On Recognition

By RmOlano

22Feb08

In 1922, Bro. Oliver D. Street, Senior Grand Warden and Chairman of Committee for Foreign Correspondence, Grand Lodge of Alabama speech before Bessemer Lodge No. 458 said,

“We read in our Monitors and in the effusions of Masonic orators of the "Universality of Masonry," and how that Masonry "unites men of every country, sect and opinion." We are told that ....Masons are everywhere, ready to make themselves known by the familiar words, signs and tokens and to extend succor and relief even at the peril of their own lives....we belong to so beneficial and so universal a brotherhood. It is a beautiful fiction which it is pity to destroy, but lamentable fact is there is not a word of truth in it."

The illustrious Brother then talked about “The intolerance on the part of many Masons and Masonic Bodies towards others claiming to be Masonic is so extreme that they frown even on the suggestion of getting acquainted or of even conferring together."

It is amazing to read the concluding remark from the Chairman of the committee, which investigates and recommends which Grand Lodges should Grand Lodge of Alabama, extends its fraternal recognition.

"Finally, we must rid ourselves of the self-righteous idea that by having any communication or association with Mason or Masonic bodies not already recognized as regular, we render ourselves unclean. We will not be hurt Masonically, socially or morally by meeting and discussing Masonry with men whom we may never recognize as Masons.”

Although the above article was published in 1946 book, Little Masonic Library Book 1 with introductory remarks by Carl H. Claudy, PGM, the message still rings the bells of relevance in our contemporary times. While times change, despite of inroads created in fostering social changes with view of more understanding and tolerance between human beings, there are ideas and habits that will take more time to be accepted. As ordinary humans ordinarily inhabited our Craft, it should not be surprising to see human flaws among us. Nevertheless such limitation should not stop the Brethren from realizing what Albert Pike wanted us to discern --- eloquently suggested in Mark Stavish’s book , “Freemasonry: Rituals, symbols and History of the Secret Society,“ ---- the great secret of Freemasonry, clothed in the alchemical language of the Knight of the Sun.”

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