By Richard Wholf
Having recently received several phone calls from local folks who knew I was a Freemason and were seeking some information about Freemasonry, I realized it was time to refresh or acquaint my Pagosa neighbors about the fraternity.
I find quite fascinating some of the crazy myths and misinformation that have been put out about Masons. Sometimes they are malicious, such as the false accusations of being Satanic or being part of “special” political groups like the Illuminati or a part of some strange religious cult. But most of the time, the myths are more in the nature of urban legends or an exposé by a con artist who claims to reveal “what really” goes on in Masonic lodges in magazines or books, or someone who thinks that they can impress their friends by supposedly being an “expert”.
Talking with determined conspiracists can be frustrating – to them even the absence of evidence is “proof” of how powerful the conspiracy or group is. In their minds, it shows how powerful and secretive the group is because they supposedly can suppress all records, private letters, and even witnesses. (BTW, the Illuminati was formed in Bavaria in 1776 and suppressed in 1784. Its goals were to increase morality, oppose evil, and reform the world by creating a secret network of influential people.) These conspiracy theories have no basis in fact, and the misinformation and innuendoes are used to create attention-seeking inflammatory propaganda.
So, let me tell you what Freemasonry really is.
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. It is international and its estimated membership of 6+ million are found in all but a handful of countries (specifically, China, and some Islamic nations do not have Masonic lodges.) Its history and tradition are ancient dating back centuries. Masonry’s strong bonds of friendship, compassion, respect, tolerance, civility, and brotherly love have survived the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better.” It is important to know that that those desiring membership must seek it on their own. That means you must ask a Mason about becoming a Mason.
Freemasonry is not a benefit society, that means a man does not become a member because of some benefits that he might receive. It is a benevolent society that does support many charitable endeavors.
It is not a secret society in that its Temples and Lodges are openly labeled and all in the community can know where they are located. Many Lodges have newsletters and bulletins which have the names of the officers and members. It is, in the strictest sense of the word, a society with secrets as do all fraternities and these are limited to its obligation, its modes of recognition, such as password and grips, etc. and certain parts of its ceremonies.
It is not a religion. It is founded upon the basic principle of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, and everyone who becomes a member of the Lodges must express a belief in God. Its purpose is to make good men better. No one is asked to express a particular religious belief about God, for this is the privilege of each individual and is not infringed by our Fraternity.
And the Masonic fraternity is a human institution. Humans are subject to error and make many mistakes. Freemasonry has always been the meeting of the noble mindset. The fraternity is set up to inspire its members to live the life of a true gentleman. Tolerance is about accepting others for who they are regardless of how we feel. We are to act upon our Masonic lessons. We are to be a true gentleman when the world needs us most. We are to treat all men and women as our brothers and sisters. And it is prohibited to discuss or talk about politics or religion in our lodge meetings.
Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons, as were thirteen signers of the Constitution, and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington. So many American patriots and leaders have been Masons down through our country’s history it would take a book to list them all and their achievements. To mention a few: Ben Franklin, John Paul Jones, both President Roosevelts, President Harry Truman, President Gerald Ford, Arnold Palmer, Roy Acuff, William “Count” Basie, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Brigham Young, Gen. George C. Marshall. Many great world leaders such as Winston Churchill, Marquis de Lafayette, and Voltaire have been Freemasons. Parts of our Constitution are based on Masonic principles.
Through the centuries Freemasons have helped to break down class barriers, teach principles of freedom and human dignity, that it was very important to have separation of church and state, and that men and women were entitled to a part of each day as their own. Masonic instruction teaches that the day should be divided into 3 8-hour parts, with 8 hours going to work, 8 hours going to the service of God and others, and 8 hours for rest and relaxation.
There is no central governing organization for Freemasonry. Rather, by treaties or agreements, there are independent but associated Grand Lodges covering certain geographical areas. It is expected that there will be Adherence to the Ancient Landmarks, that are the fundamental principles of Masonry. There are an amazing number of Masonic organizations or bodies. Most people are aware of local Lodges or Temples where Masons meet regularly often called a Blue Lodge. There are also the Scottish Rite 32’ Masons, York Rite Knights Templars, the Shrine, Prince Hall Lodges, and Research Lodges, . In addition, there are a number of other affiliated groups: the Order of the Eastern Star (women and men members), DeMolay (young men), Job’s Daughters, Rainbow Girls (young women), Order of the Amaranth, the White Shrine of Jerusalem (men and women), Co-masonry, Women Freemasons, and many more too numerous to list here.
I want to mention more about the Shrine, or Shriners. To become a Shriner, a man must be a Mason, usually 32’ degree Scottish Rite or Knights Templar York Rite Masons. Shriners wear a red fez, with a black tassel, and bring colorful participation in parades. Shrine’s official philanthropy is the “Shriners Hospitals for Children”. There is never a charge to the patient, parent or any third party for any service or medical treatment received at the hospitals, and no state, local or federal funding of any kind is sought or accepted for services provided at Shriners hospitals. In the last four years I’m personally aware of two Pagosa children who have received treatments at Shrine hospitals, and several in the Durango-Mancos area.
Thank you for reading. If you want to find out more, have questions, or perhaps, are interested in joining, feel free to call me: 970-946-2372, Richard Y. Wholf, Past Master of Pagosa Lodge #114