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Trowel Study Club "Lessons from the Masonic Charges" By PM Kaleth Wright, #46 Freemasonry is one of the most beautiful organizations known to man and has changed the lives of men from all walks of life throughout it's existence. In order for us to maintain the excellence of this phenomenon we call Freemasonry, we must focus on the lessons contained in each of the three symbolic degrees. The Charge of each degree summarizes the duties and responsibilities which we all owe to ourselves and the Fraternity. In the Entered Apprentice Degree we are reminded that in order to improve in Masonic knowledge, we should "converse with well informed brethren, who will be just as willing to give as we are to receive, instruction." There are numerous well rounded, experienced, and Thorough Masons residing on Okinawa and we must do our best to tap into the minds of these "Masonic Goldmines." Additionally, we ourselves must continue to study Masonic Jurisprudence, Ritual, and History and provide the same guidance and mentorship to the young Master Masons who come after us. The Fellowcraft Degree teaches us that "in every trespass against our brother, we should judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice." What a beautiful piece of literature! This serves as a reminder that we should always remember that to err is human. It is not our place as fellow human beings to judge the actions of another man or woman. Yet, it is our responsibility to correct the errors and irregularities of our brother Masons in preserving the reputation of the fraternity. Sometimes this may include penalties as harsh as suspension or even expulsion from the Fraternity but should not, I repeat, should not include any hatred or discontent in our hearts toward these unfortunate men. The Grand Architect of the Universe is the sole Judge of every human being, accordingly we must leave it to Him and Him alone to determine the true worthiness of our brothers who find themselves "outside of their circle". Finally, the Master Mason Degree makes much adieu about the importance of character. Of particular concern is the fact that you must not "measure your importance by your titles or your money, but by the texture of your character and the cleanliness of your speech." All too often, we seem to think that we are afforded some special privileges or treatment merely because we are Master Masons. Many brothers work long and hard to obtain the exalted Past Masters Degree only to rest on the laurels of the Square, Compass, and Quadrant vice their own standing as an upright and knowledgeable man and Mason. My brothers, neither the lambskin nor the Royal Purple and Gold determine your manhood or your importance; your character alone makes the distinction. Just as the profane relishes the Master Mason who's fresh out of the Northeast corner simply because he wears the Black and White and a fancy ring, that same Master Mason adores the Past Master simply because he wears the quadrant and sits in the "Distinguished East". But what are they really respecting, the position or the man? Discipline teaches us that by obtaining certain degrees in Masonry we derive position power. Hence the East is well respected in any regular and well governed lodge, but the person actually wearing the square must establish his own personal power or earned respect through his deeds and actions. Without this earned respect, he not only becomes and ineffective leader of the lodge, but diminishes the magnitude of the position of Worshipful Master thereby having a long term and negative effect not only on the Lodge, but on Freemasonry in general. Remember, "to preserve the reputation of the fraternity unsullied must be our constant care"...the preservation of the true spirit of Freemasonry lies in our own hands and we must take heed to the Charges of the 3 Symbolic Degrees for guidance in this important mission. Brothers, thank you once again for having the faith in me to guide this great Lodge into the new millennium and I pray that the Grand Architect will continue to Bless you and your families. As' Salaam Alekum, PM, Torii Lodge #46
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