A Speculative Craft Of Builders — Growing Together
Freemasons are builders. Around the world today, we are a Speculative Craft of Builders.
How often do we stop and think about what that statement really means? First, in this context, “Craft” is another name for the fraternity, similar to the old guilds or associations of skilled craftsmen known during medieval times. Next, we can begin our journey of exploration on this topic by addressing an often misunderstood distinction about the work of Freemasons throughout history. To do so, we turn to a moment in our ritual ceremony when a Brother learns that “Our ancient Brethren wrought in operative and speculative both. We work in speculative only.” That ritual excerpt is easy to overlook, and therefore, many Brethren miss its profound significance.
From Operative to Speculative: The Foundation of Our Craft
The distinction between Operative Masonry and Speculative Masonry is foundational to our learning experience in Freemasonry. Our Brethren, who were exceptionally skilled craftsmen to build monuments of architecture like the magnificent cathedrals, castles, and similar edifices throughout the ages, focused on the skill of physical building while also constructing honorable men of moral and spiritual distinction, quality character, and admirable reputation in the community. While gathered together for years, decades, or even generations to complete those physical structures, our operative Brethren taught, reinforced, and were living examples of how good men improve themselves, behave, and act in society. Said simply, they defined and lived by a standard or code of conduct. Since the dawn of Speculative Masonry more than 300 years ago, Freemasons have continued the legacy of building knowledgeable and wise men who exemplify good moral character.
The Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. & A.M. seal
What Does “Speculative” Mean in Freemasonry?
With that historical context set, we can tackle an often unasked question: what does speculative mean in Freemasonry?
“By Speculative Masonry, we learn to subdue the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity.”
That ritual excerpt is a meaningful contribution to answering that question. By the way, to extract a fuller meaning of that ritual excerpt, substitute the word “charity” for “love;” that change helps to communicate the broader scope intended beyond a limiting view in our more modern context of just charitable or benevolent activities. Again, a code of conduct shines through and outlines how to behave as Freemasons.
Morality and Spiritual Growth: The Foundation Stones
Next, in a similar part of the ritual, we gain insight about spiritual growth as well; here is a relevant excerpt:
“It leads the contemplative to view with reverence and admiration the glorious works of the creation and inspires him with the most exalted ideas of the perfection of his Divine Creator.”
Thus, morality and spirituality are foundation stones upon which speculative Freemasons build better versions of themselves.
The Power of Reflection and Contemplation
Moving further in our exploration, we highlight the “act of speculating,” which is to think, contemplate, reflect, ponder, or wonder. To assist our Brethren in this important thinking work, some of our Masonic teachers encourage their students to regularly ask themselves these two questions: “What does that mean?” and “What does that mean to me?” Both questions spark thought, contemplation, and reflection about portions of the ritual work, our Masonic symbols, aspects of Lodge operations, the purpose of our charitable programs, how to plan an event, etc. Continually asking and answering those questions helps to build skill, experience, and confidence as a speculative Freemason. Overall, the valuable life lessons embedded in Freemasonry are plentiful; they are extracted and exposed through speculation done in our quiet moments alone and in groups when Brethren gather to learn, build, and grow together.
Becoming Builders of Character
So, what is the goal of this speculative work? To help us become Freemasons more than just in name only, and make purposeful progress to become the best version of ourselves. Along that faithful journey, we also combine our talents, strengths, and resources to build something bigger than ourselves, which inspires humility, care, and gratitude. Ultimately, the acquisition of wisdom is an aspiration that Freemasonry prompts us to seek, not for selfish reasons, but rather to serve as a beacon or source of Light for others.
“By continued study of Masonic philosophy, symbolism, and its history, you will be traveling toward the ultimate goal of Freemasonry - wisdom in all things. Many men are knowledgeable, good, and bad. Few men are wise. And no man who is really wise can be anything but good.”
This excerpt is from the book “The Craft and Its Symbols,” one of the Top 25 books that every Master Mason should read. Wisdom is more than the acquisition of knowledge; it is derived through focused contemplation and reflection. It is a pathway to see the purpose, patterns, and order in Freemasonry and more broadly in life.
