A Masonic Creed

Here is a "Masonic Creed" which was read more than one hundred years ago by the founders of Anchor and Ark Lodge No. 1027 located in the city of Waukegan, IL. 

At the rededication of this Worshipful Lodge, a card with the same Creed was distributed to all the attendees. The Lodge room was full of Grand Lodge Officers and Freemasons from all over the State, and I had this epiphany: How much of this Creed is practiced in today's Freemasonry?  “How much am I committed to observing these values myself?”

In a world of quick texts, of “likes,” of images that appear and disappear in an instant, it’s difficult to find the correct mindset to hold onto what is meaningful. In our fraternity, my biggest hope for the present and future is that we continue to look toward our values with reverence, because they are what guide us and allow us to navigate this turbulent world with clarity.

To forgive, to tolerate, to be an example, to be a good friend, to engage in charity and to have self-respect: these are values meant to transcend the confines of our fraternity and become parts of who we wish to become.

To your enemy, forgiveness — Forgiveness isn’t a solution for a problem, or a way to fix conflict. The true depth of forgiveness lies in genuine empathy. When we look at the pain of others, understand it, and feel it, we forgive. A man can’t forgive his enemy if he lacks compassion. To forgive an enemy is to also love: to overcome wrongdoings without an agenda, without conditions. True forgiveness is understanding that your forgiveness brings peace and disrupts a cycle of conflict.

To an opponent, tolerance — We must always seek values that bring substance to ourselves and the world we share with others. Tolerance is overcoming our self-absorbed minds; it’s letting go of our need to have the last word, and understanding the beauty of the mosaic of differences that our world is. Tolerance does not equate “acceptance.” We must be true to ourselves before anything, but tolerance implies respect through coexistence. Fortitude paves the virtuous path of a strong brotherhood, and tolerance extends what we learn from lodge meetings to our everyday life. Tolerance and respect for those of different political parties, religions, sexualities, nationalities. Brothers should not engage and get caught in the trap of polarization; it is as unproductive and destructive to Freemasonry as it is to ourselves.

To every child, a good example — A “good example of a man” cares about the world he is leaving.  To some, a good example lies in their personal definition of success, but to a child, a good example is beyond accumulated wealth and titles: its character. Being a good man depends on how an individual builds his character. From the way a man loves himself to the way he loves others, to the way a man is hardworking, to the way a man is honest, a good man cares about the world he is leaving for the next generation. It is often misunderstood that a good example must be active in great causes or big political movements, yet I have no doubt that a good example is someone who is present. Our children need people who exemplify morality: men who are attentive enough to empathize, honest enough to guide, and loving enough to care.

To a friend, your heart — To give your heart is to be vulnerable, honest and radical in loving. To give a friend your heart is to love with no constraints. It is to know that your heart may be broken, but it is in the mending of its pieces that friendships fortify themselves and our hearts grow stronger. To give a friend your heart, is to give your all, to share the good and the bad and to offer unconditional loyalty. Friends don’t speak behind each other’s back, nor should they engage with others that do. Friends lift each other and bring out the best in one another. A friend forgives, a friend has grace and mercy. A friend never hesitates to aid one another through hardships.

To all men, charity — The importance of generosity is equal to any of the values listed in this Masonic Creed. Freemasons are called to engage in Charity not out of obligation, but because it is through giving that we can become better. Charity isn't just handing out a check to an institution; charity is giving with no strings attached. Charity is giving your time to help someone, it is aiding someone or providing without any expectations for a payment. Charity blesses the one who receives and the one who gives; those who give learn to be compassionate and to love and care for others.

To yourself, respect — Respect for one’s self comes from self-love. Self-respect is the essence and base of all values in Freemasonry, for a man who doesn’t love and respect himself cannot forgive, tolerate, be an example, be a good friend or have anything to give. Self-respect is restraint and prudence in personal indulgences. It is the higher path to health of the body and mind. It is choosing what is best for ourselves and always seeking wisdom through growth and learning.

R. W. Bro. Luciano M. Azevedo
Past Assistant Grand Chancellor