The Journal For Research Into Freemasonry & Fraternalism
February 6, 2010 by BeeHive
Filed under The Bee Hive
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This is a concept that I’ve played around with in my head for a while, too, considering the trend in Western Civilization toward the centralized, the information hoarding, the concisely intervening. It is mainly due to the fact that the last 150 years has made such things ever more possible, thus bringing them into the realm of possibility for those who would like nothing more.
I’m not certain that the revamping of Grand Lodge jurisdictional power would have the total desired/forecasted effect, though. It might diffuse the power of Grand Lodges to act so unilaterally against the Lodges under their aegis. But would it saturate down to the Lodge level itself? Would individual Lodges that have a history of alarmingly un-Masonic behavior toward their own members and/or petitioners be more likely to come back to the fold, or maybe even less likely to do so?
The answer lies in inculcating the ideals of Masonry once again within the craft. We don’t necessarily want or need to move backward 200 years in our way of thinking or functioning–we do all live NOW, and that can’t be discounted. But if the general culture of Masonry was more self-reflective, self-aware, and self-policing; if it took the time to really examine the ideas and tenets of Masonry and sought to keep those vital and present in our weekly Lodge meetings and daily lives, that might be what we really need more than anything else.
That takes time, it won’t be accomplished through structural re-organization. It means being really aware of who we white-ball, and being willing to black-ball when it’s the best thing. And once those gentlemen have been initiated, we need to be diligent in instructing, educating and involving them with The Basics.
Remember, Grand Lodge isn’t (necessarily or always) an abstract, outside “thing” that only intrudes and dominates. Grand Lodge, at least theoretically, is made up of Us. Grand Lodge is our own elected officers. Now, how are THEY working, acting, and agreeing? Don’t forget that your Wardens and Master are your Senators. Hold them to their Masonic word and to accounts.