Did You Know This About Freemasonry?
By REV. NOAH L. BESS
An address given before the Wisconsin Conference for
Masonic Unity
Royal Arch Magazine – Winter 1966
Freemasonry has done far more for me than I can ever do
for Freemasonry. My debt is humbly and gratefully
acknowledged. I have learned that her lessons, tenets and
fundamental principles impressively and inspiringly
emphasize that faith in Deity and the practice of truth,
morality, charity and brotherly love are essential to the well-
being of one's life and also to society in its far reaching
complex organizations.
Freemasonry has afforded me the opportunity to have
precious friendships. She has required of me only that which
is required and expected of every member - to walk
uprightly, to do good, and to obey the divine law. As we all
know, she never requires a member to violate his duty to
God, his country or himself.
Having said this, it behooves me to mention another great
and forceful promoter and supporter of morality, integrity and
neighborly love - the Church of Jesus of Nazareth. In my
opinion, the Church of God, by whatever name or sign it is
known, and Freemasonry are the two strongest organized
forces in the United States today, and possibly in the world,
for keeping our country and civilization right side up morally.
Both have a profound faith in, and deep concern for, truth,
morality, charity and the brotherhood of man under the
Fatherhood of God.
I know of no reason for conflict between these two
organizations. I have given my wholehearted support to
them for the past 40 years and am resolved to continue this
support as long as I may live.
Over the years I have heard various statements about
Freemasonry. By far, the statements have been
complimentary, highly commending the Craft for its moral
influence in promotion of truth, honor and good citizenship. It
is difficult to understand why any intelligent person would
oppose Freemasonry if he were familiar with its fundamental
tenets.
The criticisms leveled against Freemasonry invariably
originate with the uninformed and occasionally with jealous
individuals. Frequently, it appears, the criticisms come from
persons who desire to monopolize or control their groups. It
is pitiful to hear criticism from the ostrich type. He sees a
single mistake which he does not like or understand, made
by a Mason or in some area of Masonry - and then buries his
head in the sands of ignorance and proceeds to criticize the
entire Order. Unfortunately such persons do not desire to
become informed.
Nevertheless Freemasonry is big and strong and wise
enough to suffer opposition. It is also big enough and wise
enough to continue to practice brotherly love. It must be kept
in mind that Masonry looks with disapproval upon
argumentative refutations in her behalf. However,
Freemasons have the right, if they so choose, to make
certain declarations about the tenets and purposes of
Freemasonry - but always within the bounds of that
fundamental principle of Order, TRUTH!
The statements made in opposition to Freemasonry are
often amusing. For example: (1) Freemasonry is atheistic;
(2) It is a church; (3) It is anti-Christian; (4) It is a secret
society; (5) It teaches that heaven is obtained by good works
and not by faith; (6) It has no right to have an altar and a
Holy Bible in the lodge room because only the church has
that right; (7) It denies Christ because it allows members in
other lands, whose religious faiths are other than Christian,
to place their "Volume of Sacred Law" on the altar; (8)
Freemasons have a divided loyalty which prevents true
loyalty to their country and to their church.
In answer to these criticisms, believing it to be within the
rules and practices of the fraternity, and with the hope that it
will be helpful, I venture to state what I have learned to be
true from my reading and personal participation and
fellowship within the brotherhood.
FAITH IN GOD
As every Master Mason knows, no atheist can join a
Masonic lodge. In American lodges, and probably in other
countries too, a man's faith in Deity increases as he
advances in Masonic knowledge. As he seeks more light in
Masonry his attention is directed to various scriptures. Thus
the candidate has opportunity to become informed and to
have a personal and well grounded faith in Deity.
BOOK OF THE LAW
It is well to remember that the origin of Freemasonry as a
symbolic lodge was in England, and that it was oriented
under the influence of the established Church of England. In
Scotland it was established under the influence of the
Presbyterian Church. However, in order to extend the
benefits of Freemasonry as a universal brotherhood to all
mankind, it was deemed good and wise to grant to people of
other religious faiths the right to place their Book of Sacred
Law on the altars in their lodges. It was believed that through
the bonds of truth, charity, morality and brotherly love they
would be led eventually into a fuller and more complete
knowledge of God.
NOT A CHURCH OR RELIGION
It must be remembered that Masonry is not a religion, but it
is religious. Primarily, it is a brotherhood built on morality,
truth and charity. These virtues, as well as the use of Holy
Bible and altars, cannot be monopolized by lodge, church,
club or government. It is fundamental in Masonry that each
man be afforded his personal right as a free man to worship
the Supreme Being of the universe, using the name which
he has been taught to use for Deity according to the dictates
of his own conscience and in the light he has received it.
Although I am zealous for the Order, I keep in mind the fact
that Freemasonry is not a church. It does not seek to usurp
the ecclesiastical functions of the Church. Each Master
Mason is encouraged to be reverent and obedient to the
laws of God and to respect the religious convictions of his
brethren.
Freemasonry is not a secret society, but it has a secret. In
fact, Masonry is well known. Masonic temples and halls, the
time of meetings and the names of the principal officers are
listed in newspapers. Membership in Masonic lodges is
proudly admitted. Masonic charities and hospitals are
favorably known among non-Masons.
Every Mason knows that his obligation to the fraternity does
not interfere with the duty he owes his country, his family or
his God. Masonry encourages each member to put forth his
best endeavor intelligently, loyally and devotedly for the
welfare of his country, his family and the church of his
choice.
NOT ANTI-CHRISTIAN
The attention of the misinformed, who think or say that the
faith and practice of Freemasonry is anti-Christian, is
directed to the words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of
St. Mark 9:38 "Whoever is not against us is for us." Free and
Accepted Masons are taught to do the will of God, and in a
spirit of brotherly love to give assistance to worthy, needy
people. It can be said that if Freemasonry is anti-Christian,
the Old Testament is also anti-Christian.
Freemasonry is founded upon the sublime principle of faith
in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
Masonry deplores and strongly opposes bigotry, selfishness,
cheating, conceit, wicked ambition, falsehood and the
slanderous tongue, religious snobbery, misrepresentation
and degradation of character.
BE A LIVING EXAMPLE
Freemasons recognize the fact that all men are subject to
error and that all Masons do not achieve the same moral and
spiritual stature. However, every true Master Mason strives
to so live that his life will reflect his faith in thoughts, words
and deeds. This is in accord with the word of the apostle
James: "Faith without words is dead." It is also in harmony
with the words of Jesus in his sermon on the mount: "Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven."
We cannot combat opposition by argument, but we can
overcome unjust criticism by living a moral and upright life,
by practicing brotherly love and making it real, and by
bearing enthusiastic witness to the benefits and work of the
Order. Do not sell the lodge short. We have good news.
Many await our witness.
