ADDRESS TO THE NEW ENTERED APPRENTICE!

The ceremony of your initiation is now at an end. We have delivered to you, the Ancient Charge, relating to your Masonic conduct in the Lodge, at home, and in your community. So far, all has been carried out in strict accordance with a prescribed formula, that certain invaluable, and incomparable landmarks, might never be omitted, nor departed from; but, Masonry is so infinite in its application and teaching, that it is wisely left to the discretion of the presiding officers to add anything by way of illustration or admonition, that may appear advisable, provided of course, that in all things, the ancient landmarks are respected.

My particular object, in addressing you, is to prevent you leaving the Lodge with any of the false impressions, and mistaken ideas frequently entertained by newly made Masons. I would not have you leave with the idea, that you have been fooled, or that any single portion of the ceremony is unmeaning, or introduced for the mere purpose of mystification.

Freemasonry is truly a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols and the most apparently trivial incident both in your preparation, and ignition, has its deep and hidden meaning.

It is not reasonable to expect that you should at first sight, penetrate the outer or the allegorical symbol, but I trust you will make it your business as a Mason, to arrive at these hidden meanings.

Another, delusion I would guard you against, is that of entertaining the idea that the information imparted to you this evening, has made you a Freemason. After the efforts to impress you with the importance of the ceremony, such a warning from me, may create some astonishment in your mind, but what I refer to is that Masonry, is not a mere matter of secret ceremonies. It is something far higher, and holier, than these are.

A man may have attended to the highest honors the Craft can bestow; be knowledgeable in all its lore, and workings, and yet, be as far from being a Freemason, as he was before his initiation, and unfortunately, there are too many, who may be classed in this category. The rites and ceremonies of Freemasonry are essential to its existence. They form the outer-works, whereby its treasurers are, as they ought to be, guarded from the unworthy.

Therefore, they cannot under any circumstances, be dispensed with. True Masonry exists in the heart. It is composed of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, and is that heavenly consummation of all virtues, Charity, so beautifully explained in the Volume of Sacred Law, as “bearing all things, hoping all things, believing all things, enduring all things, and thinking no evil.” It is the practice of this virtue that your Masonic efforts should ever tend, not only in its common acceptation of monetary relief, but as embracing true, brotherly love, fully, inculcated, in the sacred writings.

Initiation alone never did, nor ever can, make a man a true Mason. It gives the key, but mere possession of that key does not constitute ownership of the treasure. It sows the seed, but unless the soil is good, and carefully cultivated, the fruit will not be produced. It opens the portal, but unless the road is traversed, that goal cannot be attained. It lays the foundation, but without labor, the construction, cannot be raised.

Therefore, this evening, we have given the key, and we have sown the seed, opened the portal, and laid the foundation. It is for you, with such assistance as among Masons can always be obtained, by seeking for it in the proper quarter, to complete the work, and I sincerely trust that in this, you will not, be found waiting.

Finally, while charging you not to undervalue Freemasonry, I ask of you to remember that it is a human institution, and as such, necessarily imperfect, and liable to error.

Do not be disheartened, if you find some who profess its tenets, but do not live, and act, according to our teachings.

You may frequently hear our beloved fraternity ridiculed by the unenlightened world, and stigmatized as a childish mystery and a pretention to superior excellence, covering only secret revels, and excesses. Treat such ridicule with contempt, and answer it only by acting by the tenets of our order. A man, who ridicules that of which he cannot know anything, displays his ignorance, and is unworthy of notice.

Unfortunately, you will also find unworthy members of the Fraternity, some who abuse its privileges. There are those, who, from their own inherent baseness, are unable to appreciate its beauties, and convert its moments of social relaxation into occasions of turmoil, and others, who, from their mental powers being too dense to enable them to penetrate beyond the exterior, consider Freemasonry as mysterious nonsense.

If you meet any of these, console yourself with the reflection, that there always have been, and while time lasts, ever will be, such men in every human institution. If you are well versed in the great light of Masonry, you will call to mind instances, where holier ordinances have been similarly profaned, and misunderstood. You will be led to understand, that Freemasonry is not to be blamed for the misdeeds, and shortcomings, of some of its professors.

In conclusion, I express a hope that the proceedings of this evening, will never be erased from your memory, and that by your life, and actions, you will, in all things, prove to the uninstructed world at large, how ennobling, excellent, and enlightened, an institution, is that of the Free and Accepted Masons.

Happy Holidays
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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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 Altar 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.

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 house-wives 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?

Winner of the Soapbox Award of Opinion. Oh, it sits on my mantle.
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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MORE LIGHT

A few years ago, I was invited to address some of the senior boys and monks at a Catholic retreat a few miles from where I lived in the Northeast. I spoke for nearly an hour on Freemasonry, its symbols and its principles. I quoted passages from the charge after initiation, to give them as idea of what a candidate is taught in our rituals. I explained the working tools, and how we moralize their uses in building our Temple, “that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” I stressed that Freemasonry was just a system without dogma and doctrine, which leads us through its three ceremonies on a progressive path from ignorance to enlightenment. I pointed out the benefits of the psychological changes that happen to a man as he passes from being an Entered Apprentice through the various offices to the Master’s chair; how he develops his intellect, leadership qualities, self confidence, tolerance, temperance and above all, self awareness. By the time I had finished and taken questions, I left them in no doubt that Freemasonry is a force for the good in the world. Even the headmaster remarked how different my version of the Craft was, from what he had been led to believe.

