Address of R.W. Bro. Michael Grima
on His Official Visit to Powassan Lodge No 443,
October 01, 2010

 "Let There Be Light"

We refer the word "Light" in Freemasonry to the attaining of knowledge, to an extension of our awareness of a Supreme Being, to an increased sense of education, and a deeper quality of learning and wisdom. All this seems to be comprehended by the word " education ", which brings to mind: study and memory work, which unfortunately may have the effect of deterring many members.

First of all, what is education? Can education be restricted to a Masonic context? When such questions are presented, you are forced backwards to one very basic question: What is Freemasonry? Let us suppose that a non-member is discussing joining the Craft and asks you the question " What is Freemasonry?" How would you answer him? How do you explain Freemasonry so that it is intelligible to a non-member? What would you tell him? What can you tell him? What would you dare tell him?

Before we say anything, however, we must recall the obligation we took when we were first initiated into the craft. Never to reveal any part or parts etc. So, what would you say? Would you rely on the statement that it is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols? The non-member would probably request an explanation of that.

Would you say that it is the belief in a Supreme Being, who has revealed His will to man, and in the immortality of the soul? But the non-member would say that all who go to Church subscribe to those ideas, so how are they special to Freemasonry?

Perhaps in the final analysis you could say that “Freemasonry is a fraternal organization, religious in character, based on the principle of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man which does charitable work in the community through its members. In addition, its teachings and ceremonies seek to make good men better and thereby make the world a better place in which to live.”

"What is Freemasonry?" There are many definitions of the word, but none are complete since the organization embraces a wide scope of activity.

Freemasonry is a "voluntary" society in that no one is invited to become a member. Unlike college fraternities and other organizations, Freemasonry never solicits anyone to become a member. As a matter of fact, it is a violation of Masonic law for a member to invite anyone to join. A prospective member must truly come of his own free will and accord.

Freemasonry is not a religion. Sometimes outsiders claim that Freemasonry is a religion. Most Freemasons do belong to an established Church. Freemasonry is religious in that one cannot become a Freemason unless he believes in God, but there is no religious test applied to the prospective member, nor is he required or asked to subscribe to any religious tenet or belief. In fact, it is forbidden to discuss religion or politics in the Lodge.

Freemasonry is not a “secret society.” A secret society is one that keeps its existence in secret, and whose members do not make known their affiliation with the group.

Freemasonry can not be a secret society because it does not hide its existence, and members do not hide their membership. On the contrary, the organization meets in buildings located in public places, announces its meetings in newspapers and magazines, engraves the words "Masonic Temple" on many of its buildings, and also publishes periodicals.

Thus it is, in the strictest sense of the word, a society with secrets, and these are limited to its obligations, its modes of recognition, such as passwords and grips, etc. And certain parts of the ritual.

Brethren, we could go on forever trying to explain Freemasonry, and every member may have a different explanation, which is, or may be true to him.

The origins of Freemasonry date back to the dawn of civilization. The Egyptians practiced many of the philosophies known to modern Freemasonry, and men practiced many of the operative skills as guilds formed in Europe during the Tenth Century. Written records of modern Freemasonry have been kept since 1717 with the formation of a general governing body called a Grand Lodge in England.

Non-Masons sometimes wonder at the close bond that exists between Freemasons. There is a simple explanation: Freemasons are bound together by the deep and abiding knowledge that each of them, during the ceremonies of their degrees, have accepted certain high ethical standards of conduct. These standards ensure a bond of faith and confidence. Freemasons are proud to proclaim to the world that we are a serious organization of mature men. An organization that instils a love of God, teaches charity in its broadest sense, and shows each member how to live a better life.

Freemasonry gets its amazing vitality because its foundation is laid on the great truths from which come the great moral lessons it inculcates. Behind the two great truths, the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, is the chief Masonic virtue, Charity or Brotherly Love.

Masons are taught to practice this virtue at all times and to assimilate it into their very lives. It is this virtue that leads Masons to do their duties, to stretch forth a helping hand to a fallen brother, to hold a brother's reputation equally with his own, to whisper good counsel in his ear, and in the most friendly manner, endeavour to bring about the best person this brother can be. In so doing, the Mason is strengthening his own inner self and bringing about the best in himself. Freemasonry makes in men, strength of character, of thought, and of emotional stability.

In conclusion brethren, we are guided by the great teachings of Masonry, yet, it is up to each and every one of us to comprehend and learn by those teachings, and to put into practice what we learn. You can't just wear a Masonic Lapel Pin and say “I am a Freemason” It must be in your heart, you must live and act as a Freemason.

Brethren, for your attention, your fine hospitality and your friendship, I thank you.