The Strength of Freemasonry

Few things in this world survive the test of time. Institutions grow stagnant and fail, governments become corrupt, buildings decay, and civilization itself rises and falls in seemingly never-ending cycles of death and rebirth. Freemasonry is one of those rare exceptions that has been able to remain relevant throughout many different ages, cultures, and controversies.

Why have we survived when so many others have been lost to history?

In answering this question we must look at what makes us so unique when compared to other institutions. Past Grand Master of Tennessee Wilkins Tannehill, the brother most responsible for our ritual today, said in 1834:

“If Masonry were essentially a religious institution—I mean in the commonly received and strict sense of the term—if it excludes all but professed Christians, it would denigrate into a school of sectarianism, and its Lodges would become the hot bed of theological controversy. Its usefulness would not only be impaired, but one of its most beautiful features—its universality—would be destroyed. It is from its universality—its prevalence in all nations, either civilized or semi-civilized, and amongst people of every creed and every language, that the Mason derives benefits, and enjoys advantages, denied to the members of other societies.”

When you first began your Masonic journey, you were likely told that Freemasonry is not a religion, and that men of all faiths could join as long as they believed in a Supreme Being. This universality is one of our most beautiful features, one that is truly unique throughout history. By accepting men of all faiths as on the level, Freemasonry has been able to spread throughout the world and count great men of every belief among its members.

Past Grand Master and Past Grand Commander James Richardson once said “Scottish Rite Masonry has not attempted to propagate any creed, save its own simple and sublime one, of faith in God and good works; no religion, save the universal, eternal and immutable religion, a religion such as God planted in the heart of universal humanity. Its votaries may be sought and found alike in Jewish, Moslem and Christian Temples. It is the teacher of the morals of all religions; it is the teacher of good and not of evil, of truth and not error. As in the days of Dante, its mission is to aid humanity in setting its foot upon despotism, and treading underfoot spiritual tyranny and intolerance.”

Universality is the strength of Freemasonry.

By accepting men of all faiths, Masonry is able to perpetuate its teachings to all good men. Let us be ever vigilant that we maintain that strength and not give in to the spiritual tyranny and intolerance of the world. If we as Masons hold each other as equals, Christian and non-Christian alike, then Freemasonry will not only survive but the light of Masonry will continue to shine throughout the many ages to come.

Brother David Price 33°
Nashville Valley Scottish Rite