The Universities Scheme Conference

Yesterday, the Universities Scheme Conference was held at Freemason's Hall in Manchester. I went. It was rubbish.

Okay, that was a complete lie (and a bit of an in-joke)! I've blogged previously about the Universities Scheme and what it's all about, so I won't re-iterate that here.

The previous Conference and General Meeting was held in Sheffield eighteen months ago, when there were nine lodges operating in the scheme. Fast-forward eighteen months, and there were twenty-nine scheme lodges represented, as well as a number of representatives from a number of other lodges considering joining the scheme. I was officially there representing Grey Friars, but I was also there as a member of Tetragon.

The conference gave a fantastic opportunity for all the brethren who were representing the various lodges - it not only re-affirmed the aims and objectives of the scheme, it also allowed the committee to report on the progress of the scheme. However, where I personally felt I got the most value out of it was the opportunity to meet both the members of the committee guiding the scheme, and also representatives from other lodges. To me, this is one of the most fascinating things about Freemasonry - seeing how lodges do different things.

The main advantage to this was to discuss how all the various lodges in the scheme are doing things, and the taking different approaches being taken. In one of the talks, one committee member made the point that the committee are not there to "spoon feed" the lodges participating, but merely to offer guidance. Indeed, it was pointed out that what may work for one lodge may not necessarily work for another.

I personally felt that the day was well organised and provided a focus for ensuring that the various lodges in the scheme would work together in the sharing of ideas and building up bonds. Certainly, I think that this will result in some inter-visitation amongst lodges where there was little or no connection at all.

In all, the day was extremely worthwhile and very well organised. It was my first time up at Freemasons' Hall in Manchester, which is the administrative HQ of the Province of East Lancashire, and what a fantastic building it is! Built around the same time as Freemasons' Hall in London, whilst not quite as grand, has a lot of the same art deco influences, and it was a marvellous surrounding for the conference to take place in.

Radio silence!

Those of you who have followed this blog in the past may have noticed that I have been rather quiet of late. For this, I do apologise - things at university have been somewhat busy over the last couple of months, with finishing my dissertation and I am currently in the middle of my finals. I have had several offers for postgraduate study from a few different universities, so I have been concentrating on doing my best.

Unfortunately, this means that I have had to forgo Freemasonry for a bit - I've stopped going to meetings until my exams are out of the way, and this blog has been pushed aside!

However, I will be back when my exams are over, and I have several different blog posts floating around in my head, waiting to be written. These include:

• The final piece to the "21st Century Mason" series
• The announcement of an exciting new project
• A discussion on the portrayal of Freemasonry in the "Ashes to Ashes" TV series, as shown on BBC1.
• Some exciting non-Masonic news

But for now... back to radio silence!

A fast promotion...

Back in December, I blogged about my somewhat fast-tracked promotion within the Royal Arch.

After a few months, the evening has come, and now gone - I was invested as Principal Sojourner of my Royal Arch Chapter this evening.

In English Royal Arch Chapters, there are several positions leading up to the 3rd Principal's chair, and most Companions start off as a Steward, before progressing to 2nd Assistant Sojourner, 1st Assistant Sojourner, and then finally Principal Sojourner.

So, why, after a mere nine months in the Royal Arch, have I gained such a fast promotion? Well, my Chapter has been, unfortunately, suffering. At the moment, we only have twelve members, and all but two of us are either Past Principals, or current Principals of the Chapter. The other Companion who hasn't been in a Principal's chair rarely shows up, as he is so busy within his career. Last December, I was approached and asked if I would take on the office - I was not pressured into the role, and I agreed to do it, of my own volition.

It is my opinion that the work of the Principal Sojourner is one of the nicest pieces of ritual within Freemasonry, and with a potential five candidates in the works for the Chapter, I look forward to the challenges and the rewards of the coming year, as well as to contributing to the recovery of the Chapter.

Bro Rowan on "The 21st Century Mason"

Editor's note: the sixth article in the series on the theme of "the 21st Century Mason" comes from Bro. Rowan. Rowan is a young Entered Apprentice of Ashley Hill Lodge, no. 7861, in the Province of Berkshire, under the United Grand Lodge of England. It's always good to see such an enthusiastic fresh face in Masonry, and Bro. Rowan in no exception to that. He has recently been involved in setting up a website for his lodge, which he is still working on. I hope that you enjoy what he has to say...

