Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

Many Masons today confuse ritual proficiency with Masonic “light.” While a deeper understanding and appreciation of ritual can lead to important personal insights, this is not the “light” our Masonic predecessors had in mind. Modern Masonry is a product of the European Enlightenment. “Light,” consequently, was knowledge of the world around us and, more particularly for Masonry, information that makes us all better human beings. Early Masons used their lodges to discuss a variety of topics, loosely ascribed to the seven “liberal arts and sciences.” The ability to intelligently discuss and debate such matters was considered a distinguishing characteristic of a Master Mason.

Today’s Masonry has all but forgotten its intellectual heritage. Few lodges are active places of learning, Masonic or otherwise. They are social clubs and service organizations, mistaking memorization and philanthropy with Masonry. Real Masonry, it must be remembered, is about creating enlightened men. Ritual and charitable works are important. Ritual is the entrance to Masonry; philanthropy is one of Masonry’s many gifts. But for Masonry to be truly meaningful, education has to be its cornerstone. Lodges having libraries should update them. Members should organize regular book clubs and discussion groups. More importantly, time should be scheduled at every regular, non-degree meeting for education. This could be a Masonic “short talk” or other informative article. Better yet, a 20 to 30 minute member presentation when time permits. The “seven liberal arts and sciences” is a broad body of knowledge; no doubt every member could, and should, be able to contribute something for discussion. Lastly, lodges should arrange guest speakers or performers, such as university professors and musicians, for special lodge events. Such occasions can be opened to family and invited guests, spreading Masonry’s light a little further.

All Masonic lodges should consider themselves “research lodges,” places where members learn about the Craft and grow as enlightened men. We fail ourselves, as Masons, if we do not make time at lodge for learning. We also fail our brothers when we are too stingy to share what we know. This is particularly true for new members who have high expectations of the Fraternity. Therefore, we must all continuously strive, individually and collectively, to bring more light to ourselves and Masonry. Without it, our lodges will be very dark indeed.

Bro. Robert Blackburn
Benjamin Franklin No. 83