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As we sojourn into the first quarter of the new millennium,
it may be appropriate to consider what pressures are being placed onto the membership and
our great Craft. Twenty-five years ago, the Internet did not exist in, or for, the
Masonic world. The Past few years have seen the proliferation of Masonic sites
worldwide. This may be the largest step ever taken to show the general public,
and the world at large, that although we do have secrets within the Order, we are not a Secret Society as our detractors attempt to portray us.
Many years ago, in the late 18th to
the end of the 19th Century, there was no question that the order tended to be somewhat
elitist, as only the Nobility, the well-to-do, or a succession handed down through the
family permitted one to become a member of our Craft. There was very little
possibility of information, with regard to Freemasonry, being provided for the
Non-Mason. The twentieth century saw that trickle of information grow into a
flood of knowledge, for both the uninformed, and the Mason himself.
The Order of Freemasonry has stood the test
of time and will continue to do so, if we guard its portals well, and I have no fear
that the structure of the Craft is well cemented. It is not the Order of Freemasonry that we have to be concerned about,
but those of us within it. As
we progress into this millennium, with information and contact only
"Nano" seconds away, there is the danger of not guarding the portals
well. When I am able to confer with brethren, both verbally and visually,
across the globe with just a couple of key-strokes, then there is a requirement for great
care and attention in what is being said, and to whom.
Yes, there is actively an Internet Lodge.
The Web-Rings have grown. More and more Lodges, Districts and
Grand Lodges are providing information to the world at large, than at any time,
since the beginning of our great history. However, keep in mind Brethren,
that our detractors and those ne'er-sayers are only too anxious to find any item of
possible ambiguity with which to decry our Order.
Times are definitely changing
Brethren, and some say with the speed of light. I would re-iterate, that it is
not the Order of Freemasonry that should or needs to be changed. The
fundamentals, landmarks., edicts, and framework are very secure and permanent.
However, the individuals who make up the Order are the ones who must re-evaluate themselves
and consider:
- Why did I initially want to become a Mason.
?
- Have I made that advancement in knowledge. ?
- Have I fulfilled and maintained my Obligations. ?
- Do I actively participate in and at the Lodge.
?
- What do I bring or contribute to Freemasonry. ?
- What more, could, or should I be doing.
?
We must, therefore, constantly re-examine our
goals and values as we seek to relate them into this changing world. We in
the Craft must continue to live in a spirit of universal Brotherhood and, at all times
maintain those principles which we know to be tested and proven.
Our Order will continue in striving to build a better world by building better men to live
in it.
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