THE "INACTIVE" MASON
-NOT SO:

The Committee on Advancement and Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of the State of Tennessee in 1973, published a pamphlet entitled the "Inactive Mason-NOT SO!" It is, hereby, inserted in the March 1979 Trestleboard as an educational lesson for all the brethren instead of being presented in a closed lodge for only a few.

Frequently we hear someone apologetically refer to himself as an "inactive" Mason, meaning that he doesn't attend Lodge meetings or participate in any of its activities. In other words a man usually believes that he must be a participant in some kind of Lodge endeavor in order to be an "active" Mason.

This is, of course, a commendable attitude, and to a degree it is correct. It is important for a Mason to attend Lodge. He should go there at least four times a year ... three times to witness the conferring of each of the Degrees, so that he will refresh his mind concerning the teachings and responsibilities of Freemasonry ... and at least once to attend a Stated Meeting so that he can have some participation in the business affairs of the Lodge.

It is true that a Mason who is regular in attendance at Lodge meetings is taking an active interest in his Fraternity. If he takes part in the ritualistic ceremonies, he renders an additional service to the Craft. If he accepts the responsibility of office and does his job well, he is an important builder in the greatest fraternity on earth.

However, it is not essential, even though most desirable, that a Mason fulfill some of the services listed in order to be an "active" Mason. Many men have responsibilities and duties which do not permit them to attend Lodge or hold office, but they are still "active" Masons.

A man is an active Mason if all he does is pay his annual dues to the Lodge. At first thought this statement may suggest bold commercialism ... that Masonry is nothing but a "degree mill" and a money-making business. However, when one stops to consider that our Institution is dedicated to Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, how could it operate without the financial support of all of its members? The officers, ritualists and regularly attending members, are too few in number to even provide a meeting place. Through their financial support men who might consider themselves "inactive" Masons make it possible for the work to be done and Masonry carried on from one generation to another.

What would happen to our program of assistance to destitute Brethren, their wives, their widows, and their orphans, if it were not for the dues-paying "inactive" Masons? There would be none!

The Charities and Benevolences of the Grand Lodge are only a beginning of the great programs of Masonic Charity. All of the Masonic Institutions which predicate membership upon being a Master Mason would disintegrate overnight if it were not for the "inactive" Masons ... but more importantly, their charities and benevolences would cease also at once. We need to remind ourselves constantly that Freemasonry is the greatest charitable institution on earth. It is impossible to arrive at an accurate estimate of the amount of money being spent each day for the relief of destitute and suffering humanity; also works of charity without regard to Masonic affiliation, race, creed, or national origin. The Shrine alone has a budget (in 1973) of 28 million dollars for the operation of its hospitals for burned and crippled children. Then consider the Scottish Rite program of Education, the Knight Templar Eye Foundation, and the many other like programs. Lastly compare, for example, the budget of the Shrine (by itself) with any other benevolent institution on earth and realize that no other group can approach the Masonic virtue of Relief ... and remember that every member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, and all other allied Masonic Bodies is first, and last, a Master Mason. How can a man pay his dues and be called an "inactive" Mason?

A man is an active Mason if all he does is live according to the principles of Freemasonry. There are few things in life which do more good for the world than living an upright and moral life. When a Master Mason goes to sleep at night and is able to say to himself that he has that day fulfilled as best he could, the obligations of a Mason, he has accomplished something for himself ... but more than that, he has done something for his fellowman. If he has worn and displayed a Masonic emblem of upright living, he has served as a living testimony to all that is good, kind and charitable ... and proudly proclaimed to the world that this is Masonry. The Mason should always remember that the Masonic emblem on his finger, or in his lapel, represents the Badge of a Mason, the Apron.

A man is an active Mason if he engages in great works of service to the world and quietly; modestly, lets everyone know that he is a Master Mason. Two of the great Masons of our time were General Douglas McArthur of the U. S. Armed Forces and J. Edgar Hoover of the F.B.I. Their Masonic accomplishments were achieved in sacrificial services to their Country rather than within the tiled Lodge; but the whole world knew that they were Masons and were proud of that fact. This category of "active" Masons includes men from all walks of life. It includes the Brother who works with the DeMolay for boys and the one who works with the Rainbow for Girls. It includes the Brethren who choose to work in the York Rite, the Scottish Rite or the Shrine, rather than devote their activities to the Blue Lodge.

A man is an "active" Mason if he encourages worthy men to become Master Masons. This may be through example, precept, or suggestion. It is contrary to Masonic practice to consider a man for Masonry, elect him and then invite him to become a member. A man must seek to become a member because of honest desire. There is, however, no rule which forbids a Master Mason to encourage non-Masons to seek membership. A father can tell his son that he hopes some day he will desire to become a Mason ... and when he does, he merely has to ask for a petition. A Mason may have a good friend whom he considers to have all of the attributes to be a good Freemason. He cannot invite that friend to join, but he can tell him that if he ever wishes to become a Mason, he must make application. Many good men are lost to Masonry because they are waiting an invitation to join.

WHAT KIND OF A MASON ARE YOU? You alone can answer that question. Search yourself, my brother!