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The 21st Century Mason
by Bro. Rowan

Nobody can accuse Freemasonry of being old-fashioned. Although based on ancient events, our principles of Brotherly love, relief and truth, have stood the test of time. Holding true over centuries, the Craft continues to evolve with the moment. The very fact you are reading this article on a blog is proof of that.

As a 21st Century Mason, I see it as our responsibility to ensure that this continues to be the case. People who accuse Freemasonry of being a secret-society clearly aren't as "down with the kids" as the Craft, and are yet to discover Google. Not only does UGLE, and many Provinces have their own websites, but an increasing number of Lodges have taken the step on to the world wide web.

I am relatively new to the Craft, but was comfortable joining because I knew enough. A few clicks on Google, and I came across the website for the Berkshire Province, home to the Lodge I hoped to join and am now a member of. The website removed the gauze of misconception, and sharpened the image of what Freemasonry is about. Being immediately welcomed by an address from the Provincial Grand Master, I experienced for the first time something that enveloped me on my entry to Freemasonry. A warm, hearty welcome.

A few more clicks and I could see a list of all Lodges in the Province and where they meet, dates of their forthcoming meetings and social events, and in some cases, links to their very own websites.

Immediately Freemasonry is not so furtive as it is often accused!

Since my initiation into Ashley Hill Lodge No. 7861, I have been privileged with the task of developing and maintaining our Lodge website. For me, this is exciting, but I appreciate that many people will not see the point of a Lodge having a website. My reasons for a step into the blue-yonder are simple.

- Openness and accessibility. Although our meetings, like other organisations, are private, we should be proud of what do and achieve, for ourselves and others. Brethren should feel comfortable sharing the accomplishments of the Lodge, in an easily accessible manner that has the potential to meet a wide audience.

- Convenience - With more and more people entering the Broadband era, communicating has never been easier. For example, placing summonses online to be downloaded by members will save time, money and help the environment.

- Linking and Networking - A website can keep other Lodges, local or distant, up-to-date with our progress, and vice versa. The potential to further network and reach out to Brethren in all quarters of the world is vast. In essence, you're putting your Lodge "on the map".

I have other ideas for the website as it grows. A YouTube address from the Worshipful Master welcoming Brothers and the curious to our website, maybe? The impact of new mediums are plentiful, but should be applied for a purpose, and not to simply look flash. It's important not to fall into the meringue trap, where a site looks delectable but once you bite in to it you are greeted with only a hollow disappointment.

I am the youngest member of my Lodge, but feel united with all members by our beliefs and aspirations. I do not see any harm in embracing new technologies to reach out and inform members, and non-members, about what we do and what we are all about. As long as we hold true to our principles, Freemasonry can step into the 21st Century, and centuries yet to come,
unblemished, well-founded and better understood.

As I am sure you have guessed, I am an internet enthusiast. My most recent advance in cyberspace has been to sign up to Twitter. For those of you who are familiar with a Facebook status, Twitter is more like a mini blog, where you can post your thoughts, musings, activities, follow others, and get followed yourself in-turn if you so wish. For example I am following Stephen Fry, and unlike the numerous fake Facebook profiles, it really is him!

One of my plans for Ashley Hill, with the permission of members, is to place us on Twitter so people can easily follow our progress and our news. And at the same time, if other Lodges follow suit, we can all easily follow each other.

Once again, Freemasonry moves with the times and embraces modern tools.

Bro. Nick Johnson on "The 21st Century Mason"

Editor's note: the fifth article in the series on "the 21st Century Mason" comes from Bro. Nick Johnson, editor of The Millennial Freemason blog. Bro. Johnson has recently been elected as Senior Warden of Corinthian Lodge, in Minnesota. His blog is so named, as he is a millennial, having been born in 1982, and thus became an adult in 2000. So, please enjoy his entry into this series...

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The 21st Century Mason
by Bro. Nick Johnson

I would first like to thank Brother Ant Williams for allowing me this opportunity to present my thoughts on what the 21st Century Mason will be.

We sit on the precipice of a new era. This new era has been and will continue to be shaped by the previous century. However, it will also continue to change and evolve as the human experience casts out those things that are deemed unnecessary or offensive. Freemasonry is no different in its need to evolve and change even while maintaining its basic structure. I write to describe what this future Mason will look like in the very near future.

