THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

First Presentation

The Seeker

Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1

Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
British Columbia & Yukon Registry

Section 5 1
Presentation #1: AN INTRODUCTION TO FREEMASONRY

Thank you for your interest in Freemasonry! The men of our Membership Committee
are knowledgeable and will be able to answer most of your questions.

Our purpose in presenting these papers is to tell you some more about our organization,
and to try to satisfy your curiosity.

Included are some papers for you to read, and that they will answer most of your
questions. We want to deal with any further questions you may have, so feel free to
ask questions at any time. We believe that becoming a Mason is a significant occasion
in your life, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable with what is involved.

Masonry has a different meaning for each of us, but for all of us, it includes the
practice of morality. It is often said that the basic principles of Freemasonry include
brotherly love, relief, and truth. That is to say, we strive to be friendly, kind, and
sincere in our dealings with others. Masonry also recognizes each individual's right to
his own beliefs and practices. For this reason, we are not allowed to discuss matters of
religious or political controversy in the context of the Lodge. This love and tolerance
for all men, so fundamental in Masonry, leads to mutual respect and honour.

In Masonry, you will find men of good will and high ideals; men who believe in a
Supreme Being and who try to live in a spirit of universal brotherhood. In general terms,
a Masonic Lodge is a place where all can work together with a rare unanimity,
looking towards a brighter tomorrow.

Freemasonry recognizes that you have obligations to your family, your work, your
religious beliefs, your community, and yourself. These must take priority, and
Freemasonry does not interfere with your ability to meet these obligations. It simply
attempts to share brotherly love and fellowship, and to offer a helping hand. Although it
is a fraternity, it is neither a service club nor a benevolent society. It does participate in
and support many charitable activities. One of our first lessons is our responsibility to
care for others.

As a member of the fraternity, you will have rights and corresponding duties. You will be
expected to maintain the regulations of the fraternity; in general terms, to be obedient to
your Worshipful Master and his officers, when acting in the discharge of their duties; to
pay the dues that you may owe promptly; and to attend meetings when requested. These
basic duties are common to every Lodge; others will be explained as you advance through
the degrees.

The privileges that accompany these duties are equally important. They include the
right to attend all meetings of the Lodge when qualified; the right to participate in
voting on Lodge affairs; and the privilege of visiting other Lodges on appropriate
occasions, when you are properly qualified.

Section 5-2
Your regular attendance at our meetings will give you a chance to learn more about
Masonry, as you listen to our age-old ceremonies and discuss them with your brethren.
You will also be able to enjoy fraternal fellowship and develop new friendships.

We encourage you to share your feelings about becoming a Mason with your wife
and family, and to discuss Masonry and its objectives with them.

There is much more that might be said; we have barely scratched the surface. For now,
however, we look forward to having you in our midst. All of us recall our admission
into Masonry with a mixture of nostalgia and joy. You may be sure that an
interesting set of experiences lies before you; they will be dignified, instructive, and
sometimes even inspiring. In addition, once you are a part of Freemasonry, you will
have many opportunities to do, to learn, to seek fulfillment, and to help others. Go
forward with confidence and joyful anticipation!

You should expect certain costs. As of 2014, initiation fees are $500, including fees
paid to Grand Lodge, your apron (upon achieving your Master Mason status) and
study material as you move through the degrees. Yearly member fees are currently
$225. All fees are subject to change.

If you wish to apply for membership, ask your contact person for a “Petition for
Initiation”. If your petition is accepted, a committee will be sent to visit you. The
committee’s responsibility is to get to know you better and recommend your petition
to the members. There is no reason to worry; every potential Mason must meet with
a committee after petition.

FREEMASONRY
ENJOY IT! BE A PART OF IT!

ASK QUESTIONS!

Section 5-3
PAPER #1: FREEMASONRY - A WAY OF LIFE

You have, no doubt, heard of Freemasonry, and perhaps you have wondered what it is. It
is natural that there should be some questions in your mind. This paper has been prepared
for those who are not members of our Order, to inform them of the aims and purposes of
our organization.

