W.Bro. M. Walker
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What does Freemasonry provide? Election to membership of a lodge and initiation into that lodge are an overt indication and confirmation of one’s worth or value, and recognition of such, by the brethren. In itself, this should increase self-esteem and hopefully generate a conscious or sub-conscious desire to prove worthy of others' confidence and trust. Subsequent promotions through the second and third degrees are symbolic of the brethren demonstrating their satisfaction that their original choice and decision was correct and that the candidate is worthy, both innately and by virtue of his zeal, interest and proficiency in the symbolic Craft, for such promotions. |
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| These additional and consequent marks of esteem should engender in the candidate further personal satisfaction and self-confidence. |
The lodge teaches many skills often untaught, or not experienced, elsewhere. A brother must speak in public, think on his feet, make decisions, vote on issues and finally chair meetings. These are invaluable assets in all other aspects of his life and for many this may well be the only opportunity of learning, practicing and perfecting these skills and techniques.
In fact, I think that nowadays much of this list of benefits — the "masonic product" — is left to the candidate to work out for himself, and a good deal of the symbolism is lost unless the candidate’s mind is keenly attuned to it.
Indeed, Freemasonry fulfills many of the psychological needs of the average man. To a much greater extent than women, I believe, men are gregarious creatures who feel the "pack" or "herd" instinct more strongly. |
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| They need to belong to something, like a school or a team — and the lodge takes on that role even providing, like a regiment, a distinctive uniform which indicates each individual’s place in the pecking order, or his present achievement level. |
Further, the lodge provides outlets for the indulgence of personal interests which may be denied both at work and even in the home — administration, responsibility, dramatic talents, ceremonial, fund raising, caring — but above all the lodge provides peace and tranquility, a haven where the expected is unfailingly found; and the increasing turmoil of outside life can, with certainty, be avoided and forgotten for a time. Batteries can be re-charged and the lodge’s calming influence will help to fit one for the fray once more. W.Bro. Micheal Walker's Complete text can be read at the following website: http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/walker.html |
