The Shape of a Lodge

We are taught in the Entered Apprentice Degree that the shape of a lodge is oblong and comprised of three movable and three immovable jewels.

But what truly comprises a lodge is a sufficient number of Masons, meeting at an agreed to location for the purpose of conducting Masonic business.

Therefore a lodge's ashlar is as imperfect as the ashlars of the Masons that comprise the lodge, and it is the duty of every Mason regardless of rank within the lodge to help shape the lodge into the organization it should be to represent the community from which it is derived.

It is very difficult to hew off the superfluous bits of stone in a lodge, especially when it sometimes feels like a phalanx of old-timers bars the way. However here in Madison we have all heard the Canadian Charge at the end of the Master Mason Degree - so please remember that “on yonder book that oath YOU took, and will you break it? NEVER!” Your lodge needs you. Freemasonry needs you!

The Masonic Influence

While most members of the craft already embrace the concept of religious tolerance, it's implications are frequently taken for granted. When men can respect one another's religious faith and recognize that everyone is entitled to their their respective beliefs the cause of many past wars is averted.

Dan Brown recently wrote in a letter of apology for not being able to speak before the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite that whenever he is asked why he chose the Freemasons to the the central figure in his latest book "In a world where men do battle over whose definition of God is most accurate, I cannot adequately express the deep respect and admiration I feel toward an organization in which men of differing faiths are able to break bread together in a bond of brotherhood, friendship and camaraderie."

Masonic Lodges are temples of peace, places where men of strong belief and opinion are taught to leave any "agenda" at the door and to simply enjoy the company of their brother Masons ... think how wonderful a place the world would be if all men could live by this simple tenant.

As the screen play for the book is written and a sure hit movie to be released, if Dan Brown continues to repeat his reasons for choosing Freemasonry as the basis for his book the impact on our fraternity could be far reaching.