Origins:

Our traditions go back over the centuries to the days of the "Operative Masons", the men
who built the cathedrals, abbeys and castles in times long past. In the 17th century the
need for such buildings declined, but the practices and customs of the Operative Craft
left an influence on a new movement that began in the second half of that century.
Groups of men began to meet occasionally in various places in England. Men who
were not actually builders, but who evidently had some interest in the old Craft. Some,
no doubt, had an actual connection with it; however, these new groups had no direct
concern with the building trade. It would appear that they were men of integrity who
enjoyed fellowship in an atmosphere of mutual trust amid the bitter divisions of the time.
In order to give a basic form to their meetings it seems they adopted certain of the
traditions and practices of the operative or working masons, and were influenced by the
Scottish operative and Lodges. They called themselves "Masons", and when a man
was admitted as a member of a group or lodge, he was said to have been "made a
Mason".

In 1717 four such lodges that had been meeting regularly in London and Westminster
decided to form a "Grand Lodge" and to elect a "Grand Master" as their head. As more
Lodges were established in England they looked to this Grand Lodge for guidance. Thus
over the years regulations were set up to govern the Craft, a Constitution was adopted,
and the simple ceremonies of the earlier years were elaborated until they became the
three degrees or steps which we now have. It was in this way that what we call
Speculative Masonry gradually evolved.

From England Freemasonry spread to other countries where Lodges were formed, and
eventually Grand Lodges were set up. There are now about 150 Grand Lodges in the
world, with a total membership of nearly six million. One of these is the Grand Lodge of
B.C. and Yukon, with 167 Lodges and almost 14,000 members.

Purpose:

From very early times Freemasonry has provided an opportunity for men to meet and
enjoy the pleasures of friendly companionship in the spirit of helpfulness and charity,
and guided by strict moral principles. Its members are encouraged to practice a way of
life that will sustain high standards in their relationships with their fellow men. In
other words, the practice of Brotherhood. It is an organization, which recognizes no
distinction between races, creeds, or social qualifications.

Section 5-4
Organization:

The organization of Freemasonry is based on a system of Grand Lodges, and each one is
sovereign and independent within its own territory. There is no central authority
governing all Freemasonry, but each Grand Lodge, in order to be "recognized" by the
others, must maintain acceptable standards and follow established traditions and
practices of Freemasonry. The Grand Master, with his officers, supervises the
"constituent lodges", and each Lodge and member is required to observe the regulations
set out in the Constitution. The Lodge is the basic unit of Freemasonry. Each year it
elects its officers to manage its affairs. Through them the members are encouraged to
achieve a better understanding of the ideals and principles of our Craft. It is through
the Lodge that a man becomes a member of our Fraternity. When he has been
accepted, he receives, over a period of time, the three degrees of Freemasonry. It is
through these degrees that our teachings are mainly presented, as each one conveys a
moral lesson.

Religion:
While Freemasonry has a religious basis, it is neither a religion nor a substitute for
religion. Before he can be admitted a member, a man must profess his belief in a
Supreme Being (by whatever name He is known), be of mature age and good moral
character. Freemasonry does not go beyond that nor does it question a man’s particular
faith or religious dogma. It does urge him to practice the religious belief, which he
holds.

