Address of R.W. Bro. Stephen R. McIntyre
on His Official Visit to Strong Lodge No. 423,
November 08, 2011

"Brotherhood of Freemasonry"

Freemasonry is an initiatory organization that is universally diverse, in culture, race, religion, background and economic level. With a shared vision, of a united humanity, in which all people must be included, in the building of the holy temple. It was this vision that inspired many of us to knock on the door.

The development of brotherhood is essential in Freemasonry, and it means both with our brethren, and also with humanity.

I think that we all agree that what is most undeveloped in human beings, is love and compassion, and without this, brotherhood is impossible.

The present state of human consciousness, sees outer differences; it separates, divides and classifies people by superficial characteristics. This state of mind is and has been the cause of all conflict in the world.

Differences are vital to add beauty and wisdom to the human family, and they should not divide it.

Freemasonry promotes brotherhood and a hope for the future, something to aspire to, an ideal.

Einstein put it this way, I quote, “ A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space.
Man’s experiences of thought and feeling are separate from another human.

This is kind of a prison to us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves of that prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of mankind.

There is a belief, that there is an underlying unity within everything in the universe, and the same life flows through every human being.
As Freemasons we have freely submitted ourselves to a process of change, that will open the door to a new life and the experience of brotherhood.

Freely, because the process demands an inner vision, and the will to change, and these cannot be forced or directed from the outside.
This is one reason, no one is ever invited to join the Craft.
One must come forward of his own free will and accord.

As with nature, our growth is gradual and each degree symbolizes a stage in the process. The initiation ceremony lays the foundation, by introducing us to the altruistic life. It illustrates birth from darkness into the light of life. The charity lecture asks us “ would you give if it were in your power”? This is the first step in turning our attention away from ourselves and outward to the needs of others. The second degree is the period of a man’s life where he is full of vigor and action. He is instructed in the useful arts and sciences and to apply them to the construction of his life. The third degree illustrates the end of a useful life and its transition from earth’s fleeting and uncertain pleasures. We are not to be passive, something is expected of us, and we have a duty to actively give. I charge you to practice outside of the lodge those excellent precepts which are ever inculcated within it.

The Masonic basis of altruism, in the initiation, passing and raising ceremonies, frequently remind us of the needs of our brethren, as well as humanity as a whole. The distinguishing characteristic, of a Freemasons heart, is said to be charity. The request to the candidate to give, is meant to awaken their feelings on behalf of those who are living in poverty or distress.

The Masonic system has provided us with the ideal structure to develop charity and altruism, the lodge.

French Masonry uses an interesting word for the lodge, atelier, which means workshop, and this seems an appropriate description.
It is a group of individuals, with a common purpose and method of working, who come together from different backgrounds; and the lodge becomes a workshop, to develop understanding and mutual support. Over time differences become superficial and disappear and a bond forms which is closer than the ties of family.

The lodge also has the capacity for deeper work and to accomplish this, the atmosphere must be different from the outside world.
If its members share a spiritual vision, and the work is done with conscious intention, a lodge meeting will become more than just a meeting.

The combined thought and aspiration of the members will create something greater than is possible for any of them alone.

The lodge also has the potential to have an affect beyond itself. Aspirations and spiritual insights are not contained within temple walls, and the lodge can act as a spiritual vehicle to help humanity.

If members can move beyond an intellectual understanding of the symbols, the lodge can rise to more suitable levels and touch the spirit of Masonry.

It is the spirit of Freemasonry that can help establish brotherhood and peace in the world, which is sometimes bitterly divided and in conflict.

Someone once said, “ Nature has linked everything in the universe together by what could be called subtle threads of magnetic sympathy. And there is a mutual correlation between a star and a man”. Freemasonry is a search to discover these threads, while we learn that the outside of ourselves is in reality within.

I leave you with this quote from Joseph Fort Newton. “The secret of Masonry, like the secret of life, can be known only by those who seek it, serve it, live it. It cannot be uttered; it can only be felt and acted. It is in fact, an open secret, and each man knows it, according to his quest and capacity. Like all things worth knowing, no one can know it for another and no man can know it alone”