VWB C. Blair Leckie Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2005-2007 Mailto: cblairl@excite.com

Mysteries in Freemasonry (December 2005)

Every so often, we hear or read of some new iteration of "Masonic Secrets"' or "Hidden Mysteries in Freemasonry."  Of course, these revelations are coming from individuals outside of the Craft and run the gamut from hysterical ranting to humorous absurdity.  They are based in fear, ignorance and misinformation and are testimony to the vast inventiveness of the human imagination.  There is something about the words, "secret" and "hidden" and "mystery" that attract the eccentric.  That we draw such attention is flattering, I guess.  It means there is awareness of Masonry out there, however misguided.

In truth, there is a secret in Freemasonry. But this secret is not the information that Masons wish to keep private and share only amongst themselves.  The grips, words, steps, signs, passes and aspects of the rituals are all proprietary information.  But, as we all know, this information is hardly secret or mysterious.

The truth about Masonry is much more of a secret to the misinformed.  It is mysterious to them that an organization of men as ancient and geographically disseminated as the Masons can have at its core only the simple desires to help others and to improve themselves as men.  The eccentrics think, "There has to be something else going on."

Mysteriously, there is.  How is it that each man's experience of Masonry, while shared, is unique and personal?  What positive force is it that transforms a man subtly, almost imperceptibly as he embraces the tenets of Masonry?  Why is it that others can see the certain and  beneficial growth in a Mason when often times he does not see it himself?  How is it communities gain from the collective good intentions and  efforts of lodges of men who differ broadly in their interests and backgrounds?  The real secret of Freemasonry may be that these answers are a mystery not only to the eccentric and misinformed but also unto Masons themselves.

Thanks to both the District Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them.  The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.  The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA.  Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.