The only way we, as Masons, are going to dispel ignorance is through education. If we all made the effort to explain Masonry to laymen in suitable terms, we could really make a difference to the way we are being perceived. Above all, we must stress how enjoyable it is. Our Brotherhood will surely come to an end, if it ceases to be fun. I have read many booklets that have been produced by various Grand Lodges, to explain Freemasonry to their candidates. So many of them, however, deal with the form and etiquette of the Craft and do not give any real explanation of its purpose and content. As a result, they convey knowledge, but do not inspire the reader to want to explore further. As Michael Walker, Past Grand Secretary of Ireland, said in his address to a Grand Lodge last year, “there is nothing wrong with the content of Freemasonry but there is definitely something wrong with the way we package our product.” We keep hearing the men today are searching for “spirituality” in their lives, free from dogma and doctrine. Freemasonry undoubtedly, has an answer to that search, because it is one of the reasons it was founded, but it fails to sell itself on the back of its excellent credentials.

The truth is that the packaging of our product has become, jaded. Society is very different to what it was even a generation ago, but Freemasonry has changed hardly at all. Is it any wonder that we appear irrelevant to our young candidates and so many of them subsequently leave us? I repeat my conviction that the time has come to talk openly and freely about our rituals with anyone who is interested, the only warning we must take heed to, is that we take care not to dilute the effect the ceremonies will have on future candidates. If, as a result, we inspire our members to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge and attract men to join us because of its exciting message, we will be slowly able to turn the craft in the direction upon which it was founded.

I would like to end by quoting some words I wrote as an after dinner speech at a recent function I attended.

“We are all Brothers on this same journey; a journey leading to self knowledge and ultimately perfection. The American poet Emerson described it as a journey of “ascending effort.” As we climb higher on the path, we are helped by those Brethren who are ahead of us and, in turn, encourage those, who are behind us. Freemasonry is a system without dogma or doctrine with signposts, through the interpretation of its symbols, the journey we must all make.”

It is a template for the evolution of human consciousness and as such is a progressive science of becoming, becoming something greater than we are now. It has various set stages for our development. A high moral code of ethical behavior is the essential condition on which our journey is founded and that included the need to be in control of our emotions, our passions, and desires. This is followed by the importance of education and the training of our reason and intellect, as a force for good in the world. When these conditions are fulfilled, and we are truly centered as human beings, our hearts open to the great potential, which is at once the birthright and destiny of the human race. For as we climb higher, we become wiser, and can see further, and more clearly, what the purpose of our life is, and what the Great Architect has planned for us. That is the great mystery of Freemasonry which all of us are destined to rediscover.

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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THE HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE FINGER

Well now, here’s something I never knew before, and now that I know it, I feel compelled to share it with you and at the finish, I hope you will also feel edified.
Isn’t history more fun when you know something about it?

Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the British, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger, it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore they would be incapable of fighting in the future. The famous English longbow was made of the native English yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow, was known as, “plucking the yew (or pluck yew”).

Much to the bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, “See, we can still pluck yew!” Since “pluck yew” to some may be rather difficult to say, the letter P at the beginning, has gradually changed from a sound in which the lips participate, to an easier pronunciation of the substitute letter “F”, and thus used in conjunction with the one-finger salute.

It is because of the pheasant feathers of the arrows, used with the longbow, that the symbolic gesture is known as, “giving the bird.”
Believe it, or not, it is still an appropriate salute to the French today.


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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MASONIC LESSONS

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Masonry promised me nothing except opportunity for mental and spiritual growth and the opportunity to be serviceable to God and to my fellow man.

I came of my own free will and accord as all men in all ages have done.

I learned that Masonry is not a religion in the sense that we think of the church, but that it is a true ally of ALL religions.

I learned that Masonry is interested in the character of man as a thinking, feeling being.

I found that one grows stronger in his own religion, whatever that religion may be as a result, of Masonry.

I learned the real meaning of moral and spiritual teachings of charity, and that one’s integrity of mind and soul is his most precious possession. All that I had learned before, was enhanced by the manner in which Masonry teaches sublime lessons.

Around me, I see Brothers, some young in Masonry, and others who have been Masons for many years. Toward all I feel a bond of friendship and fellowship which is indescribable.

To have the confidence of such a group of Brothers, and to know that immutable bonds join me to them, as I am to every Mason in the world, IS INDEED A PRICELESS PRIVILEGE.

All this I have learned; and I have learned as well, that to maintain and to perpetuate all that I have received, I MUST give back my very best to Masonry and to society.


It’s what I feel.
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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I THANK YOU DAD, TODAY

Thoughts of you come drifting back
Within this heart of mine,
I take a trip to yesterday
Another day in time.

A time when I was growing up,
And you were always there.
Put to the test, you did your best
You handled things with care.

For holding out, not giving in,
When others got their way
For saying no, my strength did grow,
I thank you Dad, today.

To you, I owe so many thanks,
For teaching right from wrong,
For the many lectures you bestowed,
I sing a different song.

I thank you for the sacrifice
Of working every day,
For all you have given in this life,
I’m thanking you today.

For all I am, I owe to you,
You surely led the way.
So many lessons learned in life,
I thank you Dad, today.


Thanks pop… the shoes were big, but sure fit now.
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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