Two sources have spawned this train of thought; XOriente and the Masonic Information Center’s research paper entitled It’s About Time.

When our memories exceed our dreams, the end is near.

Many of the brethren you speak to can sense it; you might have sensed it yourself. It’s a stirring in the wind. It’s a sense of change surrounding us that is making Masons of all ages, interests and ranks both nervous and excited.

Change is coming, and we can either drive the change, or we can let change drive the fraternity. The choice is ultimately each of ours to make.

But in years past we lost the courage to dream. We lost the passion to commit, and we lost the will to act. We have looked backwards and lauded the achievements of those who went before us because we were afraid that we couldn’t do any better.

The cultures that once applauded and revered our contributions have moved on, and we have no further relevance in their eyes. Our great leaders are headlines in the history books, not the newspapers.

But if we find the strength within ourselves, we can rebuild, as we always have.

We need the strength of faith to provide a vision of how our Freemasonry will be constructed. We each need the strength of our convictions to commit ourselves to the duty of executing the plan. Finally, we each need to the strength of spirit to ensure progress in whatever plan we deem the proper course.

Freemasonry’s values are central to reconciling the dichotomy many North Americans feel between the pursuit of prosperity, and the familial disconnection felt as a result of that pursuit.

The Five Values represented in It’s About Time — Integrity, Diversity, Inquiry, Community, Vitality — can really help identify what we try to accomplish as an organization, and help others to see our relevance in society.

• Integrity. To deal with all people ‘on the level’ each and every day, when so few often do, will solidify our standing as pillars of the community.
• Diversity. The Brotherhood of Man must include all varieties of Man. Not only difference of race, but also differences in religion, political thought, education, social standing. Showing through our relationships that all diversity breeds strength, we will stand as a new symbol for world unity.
• Inquiry. An open mind cannot be attacked. Further promoting and facilitating an attitude of lifelong learning is not only useful for peace, it is essential to compete in the modern marketplace. Our members, through association with us, will become stronger and more capable business leaders.
• Community. People no longer live in communities, they live in houses in nondescript cities in bland vanilla expanses of urban sprawl. We need to help reconnect people to their neighbours. You tend not to harm those you know and have learned to care for. We can foster a new sense of connectedness within our own lodges as well, and provide the sense that those men that walk within the walls of a lodge are cared for, and needed, and can rely on their brethren in all times of need.
• Vitality. We can again help to enlighten society and show that life is not merely about survival, but mentally, spiritually, and physically thriving. Strong families, strong comunities, strong societies are landmarks we can all recognize.

Think about what we could accomplish — what good works could result — from the constant striving to perfection of just one of those values.

About Time

This short paper It’s About Time was commissioned by the council of Grand Masters of North America from the Masonic Information Center. This is a working group of the Masonic Service Association of North America. It’s a fantastic read. If you read nothing else in the paper, read the last page. It provides a brief summary of action steps we can take to revitalize the craft and make it both meaningful and accessible to the following generations of the craft.