill, toward all mankind that will move them to translate principle and conviction into action.

To that end, it teaches and stands for the worship of God; truth and justice; fraternity and philanthropy; and enlightenment and orderly liberty, civil, religious and intellectual. It charges each of its members to be true and loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance, and to be obedient to the law of any state in which he may live. It believes that the attainment of these objectives is best accomplished by laying a broad basis of principle upon which men of every race, country, sect and opinion may unite rather than by setting up a restricted platform upon which only those of certain races, creeds and opinions can assemble.

Believing in these things, our lodges affirm their continued adherence to that ancient and approved rule of Freemasonry that forbids the discussion in Masonic meetings of creeds, politics or other topics to excite personal animosities. We further affirm our conviction that it is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but dangerous to its unity, strength, usefulness and welfare, for Masonic bodies to take action or attempt to exercise pressure or influence for or against any legislation, or in any way attempt to procure the election or appointment of governmental officials, or to influence them, whether or
not members of the Fraternity, in the performance of their official duties. The true Freemason will act in civil life according to his individual judgment and the dictates of his “conscience.”

The above description defines Freemasonry. But, what has become of Freemasonry, as we once knew it? It seems that these principles are not as prevalent as they once were. We are involved more in a competitive form of Masonry. By this, it is meant we ask our members to leave their homes and families on an additional night so that their lodge can obtain various awards given by the Grand Lodge, and other groups within our fraternity. In recent times, themes from the Grand Masters have been an attempt to bring family members into a closer relationship with the lodges. We invite our families to attend meetings that are open to them, so they will become acquainted with the inner workings of our fraternity. Unfortunately, wives are not conducive to this type of approach. Many housewives, are really not interested in what these meetings have to offer, and would much rather stay at home, and do what is particularly of interest to them.

Now let’s speak about awards. Awards should be based upon direct involvement of the members of lodges by participating in “hands on” projects sponsored by the various communities. Awards should be given to brothers who stand next to the “Red Bucket” of the Salvation Army during the Christmas Holiday Season. Awards should be given for a certain amount of hours participating in reading programs at local schools, or assisting the less fortunate, by becoming personally involved at Town Meetings and Board of Education meetings. This type of involvement, for the most part, does not take a member away from home another evening during the week for most of these volunteer programs are performed during the day. I am certain, that the single Mom, who is working two jobs just to exist from day to day, will be really excited because the Masonic Lodge in her community received a one hundred percent attendance award from another organization. Senior citizens, or residents of a local convalescent home will also be thrilled for that same reason.

The sad fact remains, that many of the awards the lodges attain, all hang in the anteroom where no one except the members and visitors to the lodge can view them. Only occasionally, do members of the non-Masonic family get to see them, and to most of them, they are staring at an award they have no idea why it was received. I feel that many Worshipful Masters have placed the criteria of earning awards far above and beyond, the basic principles of Freemasonry.
It is the responsibility of the Master of his Lodge to “set the Craft to work.” If a Master’s top priority is obtaining awards, how can he set the Craft to work, and in what direction will he send them?

Just wondering. . . .
Hiram Abiff
The Widow’s Son

“No man has ever knelt at our altar of obligation, and arose the same man."
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MY BROTHERS SON

Tonight I am being raised to a Master Mason
And I’ll be relieved when it’s all done.
The most important thing that makes me proud
Is that I will be my Brothers son.

I have put this off far too long,
I was having too much fun.
But now my priorities are all in place,
Soon I will be my brother’s son.

I knelt at our Altar of Obligation,
Further light was brought to view.
I am now a member of my Masonic Lodge,
And, a Brothers son to you.

The Brothers who have asked me,
From whence did I come?
Have made my journey exciting
Toward being my brother’s son.

The Master raised me in due form,
Not a single Brother was sitting, not one.
All were standing straight and tall,
To greet, this brothers son.

So here’s a toast to this Brother,
Mine will not be the only one.
There are many Brothers whom wish you well,
May God bless this Brother’s son.

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Hiram Abiff

The Widow’s Son

“No man has ever knelt at our altar of obligation, and arose the same man."
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WHY DO WE WAIT?

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This morning, I read the local newspaper from the small town where I had resided before moving here. It contained numerous eulogies for the Chief of Police who succumbed to a heart attack on May 6, 2005. He was fifty four years old. These words were beautifully written and consumed over five pages of the newspaper. While reading these eulogies which were filled with praise for this individual, his love for his family and his friends, his sense of humor, his dedication, his devotion to duty and to the town in which he served, his compassion for others, and his assistance to those who called upon him. I realized he truly was an honorable man and a dedicated leader. He will be missed by many.

Upon reflecting on these eulogies, a thought came to me. How many individuals do each of us know personally, especially family members or friends of ours, who fit the same description as that popular Chief of Police? I’ll bet we all know some one. During the period of time we have known these individuals, how many times have we mentioned the way we feel towards them? How many times do we express our inner most feelings to them, shake their hand or even give them a loveable hug? Have we hugged someone today? Most likely not! Why? Maybe it is because we are ashamed to. Perhaps we are too “macho” to express our feelings. It could be that we feel today is not the appropriate time to do this and we will definitely do it at some other time. Some other time? When? When will we have the nerve or the “guts” to tell someone we love, or admire, what they mean to us? Give me a time table when you plan to accomplish this. You can’t!!

Why is it at visitations and funerals we hear from family members and friends of the deceased all the great attributes this person had. Was he or she informed of these feelings while they were still with us? Funeral homes usually are filled with a variety of floral arrangements, conveying the sympathies of many people. Have flowers ever been sent to these same people while they were living? Have flowers been sent just for the sake of sending someone a bouquet? Think now; how many times have you sent flowers to someone just to say Hi, or “I love you?” Have we sent flowers to someone just to brighten their day? How many acts of random kindness do we perform in the course of a day? Be honest now. How many? Don’t be ashamed, be truthful.
The last two verses of a poem I read many years ago seem to sum it up perfectly.

So hold your loved ones close today
And whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
And that you’ll always hold them dear.

Take time to say, “I’m sorry, please forgive me,
Thank you, or it’s Okay,”
For if tomorrow never comes,
You’ll have no regrets about today.

I too have been guilty of this, but have tried very hard to let those I know & love, know that I love them.
Hiram Abiff
The Widow’s Son

“No man has ever knelt at our altar of obligation, and arose the same man."
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