To begin, what kind of men will continue to enter Freemasonry? It is apparent to me that the demographics of our Fraternity will continue to shift as we reach out to new groups. So what will the future Freemason look like? For one, it will not be a given that he is a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant). In Minnesota (where I live), non-white ethnic groups, such as Blacks, Asians and Latinos, have accounted for more than 62% of the population growth between 2000 and 2007 while white populations accounted for a little less than 36%. Much of this growth can be attributed to the immigration of different populations to Minnesota from other countries, including Somalia, Laos, Central and South America, Ethiopia, India, etc. This is changing the attitudes of many in this state on the role that race and ethnicity play in the public sphere. 

Men born after the 1970's have less experience with racial and ethnic intolerance. While I attended school, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day had already been established for at least two years (it was first observed in 1986). The Cosby Show presented an affluent black family that lived their life like everyone else I knew and remained on the air for more than a decade. I went to a suburban high school with kids who were different ethnicities. Although it has been stated that we are entering a “post-racial” era, I see our world as recognizing the differences but accepting each other regardless of those differences. 

Freemasonry will be no less affected by this change in attitudes. With the election of President Obama and Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, race is becoming less of a hindrance in politics and I would suspect, in the job market, social clubs, and Freemasonry as well. Freemasonry will become the social distinction that is shared by men, without regard to his skin color or place of origin. Thankfully, Freemasonry has, at its core, the desire to place all brothers on equal footing and does not regard a man’s worth by his title or occupation. Freemasonry is an organization of tolerance.

Additionally, the 21st Century Mason will also be connected to his brothers like never before through the use of technology. Virtually everyone on the planet can connect to each other by way of the Internet. The Internet can be accessed from almost anywhere, through computer, TV or even through one's cell phone. Human society will be ultimately connected through these many digital links. The 21st Century Mason will be adept at using these technologies to inform his Lodge brothers, collaborate on research projects or just communicate informally about anything. Lodge schedules are now published on the Web and some Lodges even use SMS to connect to their brothers. Brothers learn about Lodges and fill out petitions on Lodge websites. But it is not just the use of technology that is important to the 21st Mason but also its absence within the confines of the Lodge.

What technology will not replace is the human connection that brothers experience when they attend Lodge. Brothers will continue to meet as a physical Lodge to break these digital links or to at least shield themselves from the constant contact of life for a few short hours. Lodge can and will act as a sanctuary from distraction and will give brothers a time to look within themselves. As the Tyler guards the door from without, he also acts as symbolic barrier from distractions within our minds for those few short hours. It is this use and disuse of technology that will define the 21st Century Mason.

Finally, although I have discussed how different the 21st Century Mason will be, he will essentially be the same. He will wear the same apron, he will pledge himself to the same oaths, and will participate in the same centuries-old ritual as all his brothers have participated. He will be a Mason first and foremost.

I know that the observations that I have made sound Pollyannaish and are filled with the optimism of youth but our Fraternity needs hope to continue to thrive. Although society will continue to change and evolve, we mustn't worry ourselves that Masonry will change any of its essential structure. We will still have three degrees, we will still have Grand Lodges, and we will still meet as brothers, even if though brothers look, communicate, and act differently. Masonry will remain the same fraternity that has existed for centuries. Welcome to the new century, time to greet your new brothers.

Silence Dogood on "Masonry in the 21st Century"

Editor's note: the fourth article in the series on the broad theme of "the 21st Century Mason" comes from Silence Dogood, who runs The Middle Chamber blog. I always enjoy Silence's thoughts, so it is an honour to have him write an article for me. As always, my thanks to those who are participating in this project.

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Masonry in the 21st Century
by Silence Dogood

When the author of the Rough Ashlar, Anthony, asked me to write an article on Masonry in the 21st Century, I wasn't quite certain what to write. Obviously, his blog is one strongly flavored with Masonry in Britain so how can I write an article relevant to his blog from way across the pond? The answer is that I will have to stick with what I know: American Masonry.

When people think of Masonry in the 21st Century, they doubtlessly think of the information age and what effect that the internet will have on the fraternity of Freemasonry. Doubtlessly, as more and more people become dependent on the web for their daily activities, Masonry will become more affected by what happens online. For the most part, this is a good thing. The internet features a nearly inexhaustible supply of Masonic information. Whether it is in the form of research papers, the events taking place at various lodges, or forum discussions on Masonic business, this information is available to every Mason and allows him to find an answer to virtually every question.

