Freemasonry in History

In Remembrance

 

Equality before God

 

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Text Box: The doctrine of Masonic equality implies that, as children of one great Father, we meet in the Lodge upon the level; that on that level we are all traveling to one predestined goal, that in the Lodge, genuine merit shall receive more respect than boundless wealth, and that virtue and knowledge alone should be the basis of all Masonic honors, and be rewarded with preferment.  When the labors of the Lodge are over, and the brethren have retired from their peaceful retreat, to mingle once more with the world, each will then again resume that social position, and exercise the privileges of that rank, to which the customs of society entitle him.   Brother and General George Washington sitting in an Army Lodge during the Revolutionary War.  Notice that the Drummer Boy is sitting in the East as Master of the Lodge with his Commander-in-Chief sitting subordinate to him.  This is one of the wonders of Freemasonry for those who understand.

Three weeks ago, I was teaching a Saturday morning Masonic Training course for six Entered Apprentices.  One of them was a Marine Sergeant, and another, a Marine Captain, were sitting next to each other.  Throughout the first part of the class, there seemed to be a noticeable Commissioned Officer to NCO rapport between the two, and though respectful they both were to one another, the environment between them seemed to define an understandable social barrier and I felt it was going against what I was trying to impart to them about the Fraternity and its equality of brotherhood. 

 

Needless to say I was concerned that this barrier would prevent a deeper fraternal bond.  So upon a sudden epiphany, I took the time to explain to them a picture I once seen of a Drummer boy, who was sitting in the East as Master of an Army Lodge, and his Commander-in-Chief, Brother and General George Washington of the Colonial Army of the United States, sitting cross-legged in the north.  I emphasized the importance of my student’s duty to their country and the respect for the ranks they carry, but as that Drummer boy and Gen Washington, all but the title of Worshipful and Brother, gets left outside the door with the Tyler.  My student immediately understood my meaning.  The impact was certain and immediately clear.  With a smile, the Captain asked the Sergeant to call him Brother within our Lodge and that rapport is now a respectful and friendly relationship.  Even after they have long laid down their working tools, our ancient brethren are still teaching us.  What will we teach to those who will one day pick up this mantle?

 

Despite what duties this world may instill upon us, As brothers we are leveled and equaled beneath our Father.  - February 2006

 

                                                                              Brother Shelby L. Chandler

                                                                              Senior Steward, Lodge #4