Hiram’s Call August 2023

From time immemorial, the fundamental process by which young males develop into productive and useful men has not changed. Several millennia ago, males first met in huts or houses exclusively dedicated to their socialization and development. In these sacred places, the leaders and elders discussed important topics and designed solutions for the advancement of the tribe and society. Other men attended these gatherings to obtain guidance and receive instructions on how to get things done. Young males were also allowed to enter after successfully completing a “Right of Passage.” Once that milestone was achieved, these young men gained access to the wisdom possessed by the elders; they also observed how to behave, ask questions, be useful and execute the plans designed by the most skilled and respected leaders. Said simply, the inhabitants of this “Men’s House” gathered together to socialize, teach and learn!

While leapfrogging through time, Freemasons have advanced that legacy of building quality men and productive communities. Our Masonic Heritage, both Operative and Speculative, is steeped in the science of Geometry and the art and skill of Architecture. Our Operative fore-Brothers worked on building castles, cathedrals, temples and monuments across the globe, our current Speculative Craft of Builders exclusively focuses on building experienced, well-informed, confident, and useful upright men and Masons. Our goal is to help our Brethren become the absolute best versions of themselves. Through that journey, they internalize our spiritual and moral teachings combined with how to harmoniously work for the service of others. Together, we continue building active Lodges, loving families, productive workplaces, and stronger communities.

A question then comes to mind. How does Freemasonry remain relevant in the digital world that we live in now?  To address that question, we must first ask another, “What came you here to do?” That last question is known quite fondly by every Entered Apprentice Mason. It invokes a sense of pride, determination and clarity for why we have taken the steps to enter into our version of that “Men’s House.” We fundamentally came to Freemasonry to learn. Yes, we are seeking Self-Improvement. As males, we need a safe and trusting environment in which to socialize, learn and develop; that yearning and quest led us to Freemasonry. So, the answer to that first question is that our fraternity provides a safe and trusting sanctuary in which men have the opportunity to successfully mature from young adults to useful men; then, with experience and time, to become wise elders. This time-tested developmental journey has as its foundation our unique ritualistic experience found in Ancient Craft Masonry.

Whether consciously understood or not, every Freemason is taught Our Masonic Self-Improvement Process. It is a process that contains an enduring gift for all good men seeking to better themselves. This repeatable process teaches us how to learn and proactively improve ourselves throughout life. The process has five key steps which builds upon the trust earned and support given by Freemasons in the sanctuary of our “Men’s House.”

Our Masonic Self-Improvement Process has five key steps:

That quote invokes the profound value of our ancient and honorable fraternity. We advance that reality through the relentless focus on Our Masonic Self-Improvement Process; an impactful process which has significant power and applies to all aspects of our lives.  It is one of the true gifts given to all Freemasons; the repeatable process of how to learn anything in life and become the best versions of ourselves. Like the inhabitants of that old “Men’s House,” the Brethren who dwell within Masonic Temples throughout the world now and for centuries to come will continue investing in self-improvement and being useful to others. Fundamentally, our Masonic Heritage is as relevant today as it has been from time immemorial.

Dr. Heather K. Calloway will discuss preserving collections of the Grand Lodges and Blue Lodges, that are at serious risk of being damaged and/or discarded.
“Whether a lodge is moving, closing, or downsizing their space, the collections amassed by the fraternity are at risk of being orphaned… They are often stored in closets, basements, and attics where environmental and storage condition are abysmal.”

We are proud to introduce this new award recognizing Grand Lodges which demonstrate successful programs and practices for membership development and retention.  Membership development is more than gaining new members.  Does your Grand Lodge have a successful program for leadership training, education, or mentoring for example?

We want to hear about it and award those programs which excel!

Our Scottish Rite Brothers met in their respective Supreme Councils this month.  The Supreme Council, A. & A. S. R., Southern Jurisdiction met in Washington D. C. August 20-22.  The Supreme Council, A. A. S. R., Northern Masonic Jurisdiction met in Louisville, KY August 27-29.  We hope their events exceeded expectations!

Most Worshipful Brother Steve C. Martin, is the newly installed Grand Master of Masons in Washington. We wish you much success in your term and the MRC is always ready to assist you!