Masonry in Men

H. L. Haywood once wrote, Not more men in Masonry, but more Masonry in men.

This has been a topic of discussion between myself and a few Brothers.  I once has a prominent Mason in our area tell me that because he felt cheated by the Blue Lightning experience he went through, it caused him to seek more light in Masonry on his own.  He is unique, as too often, we discussed, the rest of the men get their secret decoder rings and just say "Cool, I'm a Mason!" and off they go.

One of the items brought up by our discussions was the concept of quantity over quality.   We rush guys in, get them degrees as soon as possible so that they don't lose interest, don't focus on education at all between the degrees and rush the experience.  In my case, by the time I was a fellowcraft, I was quite confused.  What word?  huh? grip?  when do I use that? There was no place for me to go to learn and no one offered to help.  Id occasionally get a short paper given to me to read or a regional publication to go through.

I understand the need for members, it is for the financial well being of the Blue Lodge.  We need members, to pay fees and dues so that the lodge can survive.  Each year we lose members due to indifference, death, lack of time, whatever and we need to replace them.  But should we do this at the sacrifice of who we are and what we are all about?

We have been fortunate to have some new members and Entered Apprentices who appreciate the education and have been participating in events.  Still, the discussion led to the possibility that some men may not get involved because they truly do not have Masonry in their hearts.  Long ago, it took long periods of time to advance from Apprentice to Fellowcraft and then to be raised a Master Mason.  Why?  It was to see who was dedicated to the craft, to weed out those who truly didn't have it in themselves to be a true part of the organization.  What did I say earlier?  We move guys through so that they don't lose interest.  Perhaps they lose interest if they truly don't have the craft in their heart?  Some may some may not, we should never say all or never, but it is a possibility.

Could it be that some men dont get too involved because when they were raised, Masonic Education was not a focus or a factor in the process?  They didn't exactly know what they were getting into or what was expected of them?  I revert back to the 24 inch rule.  This particular symbol always sticks out to me as one thing I learned well, equally dividing our time between work, rest and craft.  Sometimes I devote a little more to one than the other, but in the long run it all evens out.  I am devoted to my craft and my devotion is trying to  instill that devotion into others.  To be true to H. L. Haywood's quote and put more Masonry into men.