Activities:

Freemasons meet regularly in their Lodges for the transaction of necessary business, for
fellowship, and for the discussion of matters of Masonic interest. They are pledged to
preserve the moral fibre and quality of life, and to act in a spirit of helpfulness towards all
men. They are taught to make Charity and Benevolence a distinguishing characteristic of
their Masonic life. Our Grand Lodge has a number of charitable projects. It has its own
Benevolent Fund, Community Charities Fund, and Bursary Fund, all built up by the
contributions of our members. Freemasons do not appeal to the public for funds; all
contributions come from our own resources. In this way an attempt is made to inspire our
members with a feeling of charity and goodwill towards all mankind.
Other Masonic Bodies:
The whole purpose and teaching of Freemasonry is communicated through the three
degrees of the Craft Lodge. A member, however, may wish to extend his experiences
of Freemasonry by participating in additional degrees such as the Scottish Rite, or Royal
Arch Masonry. He can also become involved with women's and youth organizations for
those who are relatives of Freemasons, which may require sponsorship by Masonic
Lodges. The aims of these groups have an affinity with Freemasonry, while
Freemasonry does not interfere in their workings and is not responsible for their
actions.

Section 5-5
Qualification:

A man becomes a Freemason only through his own volition. We do not solicit
members. When he makes his application the decision as to his acceptance rests with
the Lodge members. If a man has some thought of becoming a Freemason he should
approach a friend whom he knows to be a Mason, who will explain the procedure.

PAPER #2: AIMS AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE CRAFT

From time to time the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon has deemed it desirable
to set forth in precise form the Aims of Freemasonry as consistently practiced under its
jurisdiction since it came into being as an organization in 1871, and also to define the
principles governing its relations with those other Grand Lodges with which it is in
fraternal accord.

It is necessary to emphasize, again, certain fundamental principles in the Order. The first
condition of admission and membership to the Order is a belief in a Supreme Being. This
is essential and admits of no compromise.

A Holy Book, referred by Freemasons as “The Volume of the Sacred Law”, is always
open in the lodges. Every candidate is required to take his obligation on that Book. The
Book is from the religion practiced by that individual. And imparts sanctity to an oath or
promise taken upon it.

Everyone who enters Freemasonry is, at the onset, strictly forbidden to countenance any
act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society; he must
pay due obedience to the law of any state in which he resides or which may afford him
protection, and he must never be remiss in the allegiance due to the Sovereign of his
native land.

While British Columbian Freemasonry thus inculcates in each of its members the duties
of loyalty and citizenship, it reserves to the individual the right to hold his own opinion
with regard to public affairs. But, neither in any lodge, nor at any time in his capacity as
a freemason, is he permitted to discuss or to advance his view on theological or political
questions.

The Grand Lodge has always consistently refused to express any opinion on questions of
foreign or domestic state policy either at home or abroad. It will not allow its name to be
associated with any action, however humanitarian it may appear to be, which infringes
its unalterable policy of standing aloof from every question affecting the relations
between one government or another, or between political parties or questions.

The Grand Lodge is aware that there exists bodies, styling themselves as Freemasons,
which do not adhere to these principles, and while that attitude exists, the Grand Lodge
of British Columbia & Yukon refuses absolutely to have any relations with such bodies,
or to regard them as Freemasons.

The Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon is a Sovereign and Independent body
Section 5-6
practicing Freemasonry only within the three degrees and only within the limits defined
in it constitutions as "pure Antient Masonry". It does not recognize or admit the
existence of any Superior Masonic authority, however styled.

The Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon will refuse to participate in conferences
with so called International Associations claiming to represent Freemasonry, which
admit to membership Bodies failing to conform strictly to the principles upon which the
Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon is founded, nor can any such International
Association represent its views.

There is no secret with regard to any of the basic principles of Freemasonry, some of
which have been stated above. The Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon will
always consider the recognition of these Grand Lodges, which profess, and practice, and
can show that they have consistently professed and practiced, those established and
unaltered principles, but in no circumstances will it enter into discussion with a view to
any new or varied interpretation of them. They must be accepted and practiced
wholeheartedly and in their entirety by those who desire to be recognized as Freemasons
by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon.

The United Grand Lodge of England has been asked if it stands by the Aims and
Relationships of the Craft. The United Grand Lodge of England replied that it stood by
every word of the declaration, and has since asked for the opinion of the Grand Lodges of
Ireland and Scotland. A conference was held between the three Grand Lodges, and all
unhesitatingly reaffirmed the statement that was pronounced in 1938: nothing in present
day affairs has been found that could cause them to change from that attitude.

The Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon and the three Grand Lodges of
England, Ireland and Scotland are convinced that by a rigid adherence to these Aims and
Relationships, that Freemasonry has survived the constantly changing doctrines of the
outside world, and are further compelled to place on record their complete disapproval
of any action which may tend to permit the slightest departure from the basic principles
of Freemasonry. They are strongly of the opinion that if any Grand Lodge does so; it
cannot maintain a claim to be following the Ancient Landmarks of the Order.

Section 5-7
PAPER #3: BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF, AND TRUTH

The Three Grand Principles of Freemasonry are brotherly love, relief and truth.

Perhaps before explaining these three, one should first look at the meanings of "Grand"
and "Principles"

Grand –“of chief importance, splendid, imposing, and noble”. (Oxford English
Dictionary)

Principle – “a fundamental truth, a moral rule by which conduct may be guided”.

(Oxford English Dictionary)

Truth – “An accurate representation” (Oxford English Dictionary)

Therefore, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth can be regarded as the most important and
noble rules for the guidance of a Mason's moral conduct.

These Grand Principles have been in existence for hundreds of years, indeed one
document from 1775 states that a mason is "strictly to obey the moral law", and further
enjoins him to "act honourably to all men" - not just Freemasons.

Brotherly Love.

This, as understood by a Mason, is more than a belief; it is a reality and offers men a
philosophy for their life's guidance. It enables them to enjoy harmony and fellowship
with men of all nationalities and classes.

A Mason is taught to regard the whole human species as one family - his family. By this,
masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, enabling them to enjoy true
friendship. In one part of our ritual, it is called "disinterested friendship"
- friendship for the sake of being that person's friend, with no hidden or avaricious
motives.

Brotherly love is placed as the first of the foundation principles of freemasonry,

because where pure disinterested love exists among men, there can be found harmony
and goodwill.

Relief

This gives ease, removes or lessens some cause of distress, affords aid, helps a person in
time of poverty, gives assistance in time of danger or difficulty. It is the second grand
principle on which the order is founded, and is brought to the attention of every man
during his admission to the Craft. The Ancient Lectures state that it is a duty incumbent
on men, particularly Masons. On this basis we establish our friendships and form our
connections. Every man made a Mason professes a sincere desire to "render himself more
extensively serviceable to his

Section 5-8
fellow creature". What can this mean, other than extending relief, in any form, to our
brother, our neighbour, indeed any man who may require or desire it, as liberally as his
necessities may require and our abilities permit. The moral teachings of Freemasonry
are of no value unless put into practice.

It is also a measure of comfort to every Mason to know that if his path becomes difficult,
brethren, in remembrance of their Masonic teachings and obligations, will come to his
assistance, without thought of personal reward. Indeed, relief perhaps could better be
described as "benevolent relief”. Brethren are also encouraged to seek their own relief
by looking inward to the “Great Architect of the Universe” or by whatever name their
own religious persuasion may call Him. Freemasonry is non-sectarian in nature, allowing
men of all religious persuasions to join.

Truth

Masonically, truth is defined as "a Divine attribute, and foundation of every Masonic
virtue". This virtue is taught at every initiation. Hence, hypocrisy and deceit ought to
be unknown, and sincerity and plain dealing is characteristic of a good Freemason. This
has a practical bearing of the daily lives of Freemasons. Truth must be differentiated
from knowledge. It is the basis of character, enabling us to understand ourselves, and
thereby be better men. The quality of being true is exemplified in what ought to be the
character of a Freemason; integrity, uprightness, sincerity, and fidelity. These, and thus
truth, embody the highest ideals we can weave into life.

The entire philosophy of Freemasonry is built around the individual; the building of a
moral edifice within the heart of a man.

