The Masonic Information Center recently published a pamphlet entitled "What has Masonry done for the world?" It points out very clearly that Freemasonry has done more for the world in which we live than most people or even most Masons realize. In a quote from his book The Beginnings of Freemasonry published in 1924, Illustrious Brother Melvin M. Johnson, PGM of Massachusetts has this to say, "A Study of the tremendous influence which Freemasonry had in the pre-Revolutionary days, in the years of that war, and throughout the formative period of American Institutions, will demonstrate that Freemasonry has exercised a greater influence upon the establishment and development of this Government than any other single institution. Neither general historians, nor the members of the Fraternity, since the days of the first Constitutional Convention have ever realized how much the United States of America owes to Freemasonry, and how great a part it played in the birth of the Nation and the establishment of the landmarks of that civilization which has given to the citizens of this great land the liberty which they enjoy."
We realize that actions done in the past, laid the foundations for us to build on in the future. The future is now and the question arises, "What are we doing for the world in the 21st century?" Education is an important part of any institution. Are we fulfilling our obligations to our Brothers by giving them adequate opportunities to gain education? In January, every Lodge member will have the opportunity to participate in an educational session. In addition, most Lodges have programs to interface with and serve their communities. Grand Lodges partner with educational, health and many other initiatives to make Masonry visible to the general public.
But, will education and our current efforts be enough to sustain our Fraternity? Clearly, the world is changing. While we tell our Fifty-Year members that Masonry is the same as it was fifty years ago, our members are faced with a whole new list of concerns and obligations. Our Lodges are challenged to respond to these new concerns by providing instructions, programs, and help to meet the needs of our current membership. The preservation of Masonry and our country will say much about how we meet this challenge.
When future Masons look back at the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, what can they say to convince the world that we have done our part in keeping this nation great? It is up to us now to see that this assessment is positive.
Fraternally,
William R. Logan
Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
We realize that actions done in the past, laid the foundations for us to build on in the future. The future is now and the question arises, "What are we doing for the world in the 21st century?" Education is an important part of any institution. Are we fulfilling our obligations to our Brothers by giving them adequate opportunities to gain education? In January, every Lodge member will have the opportunity to participate in an educational session. In addition, most Lodges have programs to interface with and serve their communities. Grand Lodges partner with educational, health and many other initiatives to make Masonry visible to the general public.
But, will education and our current efforts be enough to sustain our Fraternity? Clearly, the world is changing. While we tell our Fifty-Year members that Masonry is the same as it was fifty years ago, our members are faced with a whole new list of concerns and obligations. Our Lodges are challenged to respond to these new concerns by providing instructions, programs, and help to meet the needs of our current membership. The preservation of Masonry and our country will say much about how we meet this challenge.
When future Masons look back at the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, what can they say to convince the world that we have done our part in keeping this nation great? It is up to us now to see that this assessment is positive.
Fraternally,
William R. Logan
Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
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