Nevertheless, the internet could be the enemy of American Freemasonry. For the man who becomes interested in Masonry, his largest and first source of Masonic knowledge is the internet. Prior to petitioning a lodge, he will explore the many corners of the Masonic world on the web. He will find information ranging from the deeply philosophical and intricately detailed papers on Masonic symbolism, the hard nosed research of Masonic historians, various papers on the prestigious member of society who belonged to our order, and the heady and nearly incomprehensible meanderings of the comparisons between Masonry and the ancient initiatic orders. This will intrigue him and develop a keen sense of affection for the fraternity of which he is not a member. Then he becomes a Mason, expecting to witness the beautiful ritual that he has heard so much about and partake in the intellectually stimulating conversations on Masonic philosophy and history, but those expectations never materialize. He will more than likely be exposed to very unimpressive ritual work and no education. He will realize that the actual Masonic organization is one where men gather to stumble through opening the lodge, discuss mundane business, and eventually close the lodge in the same incompetent manner in which they opened, and go home. The feasts that he read of Masons enjoying during their fellowship will be reduced to stews, baloney sandwiches, and store brand cookies. The order that once fascinated and excited him will quickly become a mediocre civic organization that he no longer cares to be involved with. If the lodge is lucky, he will continue to pay his dues after he no longer attends the meetings.

Still, the internet presents other problems. The issues of recognition and Masonic corruption were once only familiar in the locales in which they occurred. However, on the internet, Masons throughout the world can discover the unjust expulsion of a West Virginian Grand Master, the complexing relationship between Masons of different color in the south, and the variety of disenchanted Masons which take much care to dismantle the prestige of the order through forum and blog posts. Worse yet, Masons can now see how members of their own organization, which promotes self improvement, violently attack non-Masons, unrecognized Masons, and those who are unhappy with the order. There is a massive amount of seemingly unMasonic behavior being conducted by men who are supposed to be Masons. Can a generation of men who have been raised to believe in the principles of equality tolerate racism, religious prejudice, sexism, and questionable activities in their organization? 

In the end, Masonry must understand that in the 21st Century, the internet will cease to be only perception and not reality. This age has provided an information expressway that is reality to the societies that use it. Masonry must understand that the Masonry that men plead for and practice online is in fact the Masonry that our lodges must practice. However, this doesn't mean that true Masonry is dead, only to be replaced by some weird organization created by a bunch of clandestine individuals who spend all of their time surfing the net. Masonry on the internet may quite possibly be the ideal form of Masonry. On the internet, everyone can express their opinion, the problems which plague our fraternity may be openly discussed and no one is afraid of offending another. There is an incredible array of Masonic knowledge at our finger tips. No longer to Brethren have to have access to a traditional Masonic library or a large sum of funds to acquire Masonic literature. The resources online are largely free of any charge. Brethren can connect with each other all over the globe and trade ideas to improve the organization. Masonry on the internet can be a truly universal Brotherhood and can satisfy the wants and needs of all its members. 

Masonry in the 21st Century will live or die by its acceptance of its internet surfing petitioners. If we understand the expectations which our young members have developed and meet them, Masonry will flourish and become a stronger organization than we could ever imagine. However, if their expectations are neglected in favor of conforming to our lock step traditions and pandering to the crowd that favors humdrum meetings and views frugality as a virtue, then Masonry will continue its decline in the states and a new organization will take its place. 

Celebrating 20 years of recognition

Today, I divert from the series of articles on the theme of "the 21st Century Mason" to look at something else more important.

Twenty years ago, events were put in motion that would change the shape of American Freemasonry in particular, as well as having a profound effecton regular Freemasonry across the world.

On the 29th March 1989, the Grand Lodge of Connecticut started a process that drew as much praise as it did criticism - it started to make moves towards recognising its Prince Hall counterpart. For those who are unaware, American Freemasonry in general used to be segregated, and most states have two Grand Lodges - the Grand Lodge of X, and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of X. The latter being almost exclusively for black men. Of course, this has changed now in most places, thanks to the events that began almost 20 years ago.