As a final quote, a Freemason, the Rev. K. Healey, in 1951, at an assembly of the

Church of England said, "It is a brotherhood, which seeks after truth, encourages
members to uphold one another in the highest moral principles, and in strict honesty of
purpose and integrity in all matters of business" (The Pocket History of Freemasonry,
by F.L.Pick and G.N. Knight, 1992, published by Hutchinson, London.)

Section 5-9
PAPER #4: THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST GRAND LODGE

The first Grand Lodge, the first in the world, was founded in London, England in 1717.

The story of 'organized' Freemasonry started with the establishment of the Grand Lodge
and is found in Bro. James Anderson's Book of Constitutions (1738, pp 109-110):

"King George 1 entered London most magnificently on 20 Sept. 1714”, and after the
rebellion was over A.D. 1716, the few Lodges at London finding themselves neglected
by Sir Christopher Wren, thought fit to cement under a Grand Master as the Centre (sic)
of Union and Harmony, viz., the Lodges that met were:

At the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in St. Paul's Churchyard. At the

Crown Alehouse in Parker's Lane neat Drury Lane.
At the Apple Tree Tavern in Charles Street, Covent Garden.
At the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminster.

"They and some old Brothers meet at the said Apple Tree, and having put into the Chair
the oldest Master Mason (now the Master of the Lodge) they constituted themselves a
Grand Lodge pro Tempore in Due Form, and forthwith revived the Quarterly
Communication of the Officers of Lodges (called the Grand Lodge) resolved to hold the
Annual Assembly and Feast, and then chose (sic) a Grand Master from among
themselves, till they shall have the Honour of a Noble Brother at their Head."

The decision having been made to unite in a Grand Lodge, the stage was now set for the
first formal meeting. Anderson writes:

"Accordingly, on St. John Baptist's Day, in the 3rd year of King George 1,
A.D. 1717, the assembly and Feast of the Free and Accepted Masons was held at
the foresaid Goose and Gridiron Ale House.
Before dinner, the oldest Master Mason (and now the Master of a Lodge) in the
chair, proposed a list of proper Candidates; and the Brethren by a Majority of
Hands elected Mr. ANTHONY SAYER Gentleman, Grand Master of Masons
(Capt. Joseph Elliott, Mr. Jacob Lamball, Carpenter) Grand Wardens, who being
forthwith invested with the Badges of Office and Power by the said oldest
Master, and installed was duly congratulated by the Assembly who paid him
Homage. Sayer Grand Master commanded the Masters and Wardens of Lodges to
meet the Grand Officers every Quarter in Communication, at the Place that he
should appoint in his Summons sent by the Tyler."

Of the four old Lodges, which met at the Apple Tree Tavern and formed themselves into
a Grand Lodge, No. 2 - that at the Crown Ale House - lapsed in

Section 5-10
1736. The other three have maintained a continuous existence, preserving their identity
intact so that their descendants of today are as follows:

The original No. 1, - that met at the Goose and Gridiron - is now known as the Lodge of
Antiquity No. 2 - the Grand Master's Lodge is now No. 1.

The original No. 3, - that met at the Apple Tree Tavern - is now known as the Lodge of
Fortitude and Old Cumberland No. 3.

The original No. 4, -, which met at the Rummer, and Grapes Tavern - is now known as
the Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge No. 4.

There is much which has been written of these old Lodges Nos. 2,3, and 4 since that
time but this is all there is written about the formation of the first Grand Lodge. All
other Grand Lodges about the world have been formed since that date. Most Grand
Lodges have their roots stemming from this Grand Lodge. In England, since 1717, there
are now over 8,240 Lodges with 83 different Grand Lodge appointments.

In British Columbia, there are 167 Lodges with 59 Grand Lodge Appointments.

Section 5-11
PAPER #5: THE ORIGINS AND EARLY HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY IN
BRITISH COLUMBIA

Since the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon is so young, it is fortunate that we
have a relatively well-documented account of the early formations of Lodges in the
British Columbia Colonies and Vancouver Island Colony before the establishment of the
Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon. This paper will attempt to give the history
of the lodges formed in the very young province before that event.

