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 his Lodge as often as possible
to witness the conferring of each of the degrees, so that he will refresh his
mind concerning the teachings and responsibilities of Freemasonry; and also
attend as many stated meetings as he can 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 fulfills some of the services listed in order to be an "active"
Mason. Many men have responsibilities and duties that 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 moneymaking 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 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 of millions of dollars for the operation of its
hospitals for burned and crippled children. Then consider the Scottish Rite
program of Education, the Knights 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 that do more 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 greatest 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 for the DeMolay for boys and the one who works for the Rainbow for girls. It includes the brethren who choose to work in the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, the Order of the Eastern Star or the Shrine, rather than devote their activities to the Symbolic 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 that 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 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 for an invitation.
Lastly, there are countless Masons who pay their dues and never attend Lodge because they have remained away so long they are afraid they can't get in, or because they fear they will be embarrassed by loss of memory concerning the ritual. They should never let themselves become this kind of "inactive" Mason. In the first place, no examination will be required of a man attending his own Symbolic Lodge; the Secretary can vouch for him. In the second place, he will not be required to participate in any of the rituals, and he will soon find that all of those things he once learned are still buried in his "memory bank".
We will admit that there is such a thing as an "inactive"
Mason but he usually falls within three categories. First, he is the Mason who
has forfeited his membership through non-payment of dues and surrendered one
of the great and priceless honors of the world, that of being a Freemason.
Second, he is the man who fails to live according to the principles of Masonry
and brings disgrace upon himself and the Craft. Third, he is the man who zealously
hides the fact that he is a Freemason, lest the world learn of his association
with an institution that inculcates the highest principles of morality and eternal
truth.
WHAT KIND OF A MASON ARE YOU? You and you alone can answer
that question. Search yourself, my brother!