It is always sad when a Grand Master, a Lodge, or a Grand Lodge must take action to remove an unsuitable man from our Fraternity. It is, unquestionably the most heart wrenching function that a Grand Master must perform.
But it must be done.
All of us, as Masons, have a duty to see that the Ancient Landmarks are preserved, and that Brothers who are acting unmasonically, immorally, or in a manner that is harmful to the Fraternity are given good counsel if appropriate, or a much more severe sanction if needed.
We can never forget that to preserve the reputation of Freemasonry unsullied is the duty of every Freemason.
We should also remember that a single unsuitable man within our ranks will drive dozens of good quality men away. Over the long term, Masonic membership falls when we, in a drive for numbers, allow an unsuitable man to become a Freemason, or to remain within our Lodges.
If we see someone violating the basic principles of our Ancient Craft…
If we see someone acting outside of the standards of morality…
If we see someone doing things as a Mason that make Freemasonry look bad…
Then we must, if it is minor enough, whisper good counsel in our Brothers ear. This is our duty to him, and our duty to Freemasonry.
If it is not minor, or if he refuses to amend his behavior then we must take firm action to remove him from our Tiled Recesses, either temporarily or permanently.
None of this is easy. We don’t want to do it.
But we must if we hope our Lodge to be Legendary. If we hope to create Legendary Masonic Experiences that people will see and want to be a part of.
In 1876 the Grand Master of Michigan gave the following advice:
“I desire to say that to cultivate public morality, as well as private virtue, is the duty of every Mason. Worshipful Masters: Have you in your Lodges the notoriously profligate and profane? Have you those whose daily life and occupation is to sow the seeds of death among their neighbors, whose presence by your fireside with your wives and daughters would be a contamination, and not to be endured? Purge your Lodges of such. They are a source of weakness and a cause of shame and disgrace.”
On Sunday evening at 7:30 Pacific, we will have our weekly gathering over Zoom, Rummer & Grapes, for all those holding a paid subscription to Emeth.
Please join us as we discuss issues important to Masonry, learn from each other, and work to build Legendary Freemasonry. Together we can build amazing Lodge Experiences that good men everywhere will want to be a part of.
Thank you, MW.
It is a sad duty but also a happy one.
If medical associations or bar associations tolerate bad doctors or lawyers, we lose confidence in those professions.
When an accountant or realtor association drums out unethical members, we gain confidence in those professions.
No large group of humans can prevent the entry of all bad actors or, if somehow they can, they cannot prevent some of their members from taking a path harmful to others.
We get more of what we tolerate.
Suspension or expulsion are sad and solemn duties. But also happy ones, as we prove to ourselves that we will not be dragged down by certain acts or actors.
I have not experienced this personally other than the incident where our Vancouver Masonic Center’s finances were compromised.
Personally, I was shocked as a younger Mason this Man was a “look up to Ritualistic”…
I accepted what I was told and have never seen within my District or my Lodge any other Masonic infractions.