As in other Grand Jurisdictions around the world, our Ancient Order grew with the
economic development of the Province. In early times that economy was based on fur
trade. This trade declined in 1858 when the first great gold rush to the Province began.
The first suggestion of Freemasonry emerging on Vancouver Island was actually in a
carrying case of a Dr. Tolmie who moved to Victoria in 1859. It is not certain if Dr.
Tolmie was a Freemason, since there are no records of his being involved in any
Masonic activities around this time. Through the hands of several relatives, this same
case is now in the hands of Prince of Wales Lodge #100, it being last in the possession of
Dr. Frank Patterson, a member of that Lodge.

There were numerous Masons in the population who inundated Victoria during the Gold
Rush. On July 10th 1958, in the Victoria Gazette there appeared the following notice:

The members of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons in good standing are
invited to meet on Monday July 12th, at 7:00 o' clock p.m. in Southgate and Mitchell's
new store, upstairs.

It is assumed that J.J. Southgate, an Englishman and who had Masonic connections in
California, submitted the notice. There were seven brethren who were definitely present
at this inaugural meeting of July 12th, 1858. They were
L.L. Southgate and George Pearkes from English Lodges, William Jaffray from an Irish
Lodge, James N. and William H. Thain, brothers from New Brunswick and Californian
Lodges respectively, Ronald J. McDonell, from an Australian Lodge, and Allen
MacDonald from a Quebec Lodge. Others may have been present but only these seven
were recorded. Sometime after this meeting and probably other in formal meetings a
petition was drafter to United Grand Lodge of England to establish a Masonic Lodge in
Victoria. Bro. Southgate's name was presented as Master of the Lodge and Bro. Pearkes
as Senior Warden. In the British Colonist, a paper under the editorialship of Amor De
Cosmos, which commenced publication in December 1858, the following paragraph
appeared:

Victoria Lodge of F. and A.M. Preliminary measures have been taken for the
establishment of a Masonic Lodge in Victoria. The petition for a charter will go to
England on the next steamer. The following gentlemen have been named as

Section 5-12
office bearers: Capt. Southgate, W.M., George Pearkes, S.W., William Jaffray, J.W., A.
De Cosmos, Secretary, J. N. Thain, Treasurer, W.H.Thain, S.D., R.J. McDonell, J.D.

After a long trip about Cape Horn, the petition was duly received in London and a
Charter; dated March 19th, 1859 arrived back at Victoria, unfortunately with
irregularities. This necessitated its return to the Grand Secretary in London for correction.
Not until March 14th, 1860 was a charter received in proper order.
Now the original petition had 18 signatures upon it, 11 more than the original. On
March 20th, 1860 the following appeared in the British Colonist:

Victoria Lodge No. 1085. Our Masonic Brethren will be pleased to learn that the charter
applied for to the Grand Lodge of England has arrived and is now in possession of J.J.
Southgate, Esq. Arrangements are now in progress to speedily organize the Lodge in
"due and ancient form” and of which the Brethren will have "due and timely notice".

The constitution, installation and investiture of officers took place on August 20th 1860,
in the upper storey of the Feardon Building, otherwise known as "Stationers Hall". The
installing officer was W.Bro. Henry Aguilar, RX, Past Master of Good Report Lodge
No. 158, and who was commanding H.M. gunboat "Grappler", then stationed in
Esquimalt. Also participating in these ceremonies was W.Bro. Robert Burnaby. He had
affiliated with the newly formed Lodge, which practiced the "Emulation" or "English"
work.

The second Masonic Lodge in the Province was established in New Westminster, as
Union Lodge No. 1201, E.R. Remember at that time British Columbia and Vancouver
Island were separate colonies. Perhaps Union Lodge can boast of being the first British
Columbia Lodge! It practiced the "Scotch" or "American" work.

