Freemasonry is Elitist

(by R.W. Bro. Elliot Zovighian, D.D.G.M., Toronto Don Valley District)

Delivered on March 26, 2012

the occasion of his Official Visit to Quinte St. Alban's Lodge No. 620 G.R.C.


Brethren,

In our proud fraternity, its design is to redesign men into men of empathy and sympathy, men of purpose, and refinement. Men who understand that the best way to make things happen, is by respecting each other's value, and coming together as a team, or lodge, to its mutual benefit.

In that very light, we are to hold ourselves accountable to that aim. Piques and quarrels could easily become constructive conversations, if you so choose. We all have a choice to do what is right, over what is easy. We all have the option in building bridges, or erecting walls.

Masonry needs a few good men … men who have vision, and enthusiasm. Men who understand that there is a right way and a wrong way to affect change, motivate, and inspire others to action.

We all had a vision of what we expected the craft to be before we joined. For many the reality of Freemasonry isn't what they expected. But understand, the flip side is also true; they aren't what Freemasonry expected them to be.

Freemasonry, contrary to contemporary attitudes, is elitist. It is an organization that gives every many an opportunity to raise his game, so that no matter his situation, may find his place in a society of men who live by higher ideals, so that he raises his own esteem that he may reside among the morally elite of our communities.

This was always Masonry's aim. The buildings we're proud to hold our assemblies in were built with the money, and labour of our predecessors. Our Lodges were created, grown, and maintained by those who had strength, perseverance, and fortitude. While not always just, while not always right, one can never question their desire and belief in holding the Craft in high regard.

Masonry isn't for everyone. So what? Masonry is elitist. So what? The solution starts the very first moment someone decides to inquire about our choice. Is it he who is interviewing us? Or should it be us who is interviewing him? We aren't for everyone. So what? Why are we selling ourselves short just so we can get him to join? For what purpose?

We should be proud of our history and legacy, and stand firm to protect it from stain. We should reassess our interview process, and instead of trying to sell freemasonry to an applicant and his family, we should ensure that he and his family are right for us: They are joining our Masonic family. We are welcoming them into our world where our honour, respect, and reliability are important.

We should be perfectly clear to every man, exactly what is expected of him as a Freemason. Telling him it takes little work, and he only needs to give a little time is wrong … flat out wrong. Telling a man that membership doesn't require any effort or commitment only tells that man that his membership has little worth. It doesn't instil that sense of value that Masonry IS.

Let us not allow fear to motivate us into making poor decisions to the direction of our course. Let us not be directed by those who refuse to attend, and participate, while ignoring to ignite the flame inside those who do. Let us not be afraid to contract and let's stop pretending it's a dirty word. Masonry is cyclical. It has been so since its inception hundreds of years ago, yet we're trying to perpetuate merely a moment of its history.

Time will show that this age of our Fraternity came to an important reawakening. Where we shed ourselves of this insecurity where we acknowledge that it isn't our quantities that make us powerful and reverent, but the quality of the men who swear to our oath.

Let it be you that a brother admires, because you personify the ideal. Let it be you that agree to help when the lodge is in need. Let it be you that take the high road when it may be easier to walk away. Let it be you that takes Masonry forward, while the cable tow of others, pull them under.

The Masonry you seek is within you to give. This voluntary organization, won't voluntarily offer anything but an opportunity you have to be wise enough to take. Develop an attitude of gratitude, and let it permeate from your soul. Share that awareness so that energy feeds us all.

Thomas Jefferson said: "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." May by your hand the dream come true. Have the adventurous daring to accept oneself as a bundle of possibilities and undertake the most interesting challenge in life – making the most of one's chances.


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