"When YOU don the Mask and assume your role,
\do you portray it, or do you betray it?"
"I
had long questioned the myth so promulgated among Brethren, one even
officially taught by my Grand Lodge, that being the myth that we are
directly descended from a guild of stonecutters. To me, it didn't make
sense. Why would men of wealth and with philosophical leanings join a
band of manual laborers? What did Masonry offer to attract such men, and
why would a labor guild *want* such men?
"Clearly, Freemasonry had some deeper meaning, something beyond the physical. Indeed, one could not enter one of the Craft's masterpieces without feeling something mystical, something magical, even something spiritual, in the design and execution of the work.
"For centuries, the Master Craftsmen understood the relationship between Man and Nature, and the Creator. They sought to exemplify and honor His Greatness. They passed their knowledge to successive generations through their labors and their teachings in ceremonies and pageants.
"But after the English Civil War, there was a sharp decline in the trade, for a variety of social and economic reasons. The masons were no longer needed. The guild was dying, and with it the mysteries of Masonry.
"The challenge of how to preserve Masonry became very real. If it could no longer build grand edifices of stone, perhaps it could continue to inspire the minds of men by building edifices within.
"Short of its Trade, Freemasonry held on to its Mysteries. Instead of teaching them through years of apprenticeship, lessons were taught in hopes men would apply them in their hearts and minds. To do so, the halls were opened to men who were of good character and willing to labor on their own edifices.
"'The Craft Unmasked' illustrates just how such a transformation took place, how the pageantry of an ancient guild became itself a system of instruction, and why the dedication of those performing the pageant is so vitally important. Just as the stage actor who loses himself in the role becomes indistinguishable from the character he plays, so does the man who immerses himself in the pageantry and lessons of Masonry.
"Unfortunately, (or perhaps fortunately,) 'The Craft Unmasked' makes it easier to spot the bad actors, accentuating their lack of dedication, lack of study, of their roles and themselves. And as Freemasonry is essentially a union shop (as a holdover from the guild days, perhaps,) it is very difficult to remove these characters.
"TCU is a wonderful tool for anyone who wishes to understand the purpose of Masonic ritual and the importance of full dedication to its execution. 'To be, or not to be.' Ask yourself, What will you be?"
"Clearly, Freemasonry had some deeper meaning, something beyond the physical. Indeed, one could not enter one of the Craft's masterpieces without feeling something mystical, something magical, even something spiritual, in the design and execution of the work.
"For centuries, the Master Craftsmen understood the relationship between Man and Nature, and the Creator. They sought to exemplify and honor His Greatness. They passed their knowledge to successive generations through their labors and their teachings in ceremonies and pageants.
"But after the English Civil War, there was a sharp decline in the trade, for a variety of social and economic reasons. The masons were no longer needed. The guild was dying, and with it the mysteries of Masonry.
"The challenge of how to preserve Masonry became very real. If it could no longer build grand edifices of stone, perhaps it could continue to inspire the minds of men by building edifices within.
"Short of its Trade, Freemasonry held on to its Mysteries. Instead of teaching them through years of apprenticeship, lessons were taught in hopes men would apply them in their hearts and minds. To do so, the halls were opened to men who were of good character and willing to labor on their own edifices.
"'The Craft Unmasked' illustrates just how such a transformation took place, how the pageantry of an ancient guild became itself a system of instruction, and why the dedication of those performing the pageant is so vitally important. Just as the stage actor who loses himself in the role becomes indistinguishable from the character he plays, so does the man who immerses himself in the pageantry and lessons of Masonry.
"Unfortunately, (or perhaps fortunately,) 'The Craft Unmasked' makes it easier to spot the bad actors, accentuating their lack of dedication, lack of study, of their roles and themselves. And as Freemasonry is essentially a union shop (as a holdover from the guild days, perhaps,) it is very difficult to remove these characters.
"TCU is a wonderful tool for anyone who wishes to understand the purpose of Masonic ritual and the importance of full dedication to its execution. 'To be, or not to be.' Ask yourself, What will you be?"
-- Brother Jeffrey Blaisdell
Thanks Again my Brother!
-- Coach John S Nagy
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