PROTECTORS OF THE FIRST LOCAL TRADITIONS

Are you and I an Antient or a Modern?   If a better, improved hammer or a chisel harder and resistant to dulling blows, was handed to a craftsman even Christoper Wren was happy with the result. In the old days, a lot of wives died during childbirth. Rooms were cold and not so long ago. Voice and note but no wireless; no power brakes, or power steering. Would we give up LED lights, A/C and safety equipped cars when our loved ones drive off?

Sometimes I flirt with the idea that actually understand why the old boys codifed their local ways into Charges and Constitution.  It occurred to me that some freemasons have been happy to innovate by replacing the first Local Traditions with their own.  It's a thought I can't get out of my mind.  And it is why I must be an Antient because I'm beginning to see LT's as unwanted innovations. Changing the first LT's is changing the ways. Bloody hell! Moderns are everywhere but being an Antient feels right.  The first LT's were created by early craftsman.  By perserving them, I feel a singular connection that  isn't there with LT's only 20, 30 or 50 years old.  If the 'modern' LT's were a revival of the first LT's then I'm good with them. But they aren't.  Masonic history still tells the stories and explains the old traditions. And I like that a lot. Modern LT's is printing money with limited value.

I am not going to throw myself on a sword to protect them, but I won't support new LTs.  The older boys aren't around anymore to reclaim their concerns. But some freemasons are restoring the old walls, setting one stone at a time. There is a need to use the newest tools to keep our Lodges in touch- of course.  Have at it, but protect the first local traditions and keep the connection alive.