INFLUENCING THINKING

Time is being very good to masonry generally.  Here we are, 600+ years later, still straining under controversies, still attracting audacious men, with abundant curiousity, unmatched.  Are we any more an anachronism today than one hundred years back?  We can visit shrines where masonry has been elevated into an art form. In the shadows of a cathedral, we find cultured men gathering for an occasion. Fine dining. Relaxed conversation. Provocative speakers. The framework varies from state to state but is recognizable for its simplicity as the Mens House. Today we are as fashionable as a fountain pen, a set of cuff links and a hand tied bowtie. The leveler in this group has always been the same; the ability for informed observation, the philosophical inclination.  Some of our practices today would surprise our antient brethren, but there would be enough happening familiar to them.  To add to the greatness of masonry requires resources and builders able to tackle construction that will span generations, a message left in stone and brick and beam. These are once in a generation, where our ancient practices assert lasting effects. It isn't lost to us that we are spread around the world. Our Brotherhood is doing fine where masonry is well and completely understood and enjoyed.  We balance legend with practicall and domestic duties. It takes planning to make our repeating performances appealing. Will estoeric masonry find traction? How then do we measure our progress?  Do we look to compare? Do we acknowledge what we do well and what we need to develope? We do when we surround ourselves with mainstream masonic literature. Legend, mixed with conjecture, opinion and fact. We may be treated as relevant as alchemy or astrology but we are far more and the probing mind of Master Masons will tell you so. As it should be.