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Discussion Paper –
Official Visit Golden Rule Lodge #409 – September 11, 2006
By R.W. Bro. Garnet E. Schenk, DDGM
The Ritual
What is the purpose of
the Ritual?
- It is the starting point that binds us
together as masons.
- Provides a continuity of ideas upon which to understand and apply
Masonic ideas, philosophy and principles.
What are the outcomes of a good understanding of Ritual?
- The practice of the moral values fellowship, brotherly love, morality
and friendship.
- Those values exemplified to the community by our conduct.
- Ritual properly understood helps every mason find the sacred in the
ordinary things of life; e.g., in work, in leisure, in the social and
the community
What does the ritual do for a candidate, for every member and for the
lodge?
- The Ritual provides the background upon which the candidate can build
his Masonic character and his Masonic education.
- Provides the opportunity for every member to help a candidate from
unsteady steps to sure Masonic knowledge.
- The ritual is neither a set of instructions nor a directive; it is
rather a guardian of tradition which lays out before the candidate and
every mason, the absolute truth of Masonic philosophy.
- It is inspirational; it inspires members to renew their dedication to
the lofty ideals in their public and private lives.
- The ritual is a path to greater understanding.
- The ritual is a dramatic allegory to explain the tenets and principles
of the Craft. (It is neither literal nor historical.)
- Ritual provides a common focal point upon which each lodge exists.
- The drama of the ritual illustrates the life of a mason.
What is the relationship/task of the person (ritualist) in delivering
the ritual?
- It is important to remember that a ritualist when teaching a candidate
is as a “Master of the Craft” to his “Apprentice”
- Have empathy with what he is saying.
- Provide light to the candidate.
- Ritual is the means to bring a candidate in to the brotherhood of men
who believe in right thinking and right action.
Every element of the ritual has significance. Admiration for the ritual
through the three degrees is not sufficient; a mason is not made simply
by taking degrees – that merely makes him a member. The system of
degrees is not an end to the journey, but rather a beginning of learning
and understanding. We think of the Masonic journey as being three parts.
In reality there are four parts. The fourth part is learning and
teaching and is a journey from the rough ashlar toward the perfect
ashlar by members committed to Masonic Principles.
Thoughts on Masonic Education
What are the first signs
of deterioration of any group or society?
- Failure to educate its members, and
- Failure to educate citizens on the subject of its origin, its basic
philosophy and its aims and objectives.
How do we define Masonic Education?
- Enlightening the mind.
- Inducing the habit of virtue.
- Strengthening the fundamental principles of knowledge and
understanding.
- It is a requirement of our tradition. We are admonished to make a
daily advancement in
Masonic knowledge
What is the purpose of
Masonic education?
- It is not simply to teach but to encourage members to want to learn,
to see the need for growth and research.
- A program of instruction is essential to enable all members to
understand and appreciate the symbolism and allegory of the ritual.
(Intrinsic Values)
The Masonic Manual makes reference to moral instruction. What does
that imply?
- A curriculum or body of truth to be taught.
- Masonry is educational in nature. (Daily Advancement)
- How the instruction takes place in the ritual is an educational
process.
In the Book Pillars ands Steps R.W. Bro. M.J. Diamond refers to three
essential words – work, instruct and improve. Why are they important?
- They refer to the tasks necessary that characterize any successful
lodge.
- To the ongoing instruction of its members.
- To self-acquired knowledge.
What is the real function of a lodge?
- It is not simply to initiate candidates.
- It must include the training of its members to understand the truths
contained in the ritual, to show benevolence, to cultivate social
virtues and to bring to life the fundamental tenets of Masonry.
How is the strength of a lodge measured?
- It is best measured by the contribution it makes to the community.
- By the influence in the community by those it has trained in Masonic
character.
- Everything that is done in the lodge must create a renewed sense of
brotherhood within Masonry.
- The lodge must be thought of as Masonic home. – Each individual is a
part owner of his lodge and each has a stake in its success.
- Every member should remember, that his right to vote in how his lodge
is run, is matched by his responsibility to see that it is well run.
- In the final analysis the Lodge is more than a club that is joined. –
It is a
commitment that is made.
Concluding Thoughts
-There is a strong
connection between ritual and Masonic education. Ritual comes alive with
good Masonic education. Masonic education makes the ritual important and
meaningful.
-Through Masonic education and the practice of the ritual, Masonry
becomes a Song of the Heart and a Dance of Life.
-Freemasonry is more than the art of learning the ritual; it is the
science of Living.
-Masonic life is a measure to be filled, not a cup to be drained.
-Self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual, and the
Mason who reads, helps himself.
-Good ritualistic work is a beauty to behold. But it can only be good if
it is rehearsed many times. A play, a movie, or television, has been
rehearsed many times. Hence, many brethren stay home to watch television
-The discovery of what is true, and the practice of what is good, are
the two most honourable objects of Masonic philosophy.
References: Masonic Manual, Pillars & Steps, After the Lodge is Closed,
Penetrating the Veil & The Work
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