From the Worshipful Master

Masonic education is something that is often discussed. Freemasonry is a subject both broad and deep, and there is a wealth of information available to the mason, whether an apprentice of a few days or a master of decades.

However, I would like to bring to mind a different aspect of “Masonic education,” that of learning in general.

I think it was Francis Bacon who said, “knowledge is power.” To the mason, every subject should be of interest. Nearly any subject can offer some enlightenment to the mason. Not just in teaching new skills, but in revealing aspects of subjects that may open up new fields to the Masonic student. Whether a new way of looking at an old subject, a new basis for understanding, or simply a different point of view, for the mason, knowledge is, indeed, power.

So when you consider Masonic education, think not just of those subjects focused specifically on masonry, but also of the way that other subjects can open new fields of knowledge and experience to the mason who approaches with an open mind and willingness to learn.

Bryan Bullock
Worshipful Master

From the Senior Warden

I would like to impart upon you all a few words about Masonic education. I come at this as a lover of Masonic literature and the co-chair our lodge’s education committee. I am one of the de facto graduates of Wayfarer’s education nights. In fact, most of us in the Lodge who regularly attend are also brothers who have attended education night for the allotted time until they are able to petition membership. Our education nights are excellent opportunities brothers to share insights, meet perspective brothers, and fellowship with current brothers all while discussing Masonic articles or chapters from awesome Masonic books. And there is my shameless plug for education night.

I have heard there are three main avenues of Masonic education. These include history, philosophy, and ritual. There are numerous books on masonic history and traditions. H.L. Haywood stated in his book The Great Teachings of Masonry “to learn what Masonry has actually accomplished in the world is to gain an insight into its purpose and principles, for, like every other organization, it has revealed its spirit through its actions.” A very good example of the spirit of Masonry is how represented itself during the American Civil War.

The subject of many of our education nights (besides some history) is Masonic philosophy. Masonic philosophy is a beautiful thing and conversations regarding its principles. This could be how to better serve in our community and help each other out. We can also discuss how other jurisdictions operate as a way of their interpretation of the principles of Freemasonry. We can also learn about how other lodges in our own jurisdiction operate. From Masonic philosophy, we learn how we can better ourselves and each other, and therefore better our families and community.

Masonic ritual is probably the cornerstone of what we do as a fraternity. From ritual we learn a way to improve ourselves and develop our mind and spirit as we seek after truth. When we become better at ritual work, we better ourselves and provide a better experience for our candidates and other brothers to learn. From ritual we learn about the traditions of masonry and about history in general. The ritual can also serve as a mnemonic device to the principles and philosophy that encompasses the craft as well as a road map to learning greater truth.

My question for us is “how are we educating ourselves in the craft?” In asking this question, I am really asking is “how are we becoming better men?” My brethren, let us be actively engaged in our own Masonic education and help each other with their Masonic education

Christopher Huson
Senior Wraden

From the Junior Warden

Education is, arguably, the most important part of a man’s life. Debate is the foremost means of actively expanding knowledge, to explore new ideas and flesh out existing ones. A wise man knows that his knowledge is never truly complete. One should be always willing to accept new information, integrate it into your existing knowledge, and be open to any new conclusions that come as a result. A good man, and a good Mason, should always be willing to listen to another’s point of view, however limited, with patience and respect; knowing that however you look upon someone’s argument, so too do they look upon yours. Consider what they have to say after they’re finished, not during, and return your thoughts based on logic and reason; remembering that while their argument may not make sense to you, it does to them, and you should consider that in your debate.

Listen with patience, teach with kindness, and think with humility.

Cameron Smith
Junior Warden