IS MASONIC EDUCATION A "PARAGON"?

    I regret to note that Freemasonry which has come under my observation
is, in some instances, fast degenerating into a mere mechanical routine.

    Some of the Brethren have sunk into a lethargy.  At times they are a
little aroused by the initiation, passing or raising of a candidate, but it is only momentary.  On the regular meeting night a few of the faithful will assemble, read and adopt the minutes, transact the routine business of the
lodge and close.  This is varied form time to time by degree work.

    You will see many examples of the following: A newly made Master Mason, eager for truth and light, will attend every meeting and participate in every ceremony for perhaps six months.  You will then notice his occasional absence, and finally he ceases to attend.  The reason for this is not far to seek; the conferring of the three established degrees of Freemasonry is of necessity brief, the absence of experienced Past Masters who are aware of the multiplicity of aids furnished by the Grand Lodge.  Some of us have become complacent in our practical application of Masonry.  The newly raised brother imagines himself a "Freemason" but knows nothing of its principles or teachings.  He tires of the routine which has become monotonous. The novelty has worn off, and with it his interest, which was created and sustained by that novelty ceases.

    Today some of our Brethren are prophets of doom who regard our ritual as Rite or Rote, and nothing more.  Some would have us believe that our way of life today is in competition with a brother's attendance at lodge and are quite happy to accept that form of reasoning.  Some even believe we are no longer a viable force.

    I quote verbatim form a letter in my possession, domiciled Assen,
Holland, dated February 13, 1946 and singed M. Jager, General Secretary;
Our work here is very defective.  You know that for the War our work was
forbidden by the Germans.  One of the first acts was to steal all our
possessions, jewels, books, etc., and not only in our building but also in
the particular houses.  Much has been burned, but the night has passed.  We shall never forget our gratitude to our Canadian friends and Brethren in that we know better than before that the light shines in the darkness too ." "Moeden Volharding" (Courage and Perseverance).

    The factual evidence of Masonic History Jurisdictional and Universal,
refutes the allegations or statements being made.

    If over every Craft door entrance was emblazoned the words "enter that
ye may become more learned"!  Yes every Freemason knows what ought to be done.  The remedy is Masonic Education: it being the only subject we were qualified in above all others.  The Brethren must read, study and think for themselves until such time as each, and every one can give a reason for the faith that is in him.  A man's interest in a subject can invariably be measured by his knowledge of it.  Increase the knowledge and you will have a  proportionate increase of interest.  Labor is the lot of man and we are called on to do something.  Therefore let no brother's Masonic Life be such as will compel him to admit, "I never did anything towards my own self-improvement, or my lodge."

    "Masonic Education is a model for comparison."
    Masonic Education is something of the highest excellence."
    Masonic Education is a Paragon."

By: R.W.Bro. George D. Caird; Member on Masonic
Education and Research; Published in MASONIC BULLETIN;
BCR; May, 1975.