Masonic Teachers — Our Faithful Friends and Guides
For centuries and across the globe, Freemasonry has been a source of education and enlightenment for good men who share our Masonic Values. Our ancient and honorable fraternity has preserved and passed along many truths which have been called mysteries at varying times throughout the ages. The trust developed amongst the Brethren, which is rooted in our unique degree experiences, is the foundation for the active transference of this time-honored knowledge and wisdom. Literally, from mouth to ear, the valued lessons of our brotherhood have been transmitted.
Masonic Mentorship exemplified in the Not Just a Man. A Mason campaign
Also, the unique educational journey of every Brother begins similarly. That life-altering act was simply to ask about the fraternity. Thus, communicating and acknowledging his role as a student and his desire to learn. Consciously realized or not, that critical act opened the mind of every Brother to the Light or insights that Freemasonry can provide to enhance his life. Let’s be clear, Freemasonry does not change a Brother; every Brother chooses to change himself — based upon the exposure to several valuable and unique Masonic Membership Experiences enjoyed by active Freemasons (e.g. fellowship, brotherly love, and affection, learning, personal development, service to mankind, teaching others, etc.).
During a Freemason’s initiatory degree experience, he learns the importance of being a student and the goal of self-improvement. That lesson is punctuated by a powerful symbol embodied in the role played by one of the Lodge Officers during the ceremony. In short, the lesson is that to successfully acquire knowledge and learning on your personal Masonic Journey of Self Improvement, “you do not travel alone, you have a faithful friend and guide.” That symbol is one of the most powerful in Freemasonry. It highlights the critical need for a companion to guide you through the darkness and assist you with gaining the Light of Knowledge. Fundamentally, to personally learn, develop, and grow, a Brother needs assistance from those “who have gone this way before you.” These are the knowledgeable and humble men who are ready and willing to pay it forward to extend a helping and guiding hand.
Further, a debate can sometimes arise regarding an age-old question — does the teacher pick the student or does the student pick the teacher? Alas, if true personal change is sought by the student, then the answer is clear; the student must choose the teacher — someone to whom he grants the permission and ability to influence and guide him. The teacher’s role is to assess the readiness and genuine capabilities of the student to achieve success on the learning journey ahead. Within our fraternity, it is well known that “when the student is ready, the master will appear.”
As working Master Masons, we embrace the duality of being both students and teachers. Remembering that we are students helps to keep us humble and approachable, no matter how tenured and knowledgeable we become regarding Freemasonry. That humility along with a demonstrated willingness to help others learn are very attractive to our Brethren who are seeking teachers to guide them. By the way, when you help a Brother on his learning journey, you gain valuable insights as well. Why? Because the path that he takes to success may traverse topics or “intellectual terrain” that you, as the teacher or guide, have not explored or thought about in the same manner.
Our Masonic Teachers, who are esteemed Brethren within our Speculative Craft of Builders, are revered for their abilities both as true Master Architects of themselves and trusted advisors. These Masonic Teachers serve faithfully to pass along our mysteries and timeless wisdom. They assist and inspire good men of all ages to step forward to attain knowledge, personal growth, development, usefulness, and mastery. They help a Brother transform what may seem impossible into something possible through personalized instruction, listening, and coaching. How does that happen? A trusted friend and guide shows the way, helps the Brother recognize his progress, gives him positive encouragement, and provides the detailed feedback needed to help him attain greater and greater success.
Within Illinois Freemasonry, we have three specific roles that are designated for Brethren who choose to serve as cherished Masonic Teachers — Lodge Intenders, Grand Lecturers, and Certified Lodge Instructors. These are workmen who gain their Masonic wages from helping the Brethren excel at learning the history, philosophy, fraternal operations, and Standard Ritual Work along with other treasured ceremonies and practices of our ancient and honorable fraternity. A Grand Lecturer once mentioned that the greatest satisfactions that he achieves are helping Lodge Officers learn and proficiently execute our Standard Ritual Work and hearing that one of his students earned a new teaching commission as a Grand Lecturer or Certified Lodge Instructor. Look well to the valuable and devoted Masonic Teachers in your life. Lastly, strive to be a well-informed “faithful friend and guide” and positive contributor to the Brethren in your Lodge, District, and Area.
Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Spooner, Grand Lodge Membership Committee Chairman