The third Lodge to be formed was Vancouver Lodge No. 421, Scottish Registry, and
once again on Vancouver Island. Dr. Israel Wood Powell, established this Lodge. He
had been a member of Elgin Lodge No. 348, S.R. in Montreal. They practiced the
"Scotch" or "York" works. The organizational meeting was held on October 20th, 1862,
when 8 brethren were present.

In 1865, Nanaimo brethren made application to the Grand Lodge of England for a
charter. The original charter was lost in the wreck of the Hudson's Bay Steamer
"Labouchere" on a voyage from San Francisco to Victoria. Not until 1867 did the
replacement charter arrive. The first communication of Nanaimo Lodge No. 1090
E.R. was held on May 15th, 1867. Brethren from Victoria attended the first lodge
meeting by travelling on the steamer "Sir James Douglas" which was chartered for the
occasion.

British Columbia Lodge No. 1187 E.R. was next to be established with Caledonia

Section 5-13
Lodge No. 478 S.R. in Nanaimo followed by Quadra Lodge No. 508, S.R. in Victoria.
Nine Lodges existed when there began talks of creating a Grand Lodge of British
Columbia & Yukon in 1871, but that's another story.

Section 5-14
PAPER #6: FREEMASONRY AND RELIGION

Although Freemasonry is many things to many men it is, basically, an association of

friends. It is a fraternity that admits to its membership men, of all races, creeds and
colours, who have a belief in a Supreme Being.

What, then, is the connection between religion and Freemasonry? A plain, simple answer
is "There is no connection between the two any more that there is between religion and
the Rotary Club or between religion and the Cancer Society." Haffner, in his book
Workman Unashamed (available in the Grand Lodge Library) points out that
Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion. It has no theological doctrine and, by
forbidding religious discussion at its meetings, will not allow a "Masonic theological
doctrine" to develop. Secondly, it offers no sacraments and, thirdly, he points out, it does
not claim to lead to Salvation by good works, by secret knowledge or by any other
means.

The official pronouncement by the United Grand Lodge of England on Freemasonry and
Religion contains a simple, positive statement: "Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a
substitute for religion. It demands of its member's belief in a Supreme Being, but
provides no system of faith of its own. Its ritual includes prayers, but these relate only to
the matter instantly in hand and do not amount to the practice of religion.”

We are interested in Faith only, not theology. When Freemasonry accepts a Christian or
a Jew or a Buddhist or a Sikh or a Muslim or a man of any religious persuasion, it does
not accept him as such, but as a man. When he joins Freemasonry, he brings with him
his own religious background and allegiance. He is not subscribing to a new religion
when he becomes a Freemason any more than he does when he joins the Boy Scouts or
the Liberal Party.

Some of the problems our critics have related to the writings of so called authorities that
do not necessarily have their facts straight. There are so many differences between Grand
Lodges that any information, written in a preface to a book such as a "Masonic Bible",
claiming to speak for Freemasonry throughout the world needs to be checked carefully.
One such book states that Freemasons believe they can attain everlasting salvation by
doing good works. This is one of the oldest heresies in Christianity and. quite rightly; the
Christian Church attacks this because it believes that the only way to obtain Salvation is
through faith. This should remind the reader of the first round on Jacob's Ladder.
Freemasonry, in this Jurisdiction, is not concerned with providing a means of salvation
but regards this as something that each man will find within his own religion. If
Freemasonry were a religion, there would be no need for Masons to attend church,
synagogue, mosque or temple.

One American evangelist contacted all the American Grand Lodges a few years ago and
asked who they saw as the authoritative writers on Masonry. Twenty five

Section 5-15
of them replied naming people such as Pike and Mackey, whose names are the same
ones that immediately occur to many British Columbia Masons as authorities on
Freemasonry. These men wrote 150 years ago! Just as churches have changed in that
time so has Freemasonry. The reader, who wishes to read a modern, well-researched
book on this topic, is referred to the one by Haffner, mentioned above.

