The District Light

The information bulletin April, 2017 of Niagara B District

bhodwitz@gmail.com

We Celebrate

As masons, we celebrate quite a umber ofoccasions: religious, formal, and social. In all, we are sincere and welcoming, and we feel goodabout how inclusive are our functions.

However, there is a disconnect between what we profess and hold to be true and what the public perception is by what it sees and assumes.

Any computer search about masonry brings up anti-masonic sites. We can dismiss some as crazyconspiracy theories, but we must realize that thereare people out there who believe that we are notto be trusted. A typical clip can be found here.

Bypassing the suspicions about secrecy andhidden purpose, the images we appreciate can bevery disturbing to the population who see evil orunwholesome messages. Just the vision of a skullcan be upsetting.

But we Know

“The skull and bones, or specifically the skull(or death’s head), is actually a symbol to remind usof mortality, as it is the ultimate equalizer of allrank, as none can avoid it inevitability. This is morea means to remind us that no matter our station inlife, we are all subject to the same fate, and that our goal should be to make this world better foreveryone.”

The quote is taken from a freee-book which can be found here. It is a good source ofinformation for ourselves or for presentations of masonic education in lodge.

So, just as a cross can remind usof man’s inhumanity but can also bea focus for religious belief, so a skullcan be perceived in different ways,but only if one is schooled in theconcepts.

The questionfor us is howdo we dealwith peoplewho read and believe publicationssuch as this?

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As much as we can say, “You don’tunderstand,” we can’t dismiss the problem.

We do ourselves a disservice if we do notaddress the misconceptions. We ignore the lack of understanding at our peril.

Perhaps we must start with simple principles.

But the prevalence of ‘scary’ images gives force to negative perceptions.

Let Us Consider

We abide by a code that is wholesome. We know that we are or can be a force for good, but we are stuck in the dilemma of feelingoverwhelmed by the scope of the institution.

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Talking with People

In conversations you might have, you may wellrealize that there are strongly held misconceptions.These will foster argument if you let them.

Remember that the purpose of a discussion/argument should not be victory, but progress.

However, if you find yourself interacting withone who takes an adversarial stance, consider:

Prejudices are rarely overcome by argument.Not being founded in reason, they cannot bedestroyed by logic.

You don’t have to attend every argument that you are invited to.

Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into some else’s nonsense, repeat these words, “Not my circus; not my monkeys.”

We know that masonry has much to offer the world. We must find ways of communicatingand demonstrating the values that we hold dear.

"Just as there is a vital spark in man

that defies definition or description,

so is there in Freemasonry a divine flame –

a vital, living force that transcends all descriptions."

Charles Clyde Hunt

What is Freemasonry?

The public negative perception ofmasonry is perpetuated by casual referencesthat build upon each other.

A recent television documentary on the dangers of university fraternal societiesstated (without evidence) that their rituals were based on those of freemasons.

Notice how easily myths are perpetuatedin seemingly innocuous commentary:

“Freemasonry is an ancient secret societyshrouded in obscurity. Fascination with themysteries of the Masons reached fever pitch after the release of Dan Brown's novels, Angels and Demons, The DaVinci Code, and The Lost Symbol. But these novels and their related movies raised more questions than they answered.”

It’s those questions that we must strive to understand and address.

Sources for information

There are many books, pamphlets, and computer sites which will give you the facts you need to deal with people that you would like to educate (or convert).

Benjamin Franklin expounds on our orderin a conversational way here.

The Grand Lodge of British Columbiahas an impressive collection of articles on allaspects of the craft. Look here.

The United Grand Lodge of Englandhas several offerings beginning here.

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“Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally best-sellingintroduction to the Masons, theoldest and largest "secret society" in the world.

“This balanced, eye-openingguide demystifies Freemasonry,explaining everything from itselaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curioussymbols and their meanings.”

Making a Good Man Better

Aristotle said, “Some think that we are madegood by nature, others by habituation, others byteaching. However, the man who is to be goodmust be well-trained and habituated and go on to spend his time in worthy occupations andneither willingly nor unwillingly do bad actions.

“This can be brought about if men live inaccordance with a sort of reason and right order.”

Through our ritual we aim to train men to exhibit upright behaviours and to become more compliant with rules and regulations. The repetitive, persistent, and detailed nature of our ritual turns those behaviours into organizedhabits which become ingrained. [from The Norther Light, a Scottish Rite magazine]

Let’s Do Something

“It has come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let thingshappen to them; they went out and happened to things.” Leonardo da Vinci

“You know what the issue is with this world? “Everyone wants a magical solution to their

problem, and yet everyone refuses to believe in magic.” Alice in Wonderland

What Can We Do?

Masonic Open Houses can be successfulteaching experiences if they are well-planned, with the public’s needs taken into account.

This is the first Floor Foyer

of the Philadelphia Grand Lodge

Volunteering in the community presentsa positive image. For example, masons donate to and help with blood donor clinics.

The MasoniCh.I.P. events provide avaluable service to families. The MeridianCredit Union has been a very generoussupporter.

“Meridian is proud to support the ChildIdentification Program

because we recognize the valuablecontributions that volunteers make in our communities with their time and talents. Our support enables thisimportant program to be offered free-of-charge to families.”

Great minds discuss ideas.Average minds discuss events.Small minds discuss people.

Eleanor Roosevelt

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Divine Service

Niagara A and Bdistricts are hosting acombined masonic service this year, the150th year of Canadaand the 300 Year th

of Masonry for theUnited Grand Lodge of England.

The service will be held on Sunday, April30th at 1030 am in the barn at Balls Falls inJordan, Ontario.

Bro. Sheldon Kofsky will be leading an old-time revival style service with hymns and verse.

Food will be provided following the service. Bring your family and friends. What a great

time to show off Masonry at a fun-filled event.

Niagara B Masonic Association

Remember the dinner at Johnny Rocco’son Tuesday, April 18. The entrance fromDorchester Road is the easiest access.

Gather from 5:30. The presentation willbegin at 6:00. It will be informative andinstructive.

There are those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who say, “What happened?”

As Oscar Wilde said: “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandestintention”

When faced with a challenge:Pride says, “It’s impossible.”Experience says, “It’s risky.”Reason says, “It’s pointless.”The heart whispers, “Give it a try.”

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The Marks That Distinguish Us

The teachings of Freemasonry flow out of a set of principles that have their bases in the Volume of The Sacred Law. The principles that are the building blocks of Freemasonry are part of any enduring majorreligion as well as enduring social philosophiesand ethical systems of thought. The dialogues that flow out of the ritual and the teachings of Freemasonry are a search for truth to guide uson our journey based on the moral law.

Freemasonry is a principled-centred, character-based approach to making good menbetter which sets them apart from the rest of the world.

There is within Freemasonry a discipline that distinguishes a Mason from the rest of the world that is not clearly understood andappreciated. The moment that the Mason seals his obligation with a kiss upon the V.O.S.L. his obligation becomes a binding promise to fulfillthe duties and responsibilities contained therein.

RW Bro. Garnet E. Schenk

The mind is not a vessel that needs filling but wood that needs igniting. Plutarch

Do the best you can until you know better.Then when you know better, do better.

Maya Angelou