When the Grand Lodge of Connecticut first proposed this concept of mutual recognition, there were several concerns that needed addressing. The first of these was that of a merger - something that neither party wanted, as both Grand Lodges had their own, distinct character. The next concern was that of members leaving one Grand Lodge and going to the other. The result was to allow dual membership between them, but not to allow demitting. 

Indeed, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut (MWPHGLC, for short) had issues of its own, mostly relating from its counterparts in other states, and it came under fire from some Prince Hall Grand Lodges, for "having sold out to the white man". The MWPHGLC responded to these accusations by reminding other Grand Lodges that they were sovereign, and had the right to recognise any Grand Lodge that they saw fit to do so.

The MWPHGLC accepted the GLoC's hand of recognition on 14th October 1989, and so CT became the first state to have mutual recognition between its two Grand Lodges. Fast-forward twenty years, and forty-one American Grand Lodges have voted to extend recognition to their Prince Hall counterparts. It is believed that thirty-seven of these have full recognition between the two Grand Lodges, and the remaining four have recognition without visitation. There are still ten US Grand Lodges that have not moved in the direction of recognition, but I am of the firm belief that time will change this.

My own Grand Lodge, the United Grand Lodge of England, made its first moves towards Prince Hall recognition almost fifteen years ago, when it recognised the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts on 14th December 1994. As of this date (28th January 2009), the UGLE recognises twenty-seven Prince Hall Grand Lodges, and I am of the firm belief that this number will also increase with time.

So, my congratulations to the two Grand Lodges concerned in Connecticut as they approach this landmark of twenty years, particularly as it was they who set the ball rolling.

The Palmetto Bug on "Freemasonry in the 21st Century"

Editor's note: the third in the series of articles and guest editorials written around the theme of "the 21st Century Mason" comes from veteran blogger The Palmetto Bug, of The Masonic Line blog. My thanks go out to him for agreeing to take part in this project. Anyway, without further ado, here are his thoughts:

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Freemasonry in the 21st Century
by The Palmetto Bug

At the kind invitation of Anthony Williams of the Rough Ashlar, I hereby offer some thoughts on the topic of 21st Century Freemasonry. I will approach this by asking and providing answers to my own questions.

Is Freemasonry relevant in the 21st century?

It is just as relevant today as it was in the 18th century and – possibly – more relevant than it has been at any time since the 18th century. Like the church, but in a completely different way, Freemasonry has served as a comfortable refuge during times of societal turmoil. It has been a beacon of light to those that seek to make sense of what otherwise appears to be a human experience with no purpose or direction. The first decade of the 21st century definitely qualifies as a time of societal turmoil, as was much of the 18th century.

During times of turmoil and upheavals in society, Freemasonry has served as a foundation for many. It has promoted religious beliefs – while not replacing religion – and has been instrumental in producing thought processes that have actually helped to shape nations. It has been a behind-the-scenes driving force for freedom and personal responsibility – both very relevant subjects in this 21st century.

Is Freemasonry still considered as prestigious in the 21st century?

Based upon the number of folks that falsely claim the title of Freemason, apparently the Masonic Fraternity maintains the trappings of prestige and respect. It is unlikely that anyone would want to fool others into believing that they belong to an organization that was not prestigious and well respected. In a way, it is somewhat flattering to Freemasons when they see others trying to copy the Fraternity and falsely claiming the name of Freemasonry.

Is Freemasonry in the 21st century perfect and without fault?

Freemasonry is a human institution and is, therefore, subject to human failings. Freemasons sometimes lose sight of the direction in which they need to be moving. The entire Fraternity can sometimes drift off course. It is not perfect and may never be. This is not unlike what happens to nations sometimes. Unlike nations, however, the Fraternity is well suited to being able to correct its path when needed. Remember – Freemasons are “citizens” of their fraternity because they asked to be. This results in an overall commonness of purpose. Most citizens of a country do not have that luxury.

Unlike as is the nature of many nations, the Society of Freemasons tends to think a bit longer about possible drastic changes and their long term consequences. It is slow and deliberate. This results in a process that limits the possible negative affects of proposed changes. In others words – the Fraternity is not prone to knee jerk reactions. However, this slow and deliberate nature of Freemasonry can have some negative consequences when drastic changes are made on rare occasions since it takes longer to realize the consequences of those actions and to take corrective action.

