Address of R.W.Bro. Jeffrey L. Froud
on His Official Visit to Golden Rule Lodge, September 11, 2000

Communication

I attended one of the seminars at Grand Lodge this past summer, entitled Motivational Leadership. The theme of the seminar was "enthusiasm" and the young lady who conducted the session was certainly enthusiastic. I love Masonry and if being enthusiastic is going to better communicate that to others, I’m all for it. My point of view, ‘though, is more like that of Will Rogers, the famous American humourist. He is probably best remembered for his saying, "I never met a man I didn’t like."

Will Rogers was a Mason - in fact, his mother lodge in Oklahoma is now named Will Rogers Lodge No. 53. If you’d like more information on Will Rogers, there will be Internet links to some sites about him posted on the District Web Site, with a copy of this address, in the next few days.

Another of his famous sayings was "I like old words..." and "Old words is like old friends. You know ‘em the minute you see ‘em." As Masons, we use old words to communicate to our Brethren. Because of this familiar terminology, we can be quickly understood by our fellows, even though they don’t know us. Because we’re Masons, they know "where we’re coming from." In this way, our ceremonies and ritual serve a greater purpose than their literal content - they are a device by which we communicate to our Brethren in an enhanced and efficient manner.

In examining the relevancy of our craft in the modern world, it is important that we realize that our time-honoured ritual is not obsolete because it is old. Most of us are already aware that the legends it contains are not necessarily historically accurate. They are employed to communicate our Masonic lessons to the Brethren. Similarly, the somewhat archaic terminology can effectively communicate other messages.

One of the great benefits Masonry has to offer to its members is the opportunity to communicate as equals, within our own Lodges, throughout our District and around the world.

Brotherly love, relief and truth are the grand principals upon which Masonry is founded, but the practice of these virtues in the modern world requires the concerted effort of as many of our Brethren as can be united in a common cause.

Whether face to face; in writing by letter, Summons or newsletter; electronically by telephone, fax, web page or e-mail, the more effectively we communicate, the more we validate the excellence of our fraternity.

Each of us ought to try to apply the teachings of Masonry in our daily life. As well, we should try to demonstrate to our Brethren the relevancy we have found in the Craft to the issues of today’s world. Distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination and reward merit and ability, but the sincere Mason ought not to allow undue deference to excuse a failure to offer his sentiments and opinion on such topics as arise for discussion among the Brethren.

Whether we share Will Rogers’ rare gift for coining a phrase or not, we are all brothers. We demonstrate that most effectively by communicating frankly and openly with our Brethren.

Thank you, Brethren.

R.W.Bro. Jeffrey L. Froud, DDGM

Will Rogers Lodge No. 53, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma web site:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5398/