The Masonic square and compasses with a Masonic “G” and Eye of Providence in the middle
The Journey of Self-Improvement
“Freemasons investing in self-improvement and being useful to others” is a powerful message promoted about Illinois Freemasonry. That message is prominently displayed on our website, ilmason.org, for our Brethren, membership prospects, and the broader public to see. Central to that message is the self-improvement and transformative journey that our Brothers pursue through their membership experience as speculative Freemasons. That deep desire to learn and improve is literally what we came here to do.
That said, do you have a clear definition of what self-improvement really means and looks like? Here is a concise perspective to consider: “Self-improvement is intentionally building a better version of me!” The investment of time, talents, and resources to learn, develop, and grow should be intentional and not random. Rest assured that the fraternity and Brethren are here to assist and support you. Some of the genuine friendships developed in Freemasonry occur by spending decades growing together as good men, husbands, fathers, grandfathers, co-workers, and members of the community.
Personal Accountability and Support
Also, did you interpret the requirement of personal accountability for that continuous improvement of “me” that is embedded in that statement? Take ownership of the fact that you are the only person who can change you, and use that personal power to intentionally move forward! Fundamentally, Freemasonry has plenty of Light or knowledge that can turbocharge your self-improvement journey and provide the corresponding support structure to make that journey fun, satisfying, and meaningful.
Growing Together as Brothers
Committing to help a Brother, your Lodge, or the grand jurisdiction grow and move forward is not a topic often discussed or fully understood. In particular, for us to grow together as Brothers, we should focus on three words that underscore a realistic approach to making commitments to one another as fellow builders in Speculative Masonry. Said simply, “Commitment = Ability + Desire + Capacity.”
— Important Note: Our Masonic mentors and teachers have an important role in this topic. You are the trusted friends and guides who can help provide valuable feedback and work with a Brother on how he can best contribute to the Lodge and fraternity. Help the Brother find his path, purpose, and enjoyment in Freemasonry!
The Three Elements of Commitment
Ability — Objectively assess the current knowledge, talent, skill, proficiency, experience, and confidence possessed by a Brother to successfully get something done. We should force ourselves to embrace the reality that familiarity with how something is done is different than the specific knowledge of the discrete steps and actions needed to accomplish a desired result. Whether it is correctly setting up the lodge room, performing our ritual work, or putting on a Past Master’s recognition dinner event, we must make an honest assessment for all Brethren involved. Also, if the Brother is willing to learn and increase his ability, then that information should definitely be factored in as well.
Desire — Having an expressed interest in, a passion for, and a willingness to make the topic a personal priority.
Capacity — Honestly evaluate the realistic amount of time and energy (including health and wellness) available to follow through on the work needed in the required timeframe. Too often, Brethren are tossed into situations in which a thoughtful conversation as men and Freemasons beforehand would benefit all involved and avoid negative consequences. For example, a Brother may have the ability and desire to lead the project for the Lodge to participate in the town’s community parade next month; however, he just had his second child and recently received a promotion at work. His capacity to take on that significant project responsibility is likely too low at this time; therefore, a different approach should be planned.
Lastly, keep these powerful words in mind as a foundation for thoughtful conversations to secure realistic commitments as fellow builders as we learn, develop, and grow together in the years and decades ahead.
A Legacy of Light and Brotherhood
Reflecting on this journey of exploration, we can absolutely marvel at the exceptional work and guidance provided by the Freemasons who have gone this way before us. We inherit a legacy grounded in the timeless methods in which good men grow together through a life filled with learning, love for one another, enjoyment, and service to humanity. Encourage the Brethren in your Masonic network to speculate together and extract the Light available to all of us from the ritual and broader experiences acquired as working Freemasons. Let’s promote and reinstall a standard or code of conduct for what it means to live as knowledgeable and useful Freemasons.
Your loyalty to the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, along with being a living example of our Four Cardinal Virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice (amongst other treasured Masonic lessons), will continue to fuel the Masonic Renaissance occurring in Illinois Freemasonry. Remember, you do not travel alone on this journey through life, so work with your Masonic mentors and teachers. Finally, we encourage and challenge you to be a local spark and shining example who provides evidence of the transformative power of our beloved Speculative Craft of Builders.
This article was penned by Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Spooner, Grand Lodge Membership Committee Chairman. We share it here as a response to Grand Master Joseph B. Ferrell's call to "take deeper pride in the work done together as fellow workmen in our Speculative Craft of Builders." For more inspiration from Grand Master Ferrell, see his letter to brethren here.