Is Freemasonry in the 21st century suffering from some poor actions – or failure to take action – from many years ago?

Yes it is. One of the most glaring ones is the failure of many Grand Lodges and Lodges to anticipate and plan for inflation and bad economic times. Many Freemasons did not recognize the anomaly of the bubble in membership that took place following World War II. Most Freemasons did not anticipate that bubble going through a corrective phase, relied upon the fat coffers that the inflated membership offered, and did not adjust dues to account for what eventually happened – a fall off in membership.

What does the future hold for Freemasonry in the 21st century?

The Masonic Fraternity will be alright despite some naysayers that say different. The question that must be answered by all Freemasons is this: Will Freemasonry attempt to mimic an increasingly tumultuous society or will Freemasonry take a part in providing some order and commonsense to society – as it has done in the past? I choose the latter. Freemasonry has survived much worse times than the one it currently faces. The Fraternity will be fine and general society will need her again very soon – if it doesn’t already.

Of course, I could be wrong about all of this. I voted for McCain, after all.

James Kitney on "Freemasonry into the 21st Century"

Editor's note: The second in the series of articles based around the broad theme of the "21st Century Mason" comes from Bro. James Kitney, a Mason from the Province of East Kent, under the United Grand Lodge of England. My personal thanks go to James who has allowed me to re-print this article, which he originally posted at The Middle Chamber forum.

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Freemasonry in the 21st Century
by Bro. James Kitney

“…ancient though it is, having subsisted from time immemorial”

To every Mason these are words that are familiar and that fill us with pride, thinking back to all the great men of the past who found it agreeable to be part of such a fraternity.

But the aim of this article is not to look back, but to look forward. However to get any direction it is always necessary to find where one has come from before being able to effectively move ahead.

In the past, Freemasonry was an organisation, a fraternity that was dedicated to the progression of the sciences, the betterment of its members and charitable giving to its local communities. Freemasons were seen in parades, at public ceremonies and memorials. We had inventors, poets, councilmen, musicians, entertainers and your best friend next door attending Lodge. In short Freemasonry was a large part of what was good in the community.

If that is who made up Freemasonry, then what was Freemasonry and what did it do?
Well in the ritual we get the answer as to what it is, a peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Ok so what did it do?
Well in and of itself, Freemasonry provides the tools for a Mason to better himself for the benefit of his fellow creatures and community if he applies himself to the lessons of the fraternity. It also allows a Mason to look into the allegory of the degrees, to give him something to ponder and to individualise to his own life.

As noble as these paths offered are, there aren’t many through history who would actively pursue such a course that involved nothing but personal reflection and self change. So what else attracted so many people of different walks of life into the same room to work together?

Well the ritual specifically tells us to explore the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science. As human beings we are all imbued with a sense of curiosity to one extent or the other. What we do not know, we seek, what we do not understand, we strive to define. It is this determination to gain knowledge that has progressed us as a species, across the world, to the depths of the seas and towards the stars above. In this common desire, men of all walks of life have studied the Liberal Arts and discussed it with other like minded individuals under the canopy of Freemasonry, and inspired by the Lodge and Brethren therein, great and wonderful ideas, inventions, compositions and constructions have been planned and executed with perseverance and dedication.

From this, it is easy to see that in the past Masons gathered for stimulation of the mind as well as social and individual improvement.
Now we move forward to the present, or at least the past 50 to 80 years where Freemasonry seemed to change.

Recently, Freemasonry has become more sociable and charitable, rather than the studious or philosophical society it was before now. So why did this happen?
After the horrors of the wars men sought solace within their communities, and Masonic lodges the world over gained many new initiates. However these were men who had struggled and faced terrible times, maybe not everyone wanted to apply their minds to complex sciences or lengthy philosophical questions, perhaps all they wanted was to relax and feel at ease within their community. And so a new evolution of Mason was created, one who strove for fraternity and charitable service rather than intellectual advancement. This itself is a worthy cause for any man, but the times seemed to have created the majority of Masons in this mould, and thus the habit of intellectual discourse or “Labour” or “Work” within the Lodge became more sociable or fraternal and charitable.

As these Masons grew older their sons were initiated and the cycle continued until we have reached the situation we have today. The greatest difference now however is that the younger Masons are branching off and the younger generation today is not only interested in charitable deeds, but is looking for something greater than themselves.

