Discussion Paper – Official Visit Unity Lodge #376 – Feb. 14, 2007
By R.W. Bro. Garnet E. Schenk, DDGM

Masonic Education

Where, What, When, How, Who & Why

What is Masonic education?
- Masonic education in this jurisdiction is limited to the study of history, philosophy and symbolism used in the Order.
- It is learning the Craft and the meaning of Masonry.
What are the purposes or the outcomes of Masonic Education?
- To create a learning environment in every lodge be renewing interest and developing fresh insights into the study of Masonic history, philosophy and symbolism.
- To motivate, stimulate and encourage Masons to read, to study and discuss the meaning of Masonry.
- To establish ownership of a Masonic identity that distinguishes Masonry from
other organizations.
Does the ritual imply learning and growth in Masonic knowledge?

The opening and closing ritual of our lodge clearly implies that there should be a learning environment when the lodge is at work. We hear at the opening, “what is the duty of the Worshipful Master?” It is to employ and instruct the brethren. Prior to the final closing of the lodge the Worshipful Master puts the question, “Has any Brother anything to propose for the good of the Masonry in general and of this lodge in particular? Those two questions are asked by the same person, the Worshipful Master. They are in a sense like a set of book ends. Between those bookends there must be something of substance that inspires Masons to learn, to grow and to find something that sets the organization apart. Ownership of a Masonic identity is also suggested by the charge in N.E. Angle, e.g., benevolence and charity. The Brother is urged, in the charge to the newly initiated member, to devote time to the study of the liberal arts and sciences and to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. That is clearly an admonition to learn the Craft and strengthen Masonic identity.

Let us shift the focus to the closing words by the Senior Warden when he recites the phrase -“after seeing that every brother has had his just due”. That of course brings up the question “what does every Brother expect to receive as “his just due”? In an earlier presentation I posed the question “are we paying the members of the Craft their wages, if any be due, that none may go home dissatisfied?” A good Masonic education program and carefully planned, interesting meetings answer that question. The two questions that I cited from the ritual used at the opening and closing of lodge imply that every meeting should be a learning experience that provides growth in Masonic knowledge. If it isn’t we have work to do.

The Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education puts the same idea in a different context. Properly considered, the lodge is a school, the Worshipful Master is the instructor and the members are the students. One of my favourite Masonic authors, Albert Pike, said long ago that Masonic education is a journey, not a destination. It is an ongoing journey from the rough ashlar toward the perfect ashlar; a journey toward enlightenment.

At the outset of this discussion I stated that the outcomes of Masonic Education are intended to establish a learning environment in the lodge, to motivate and stimulate the thinking and learning by the individual Mason. The Grand Lodge of Canada in then Province of Ontario has spent time and energy in developing educational resources that can be used at the lodge and at the district level to help reach the desired outcomes. The Masonic Manual pages 67 through 88 sets out some basic ideas that help achieve good educational programs at the lodge level. It also gives a detailed list of lodge programs that are available as resources for the Lodge and for the individual Mason. The document suggests that each lodge should have an Education Committee and a Lodge Education Officer.

I urge the formation of Masonic Study Groups at the lodge and district level. Study groups can operate within the parameters of Grand Lodge. M.W. Bro. Ed Drew, the Custodian of the Work confirms that of the six trusty fellows, when, where, what, how, why and who, the first four are the prerogative of the Grand Lodge of Instruction. The Custodian and his Team are concerned with the delivery of the words of our Ritual and the performance of the mechanics of our Ceremonies- What we say and do, Where, When and How we do it.

The question ‘Why…?’ is more properly answered through Masonic Education. It appears that the chief object of Masonic Education is to provide answers that explore our history, philosophy and symbolism. Learning the Craft is the challenge that can make every lodge meeting an adventure and an experience in the advancement of Masonic knowledge and at the same time holding an abiding respect of our ancient landmarks.

Masonic Education affirms the membership requirements, the standards required of our Officers in the performance of the Work as well as the building of character and practicing brotherhood. The task for good Masonic Education is to strengthen the membership, create a learning environment, establish a Masonic identity and preserve our values against erosion and worldly corruption.

Attached is a list of Resources for both lodge and personal use.

Concluding Thoughts
-Education is not received – it is achieved. If you don’t work at it, it won’t work for you.
-Ask – and you will receive. Seek – and you will find. Knock – and the door will be opened.
- It doesn’t much matter how much talent we have, without the rules of the game the result is chaos.
-The task education is not simply to impart knowledge, but to influence and enlighten the mind so the Mason to wants to learn and attend to the words of instruction.

References: The Book of the Work, Masonic Nights at the Round Table, B2B Program, Masonic Manual, The Grand Master’s Message, Opinions of the Custodian of the Work and Masonic Education Committee.