Past Master Hancock Lodge #229

Many have wondered just what goes on behind those tiled (guarded) doors of Masonic Lodges. We will attempt to clear up some misconceptions of the Freemasons.

Simply put, Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who have but one mission in life; that is to help their fellow man by practicing brotherly love, relief and truth.

They are not a secret society as some have come to believe. They are, however, a fraternity with secrets. But those secrets only refer to how members identify each other, the rest of the work done behind closed doors can be learned at any large well stocked public library.

The only requirement for members is being a man, freeborn and well recommended. Thus the term 'Free' in Freemasons.

In the very beginning…

Masonic lodges first started in the days of the raising of cathedrals in Europe in King Soloman's time. The stonemasons who erected these beautiful structures were classified into 3 levels of skill; Entered Apprentice, or bearers of burden; Fellow Crafts, men who did the construction and Master Masons, or overseers of the work. These men formed guilds and held social gatherings in a small building attached to the work site. Thus forming the very first masonic lodge. Each workman had his own signs to identify himself, because back in those days most laborers could neither read or write. As time went on and construction of buildings were being done by more modern techniques the need for operative masons began to give rise to speculative masons. My wife’s grand grandfather was an operative Mason in Sandstone, Minnesota.

Freemasonry is not a religion, however no atheist could be made a Mason. A belief in deity is first and foremost among Masons. How you practice your faith is not for Freemasonry to say. Men of all regions are represented in the craft.

Television specials have been aired attempting to explain the fraternity. Most of these efforts have missed the mark with rare exceptions. We have found that when people don't know the truth, they tend to make up wild conspiracy theories. They think the Masons' secrecy must mean they are a cult, or have some dark motive. Television reporting often focuses on the sensational with only partial facts. Freemasonry is not alway what is portrayed in the press. Several years back a CBS report came the closest to the real story.

What they do…

The Freemasons take an obligation to comfort widows and orphans. In a broader sense the fraternity today gives over 2 million dollars a day through the Shriners (all of whom are Masons) to the relief of children with birth defects. The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry helps children all over the state live with dyslexia. In fact, there are 2 dyslexia centers in Western Wisconsin, a third to open soon in River Falls. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The women of the Order of the Eastern Star routinely help out with the American Heart Association and their auxiliary provides funding for wheelchairs and more for the Shriners Healthcare for Children. There are countless other organizations that are helped by Freemasons all over the country and abroad.

When a man takes a binding obligation to join the Masons, he makes a commitment that lasts a lifetime. He becomes a valued member of his community, loyal to his country and an honor to the fraternity. When hardships visit a brother, he finds a host of men who come to his aid. It is all part of his obligation and he takes it very seriously. That is why if a Freemason gives you his word, it is his bond. All this is done quietly without any public attention.

As Earl Gunderson, the District 2 Deputy Grand Master says, 'A good Mason friend told me quite some time ago that he had very few friends who weren't Masons. At the time I thought this sounded a bit strange. But as time passed, I found that I felt the same way. Oh, I have other friends who aren't Masons. But when I examine this, I have to say that my closest, dearest friends are Masonic brothers. We may have differences of opinion on certain subjects and that's ok. But we are all like-minded men; caring for each other in a very special and unique way. '

What does it take to become a Mason? Years ago a man had to ask to be a member. Today however, many members are recommended for membership. The process involves some vetting. There is a petition to fill out, a full background check is done, as well as a visit at the home of an applicant. Passing this process, the petition is balloted on by members of the lodge. If the ballot is clear, he then has three steps to take before becoming a Master Mason. Like to olden days, those steps are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and finally Master Mason.

Within the past few years, those steps have become available to applicants in a one day session called Masonic Day of Light and in this area have been held in Eau Claire at the Masonic Center. The choice of one day or the full process in lodge is the choice of each candidate. Either way there is some memorization involved in each process.