Discussion Paper – Official Visit Powassan Lodge #443 – October 13, 2006
By R.W. Bro. Garnet E. Schenk, DDGM

Secrecy

The topic for discussion this evening is secrecy. What is it, why, and what are the limits. David C. Bradley wrote a little booklet entitled Penetrating the Veil. The title of the book aptly describes what we have to do to understand secrecy. Questions that it raises include; “What is secrecy?” “Do we see secrecy purely as an edict to be obeyed?” “Or, do we see it as a guidepost that leads to growth in Masonic Knowledge?”

Leading Masonic scholars of all times have agreed that symbols of the Fraternity are susceptible of the most profound interpretation and thus reveal to the truly initiated certain secrets concerning spiritual realities of life. Wisdom drapes her truth with symbolism, and covers her insights with allegory. Truth is not lost, but yet it must be sought for and found. There is an eternal paradox here, the Word appears to be lost, yet is ever with us. The light that illumes the distant horizon shines in our hearts. “Thou would’st not seek me had’st thou not found me.”

The ritual is rich with parables and symbols. It can be said “Blessed are the eyes that see, the ears that hear and the heart that understands.

The whole of our ritual can be studied in practically any library, bookstore and on the internet. The question for us really is “What is left to keep secret?” So what are the secrets we pledge to keep inviolate? - Words, signs and tokens? The true secrets of Masonry cannot be defined in such simple terms. The real secret of Masonry cannot be described at all. It is something that can only be learned by experience and patience, as well as by making a daily advancement in Masonic Knowledge. It can be summed up in a Biblical Phrase. Ask – and you will receive. Seek – and you will find. Knock and door will be opened, implying that we are created to be always in search for truth.

Throughout the rituals and our lectures, the references made to the Lodge are not the building in which we meet. The building itself is intended to be but a symbol, a veil of allegory concealing something else. The real Lodge referred to throughout the rituals is our own personalities. If we interpret our doctrines in the light of this fact we shall find that it reveals an entirely new aspect for the purpose of the Craft. The fact that Masonry is a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols implies that there are secrets which the Mason is in search of when he journeys from the rough ashlar toward the perfect ashlar.

The Masonic teachings take us on a journey that tells us we are imperfect beings, conscious of something lacking to us that would make us what hope to be. The very essence of Masonic doctrine in this world is that all men are in search of something in their own nature which they have lost, but with proper instruction and by their own patience and industry they hope to find. What is it that is lacking to us?

Do the secrets we speak of in Masonry apply to what we already know and should not reveal or are we the ones who are in search of secrets that will instruct us how to live?

Our teaching is purposely veiled in allegory and symbol and its deeper import does not appear on the surface of the ritual itself. The deeper secrets in Masonry, like the deeper secrets of life, are heavily veiled. They are disclosed to those who act upon the hint given in our lectures, - “Seek and ye shall find: ask and ye shall have; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” It rests within ourselves whether Masonry remains for us what its outward and superficial side appears to be merely a series of symbolic rites, or whether we allow those symbols to pass into our lives and become realities therein.
Masonry is a quest after something. “Paradise Lost” is the real theme of Masonry no less than of Milton, as it is also of the ancient systems of the Mysteries.

Few people think of the public perception of Freemasonry and are content to blissfully sail along until confronted. Then, not being prepared, and not having the answers ready, they clam up and slink away. This is ever so true with the books like the Da Vinci Code. We need to be prepared. Freemasonry does not need to be defended it must be explained

Let us consider a series of Questions.
- Is Masonry a secret Society’?
- Why are Masons afraid to let people know they are Masons?
- Can “Secrets” or “Secrecy” be the basis for negative public perceptions about Masonry?
- If we have nothing to hide, why do we operate under a veil of secrecy?
- Why is there secrecy in Freemasonry?

Final Thoughts
A story that makes a point or teaches is a parable. The ritual can be thought of as parable or a series of parables. Like the parables taught by Jesus, the ritual both conceals and reveals. It conceals the truth from vulgar eyes but it reveals the truth to those who are prepared to receive it.

All true Masons know their work is not secret, but they realize that it must remain unknown to all who do not live the true Masonic life. Yet if the so-called secrets of Freemasonry were preached on the street corner our Fraternity would be safe: certain spiritual qualities are necessary before the real Masonic secrets can be understood by the brethren themselves. The Masonic life forms the first key to the inner Temple and without this key none of the doors can be opened to understand the things that are concealed therein. Learn to turn the Hiram Key and unlock the real secrets of the Craft. Understanding how the message of the square and compasses combines with the symbol of the centre to make darkness visible.

One of Masonry’s basic lessons is that to understand you must experience; the real secrets of Masonry must be lived, you can’t give it away

Why is Masonry not a secret Society?
It existence is well known.
Members do not normally hide their membership.
Its rituals have been published and are available through many sources.

What is the biggest secret about Masonry?
That there are no secrets, except for the changes that take place in man’s life when becomes a Mason

The Life of wisdom is the life of reason.

View yourself as a citizen of the worldwide community and act accordingly.

Resources: The Meaning of Masonry by Wilmhurst; Penetrating the Veil; Cannon Richard Tydeman; Harry H. Leazer, Past Grand Chaplain, GLG; Knights of the Round Table Material, Manly P. Hall, Masonic Researcher and Author and from Epictetus.