Address of R.W. Bro. Michael Grima
on His Official Visit to Algonquin Lodge No. 434,
January 18, 2011

 “The Relevance of Freemasonry"

Tonight I would like to talk about the relevance of Freemasonry.

In order to examine the relevance of Freemasonry in our world today, I feel it is first necessary to examine in depth some of the things for which it stands. Let us look at some of the fundamental principles that identify Freemasonry and makes it distinct in the world.

Every Freemason believes in kindness towards his fellow man and in leading a life of truth and honesty in all that he does. Kindness requires that he be both understanding and merciful. Mercy is, in fact, a large part of showing kindness. In dealing with someone honestly, a Freemason must first honour that person’s rights as an individual, so that he will treat him as he wishes to be treated.

Two very basic words to a Freemason are Honour and Mercy. Let us look at these two words and reflect on their importance in the world today.

A close look at the definition of these words may help;

Honour

....to think highly of
....the regard shown a good man
....that part in an other that makes one feel highly of him.

Mercy

....kindness towards the helpless
....willingness to forgive an injury
....unwillingness to punish or seek revenge.

To a Freemason, these meanings of honour and mercy suggest very high goals indeed. However, he knows that he can attempt to reach these goals by regulating his life and actions. If he lives these attributes, they become not goals, but a part of his life. A part that he can live every day.

He can show mercy by supporting various organizations and clubs that raise money for those in distress, and by supporting Masonic causes, by forgiving a friend or neighbour who may say, or do something hurtful at a time when his personal life may well be in turmoil, by supporting, and not condemning someone who has made a mistake or a bad decision.

He can show his honour by letting his friends and neighbours know he can be trusted, by listening to ones troubles and keeping them to himself, by doing what he says he will do. All this he can do with happiness, a sense of humility, and a general love of life and living. He does not have to seem to be preoccupied with the seriousness of these convictions; he needs only to be seen as practising them.
Both honour and mercy can be practised each day in a Freemason’s life as part of his way of living.

Being a man of honour means knowing that there are many opportunities to earn another’s trust, but there are few second chances to do so. That you should promise only what you can do and do all that you promise, that your habits must reflect your intentions, and that each person is ultimately judged upon the quality and strength of his moral convictions.

Being merciful means that you must love your enemies and do good works, that if you judge not, you will not be judged, if you condemn not, you will not be condemned, and if you forgive, you yourself will be forgiven. For in the battles of life, are not the greater victories, those which are won by the weaker.?

Finally my brethren, let me return to my question as to whether Freemasonry is still needed today. We hear that the number of Lodges in Ontario is decreasing, and every year that the number of Masons is decreasing, but we know that the need for Freemasonry remains constant. There is still work to be done. Because Freemasonry was founded by men of high morals and principles who wished to do good, not for themselves, but for the cause of good. Because it promotes honour and mercy, because it demands a life of strict moral actions, Freemasonry was needed yesterday, is needed today, and will be needed tomorrow.

It was needed in England in 1717 when the first Grand Lodge of England was formed, it was needed in Ontario in 1855 when the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario was formed, it was needed in the town of Emsdale in 1895 when Algonquin Lodge #434 was formed with W.Bro. William A Killpatrick as it's 1st. Worshipful Master and, my brethren, it is needed today.

For as we know the tracing board of every lodge is not completed. We, the Masons gathered here this evening, are charged with the responsibility to continue to construct the grand design. It is our charge today as it was ever so in the past. This may be proven in the words of one of our Past Grand Masters, M.W. Bro. N.R. Richards who said in 1980. “ Brethren, the work of Masonry is never ending. The challenge is to hold high the precepts we inherited from those who have gone before us, and is with us always. It is easy for the lustre to dim and our purpose to tarnish. I urge your full participation as we strive toward continuing progress and satisfaction in Masonry”.

Brethren, Grand Lodge continues to set the guidelines for Masons in the Province of Ontario and, through its guidance, we hope to improve the Order and the world at large. One of the functions Grand Lodge sees as essential is the necessity to continue to grow in Masonic Education. My theme this year is “Masonic Education + Visitation = Retention”. And are extensions of the Masonic growth initiative. I ask that all Lodges in our District keep these areas as a top priority this year.

Masonic Education and Masonic growth are synonymous and are essential to maintain the growth of both the Order and the Brethren who are part of it.

Brethren, for your warm hospitality, the fine banquet and your friendship, I thank you.