If people want to throw stones, that's their business. In order to answer some of the
criticisms, one has to stoop to the level of the critic. That is not the Masonic way. A
man's relationship with God is his business. Freemasonry is wise to stay clear from
such debate.

Section 5-16
PAPER #7: ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS

You may have noticed on the letter you received from the Secretary of the Lodge, when
you were invited to attend a meeting, that the name of your lodge was followed by the
number of the lodge and then these letters, A. F. & A. M. What do these letters mean and
how did they come to be associated with the Lodge name?

The letters mean Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons.

Ancient

This title has not always been connected with the names of Lodges. The first Grand
Lodge ever formed, was the Grand Lodge of England, in 1717. In 1730 a man by the
name of Samuel Pritchard published an 'expose' called Masonry Dissected. Its contents
were not completely accurate, though the Masons in London, fearing that impostors may
attempt to enter their lodges with knowledge gained from this book, changed a few
modes of recognition. This change incensed a group of Masons from Ireland and
Scotland who could also not gain entrance because of the changes, changes they did not
know. They felt some landmarks had been changed. By 1751, that group had established
a rival Grand Lodge with its intent to return to the old Institutions. They called
themselves "The Most Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons."
Later, they became known as the Ancients while the original Grand Lodge of England,
formed in 1717 were known as the Modems. A final reconciliation of differences
occurred in 1813 when the two Grand Lodges formed as one and were called "The
United Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of England.

Free

The origin of the difference between Mason and Freemason (if any) is unknown. The
term Free probably had different implications at various periods of Masonic history. It
may at different times have meant freedom from serfdom, freedom from town or
borough regulations or, and this is more generally accepted today, it described a worker
of freestone, a type of stone that can be readily cut and shaped with accuracy, as opposed
to one who works in roughstone, which cannot be so shaped. (Eddie 1978 p. 17) Pick
and Knight (1990,) state..."The earliest use of the word Freemason occurs in 1376, when
it implies an operative mason of somewhat superior class ... During the seventeenth
century a number of examples of the use of this word suggests that it was beginning to
be applied especially to the non-operative mason." Certainly this distinction applies
today.

Mackey (1907 p. 294) suggests the word free, in connection with a Mason, originally
signified that the person so called was free of the company or gild of incorporated
Masons. In the 10th century the term freemason appears to have been used when
travelling freemasons were incorporated by the Roman Pontiff.

Section 5-17
In another sense free means not bound, not in captivity. It is not permitted for a man to
be initiated into Masonry who at the time is restrained of his liberties. The Grand Lodge
of England extends the doctrine that Masons should be free thinkers and allowed to
express their thoughts and unrestricted in their actions.

Accepted

The word accepted might have originated with a London Masons' Company, an operative
organization that existed near the end of the fourteenth century. After the year 1619,
records of this company show non-operative masons, (speculative masons), joining.
Within the London Masons' Company was an inner body called the "Acception" to which
non-members could belong.

Elias Ashmole, an Englishman and Antiquary made reference in his diary that in 1646 he
was "made a Freemason" in what was a purely speculative Lodge in Warrington, in
Lancashire, England. In 1682 he records his attendance a meeting of the London Masons'
Company when both Operative and Speculative members were present. Evidently it was
possible for Gentleman Masons to become members without joining the Company. A
small publication in 1676, 6 years before Ashmole's visit to the London Masons'
Company, had printed a skit entitled "Poor Robin's Intelligencer" on the subject of the
"Company of Accepted Masons".

Today, most Lodges use these initials after the name of the Lodge. In United States of
America and Ireland, lodges use the initials F. & A.M. and A.F.& A.M. depending
whether they styled themselves after the Modems or the Ancients.

(Eddie A.R. Masonic Bulletin Vancouver, B.C. Nov. 1978.)

(Mackay, A.G. - Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, Louis H. Everts & Co. Philadelphia,
1907)

Section 5-18