Address of R.W. Bro. Stephen R. McIntyre
on His Official Visit to Golden Rule Lodge No. 409,
September 12, 2011

 “ATTENDANCE "

I would like to address the question of “Do you have to attend lodge to be a good Mason” ?

This evenings topic seems a little awkward on a variety of levels.
For one, preaching to the converted, you my brethren, gathered here on this special evening, obviously have some sense of the importance of regular lodge attendance.
You can also guess, what my response would be,
if I, were to answer no. I may see, only the principal officers in lodge after this banquet.
Which emphasizes, the significance, of the answer to this question.
That Masonry is meant to be shared.

While we still regard the details of the ceremonies as being private.They are not “secret”. The books and internet information covering these ceremonies are available to anyone. We keep them private to preserve that “shared experience” which we all underwent when we joined Freemasonry, and which is an essential part of our system. If we publicly discussed our ceremonies or allowed demonstrations of them, it would spoil the effect on those who join us in the future and deprive them of that “shared” experience. Discussing our rituals with non-Masons is like uprooting a prized rose, to see how it is growing - you will find the answer, but ultimately damage the plant.

Masonry is not something that you do solely on your own.
Masonry is like a ship on a vast sea of information. To navigate, this ship requires a large and diversely educated crew. It must take its direction from known, trusted landmarks to chart a course, guided by the great architect.

This fraternity, in it’s infancy, was meant to gather men together, to engage them, to share a faith, to grow in life changing ritual.
But the answer is not that simple.

When you attain the rank of Master Mason, that is not the end. Sure, you can do extensive research, study and act the part of a good Mason. But school is not out once you walk out the door.
You have merely been given the key to open many doors. You have to use this key, to open the doors, within the compass of you attainment.

While we don’t actually give a key to the lodge to every member, your paid up dues card is your key to attend any lodge. It also permits you to extend your researches, to other apendent bodies.
I’m sure many of you meet masons that we haven’t seen in lodge for some time. Nobody takes attendance. Nobody keeps score. There is no gold star, or ribbon to be worn for perfect attendance.

Going to lodge regularly doesn’t make you a “Good Mason”. Anymore than going to a garage makes you a good mechanic.
While I believe, one can live Masonically on ones own, I would also note, that some intentionality is required.

Just as you initially came forward of your own free will and accord. You still have to keep coming forward.

Routines of making a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge, need to be fulfilled with like minded men.

The early stonemasons were gathered to apprentice and grow. To watch others grow and grasp a wider education, as well as learning to use the tools of their trade.

I came across a quote from German immigrant to New York, in 1920. He developed a system of repetitive exercises for people who wanted to retrain muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility.

His name was Joseph Pilates, the famous trainer of dancers and other athletes. He said “It is the mind itself that builds the body”
How coincidentally parallel to Masonic teachings is that ? Masonry retrains the mind, to establish a charitable outlook.

To aid your fellow man. To improve your outlook in society. To increase your skill in social intercourse.

The Masonic seed is merely planted in every mason, but if the soil is not cultivated and fertilized, fruit will not be produced.

Attendance is a part of the Masonic education, the interaction of a wider base of varying perspectives, wisdom and support.

It takes a couple of re-runs of each degree to know it reasonably well, and a lot of research to delve into it completely to appreciate its meanings. But to see those involved in the degree, evolve and grow, is something that cannot be researched or read.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the public perception, of the Masonic fraternity. By meeting, we can bridge stereo typical thinking. We are a collection of sinners and saints, calling on one another to a higher standard, even as we share our short comings. What you see praiseworthy in others, you will carefully imitate, and what in them, may to you have appeared defective, you will in yourselves amend.

A part of the ideal of Free Masonry, is that it is a place of unity. To gather together, that all might be one in harmony.
Occasionally there is division and dissension.

But the beauty of Masonry is dealing with our often passionate differences, which will lead us to a greater understanding of one another.

Individually we are members of one another in a globally interdependent world.

Such mutual interdependence is vastly important in our world today.

It starts at the local level in the caring of the people we see face to face and expands from there.

A Masonic lodge is a place of collective support.

Each and every one of us brings a unique gift to be shared. Gifts of perspective for one. Gifts of different personality traits for another. Strengths and weaknesses.

The degrees have vast meanings that can be explored endlessly, and participating only enhances that experience.

To be involved, sometimes pushes you out of your comfort zone, and into places and experiences, that you would not otherwise have.

A Masonic lodge is a multi generational gathering of like minded men. From eager apprentices to time worn and well versed veterans.

A beacon of light and hope to a world in need.

Come to lodge not out of guilt or a sense of should, but rather to be part of something life changing for all.

I leave you with this quote:

I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else.

I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.
My brethren, I thank you for your attention, and attendance, and may the fellowship you have enjoyed this evening, help you to live better Masonically.