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"Brotherhood" - Another in an occasional series of Masonic Essays
Freemasonry is an inclusive fraternity emphasizing brotherhood and diversity.
Over my desk hangs a certificate from the Grand Lodge of California acknowledging my status as a Master Mason and stating that I am “therefore recommended to the friendship and hospitality of the Craft, wheresoever dispersed.”
Because of the strong ties of our Brotherhood, I have enjoyed visiting other Masonic lodges elsewhere and have equally enjoyed having other Masons visit our Daylight Lodge. In that sense, upon entry, strangers become brothers, instantly. It is no different when I meet another Mason on the street, at a mall or the airport, or anywhere. This instant connection is one of the things I treasure most about our fraternity.
I often look to a document from our Grand Lodge entitled “Masonic Philosophy and Values.” In it are two notable sentences:
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“Freemasonry celebrates ethnic diversity and welcomes men of all racial backgrounds.”
Also, “The fraternity transcends religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences.”
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Some words of Theodor Hertzl's come to mind. In a different context, he wrote in his novel, Alteneuland (1902): “It would be immoral if we would exclude anyone, whatever his origin, his descent, or his religion, from participating in our achievements.... There is only one way..., the highest tolerance. Our motto must therefore be, now and ever: Man, you are my brother.” See, Kolatch, Alfred J. Great Jewish Quotations. New York: Jonathan David Publishers, Inc., 1996 at pp. 199-200.
Ours is an inclusive fraternity emphasizing brotherhood and diversity.
One of Freemasonry's traditions is that we do not solicit members or ask men to join. Men must seek membership on their own initiative. Yet, Lodges do provide opportunities for learning about the Fraternity. Clarence F. Smith Daylight Lodge No. 866 is planning an Open House/Information Meeting, to which the public is invited, on September 18,2021, at 10AM at the Van Nuys Masonic Center. For Further information, see https://www.facebook.com/mason...
Contact:
David I. Karp, Newsletter Editor
Clarence F. Smith Daylight Lodge No. 866
818-515-9361
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