In short, where Freemasonry has always evolved to cater for the times and wishes of Masons, it had now stalled. Whether from the “old guard” of the time or from habit, there was a resistance to the change that the “youth” seemed to be looking for, and anyone who suggested something new was usually met with opposition from the senior member of the Lodge, and this I believe is the greatest reason for the decrease in the number of Brethren attending and the reduction in initiates.

Now we reach the immediate present, and the course is slowly changing. More and more Masons are looking towards the parts of the Ritual that have been ignored for the past decades and wondering what they mean, and so Freemasonry is once more becoming Speculative. The Grand Lodges themselves have become aware that they are going to have to change with the times. Under UGLE, Mentoring Schemes have been introduced as well as partnerships with universities that have introduced Masonic studies in their curriculum. In the US Traditional Observance lodges have been created to try and return to the more intellectual lodge days. Almost every Grand Lodge has come up with some scheme to allow those brethren that wish, to gain more Masonic education than was previously available to them.

And this I believe is the turning point for Freemasonry. As we move forward into the 21st Century, Masons are discovering that they want to regain that inquisitive nature, that they want to discuss ideas and thoughts. And in this we find the possible salvation of Freemasonry. While the number of Freemasons may reduce, if the Lodges can change to accommodate the future Brethren, instead of remaining as they are “because that’s the way its always been while I’ve been here”, then Freemasonry can move forward, as it always has done. In time I am sure that those Masons of the future will want to return to Fraternity and Charity over knowledge and study, and in those times it would once more be wrong to deny them their wish. But until that time, we who would want to gain knowledge or seek new discoveries need to record our discussions and our traditions, so that again in the future should the Brethren require it, they could return to what we are requesting now.

After all, everything is said to moves in cycles or more simply put, circles, and we of the Square should maybe ask ourselves…What is a Square?

Justa Mason on "The Aim of the 21st Century Mason"

A note from the editor: welcome to the first of Rough Ashlar's series of articles and essays, based on the loose theme of "The 21st Century Mason". This article is from Justa Mason, of the Just A Mason blog. My thanks go to Bro. Justa, and to all the others participating in this project. So without further ado, here's Justa's guest article:

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The Aim of the 21st Century Mason
by Justa Mason

Have you ever done improv? The kind where someone in the audience shouts out something and you instantly do the first thing that comes to your mind based on whatever is shouted out.

Sometimes, it’s pretty easy. Someone will shout “siphoning gas from a police car” or “explaining to your girl-friend why you’re drunk and with a stripper” (whether I have experience in either situation I will leave for the reader to ponder).

Bro. Ant has shouted “The 21st Century Mason.” And the first thing that comes to my mind is ... the What?

What is The 21st Century Mason? Who is The 21st Century Mason? Is it me? Surely, the answer must be no.

Somehow, through no fault of my own, I have reached the stage in life where I am twice as old as Bro. Ant. When I was new in Masonry, some of the old guys used to say things “You’re the future of the Lodge.” And, naturally, because the old guys said it then, the old guys (aka me) say it today.

If I’m no longer the future of the Lodge, certainly I can’t be The 21st Century Mason.

Or can I?

Surely, the answer must be yes.

Admittedly, the odds are pretty good I won’t last as long into the 21st century as Bro. Ant and those of our fraternity who still have a use for hair gel. But something tells me I still have something to offer our fraternity into the 21st century. My phone and my inbox do. The officers of the Lodge will fire off notes asking for advice or to run something by me. Some of the older chaps (and there are plenty of those) from other Lodges will call and ask for help. So it appears I have a little something left to give Freemasonry into the 21st Century. My help and my time.

All Masons have the same thing to give. I suppose that means all Masons are The 21st Century Mason.

Oh, I’m sure there will be things about Masonry itself that will change. It’s hard to predict what; it was once predicted everyone would be like The Jetsons and it hasn’t happened. But there are things that will stay the same, just as they did 100 or so years ago when someone pondered who The 20th Century Mason was. But it’s important that through it all, we all—young and old—work harmoniously and set aside any differences to help our Lodge and our fraternity, and to help each other be better people.

That should be the aim of The 21st Century Mason. The aim of us all.

Justa Mason

P.S. My Mother Lodge folded the year I was Master. So much for being “the future of the Lodge.” Then again, I’ve never done improv.