Sara Axelrod Lissabet

A Mason’s wife finds much of value in the Craft and encourages every wife to support the Masonic activities of her husband.

My husband, Ernest "Ernie" F. Lissabet, 32°, Valley of Alexandria, Virginia, had been working for Capstone Productions, Inc., and the Masonic Television Forum for about a year when I finally had a chance to watch the forum being taped. Since I have a background in broadcasting and was willing to get lunch for the crew, I had the opportunity to spend several days assisting with the production of various programs at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. It was educational and enlightening.

Knowledge about Freemasonry is readily available to anyone having the time to read about it. I have at my disposal a wealth of information from my husband, for whom history and knowledge is as basic a need as bread and water, but my own understanding of Masonry was singularly his perspective. I found it highly interesting to learn about Masonry from an interactive dialogue, which highlights key aspects and is more time efficient than pouring through books. The varying views offered by each member were enlightening. For instance, each interviewee was asked: "What is Freemasonry?" I was fascinated by the individual viewpoints in each answer. I would highly recommend that women, families, and Lodges, through this series of television forum programs, seek to educate those who are interested and willing to learn.

As a Jewish child growing up in a predominantly Christian neighborhood, I learned to keep my religion to myself. I never felt comfortable discussing my beliefs with those of differing, often strong, convictions. So I was amazed, and unexpectedly excited, to find myself in an environment where the open discussion of alternative viewpoints was encouraged and fully accepted. Tolerance of differing viewpoints is one reason I am supportive of Freemasonry. Masons are bound by a simple basic belief in God, the "Great Architect of the Universe." At liberty to discuss ideas and issues, they maintain civility and act in a brotherly way even when they disagree with each other. Few organizations, religious or otherwise, allow an individual to meet someone from across the country or world and be instantly welcomed and accepted, and especially trusted.

Freemasonry has been criticized for its alleged secrecy. The fact that the topics during these interviews were freely and comfortably discussed without regard to my presence or that of several of the non-Mason production crew members, disproves that idea. True, Masonry has had a history of secrecy, but western society once burned individuals at the stake for differing theological viewpoints. Throughout history, self-preservation has required secrecy for survival in hostile environments. During the taping, I was able to listen to a number of discussions on everything from the meaning of symbols and rituals to the history behind Masonry and the Appendant Bodies that currently make up the Craft.

Also, the annual Philalethes dinner on Friday, February 19, 1998, in Washington, D.C., was part of the Capstone video taping. Masons from around the country, with their families, gathered to discuss philosophy and philanthropy, share ideas and suggestions, and encourage education and knowledge about Masonry. Everyone at the function was able to participate in many discussions.

I cannot support the criticism that Freemasonry doesn’t include women. There are a number of women’s organizations affiliated with Masonry for the wives and daughters of Masons. Women are included in many functions, dinners, and charitable events. But not in Lodge, you say? Women should ask themselves: "Do I want men around all the time, participating in everything I do, especially with my friends?" (If you answered yes, I would guess you are a newlywed.)

Jackson Polk (l.) and Bro. Ernest Lissabet, 32° (center) of Capstone Productions, Inc., interview Bro. George F. Harrington, 32°, K.C.C.H., National President, National Sojourners, Inc., for a new series of videotapes focused on Masonry and current topics in Freemasonry.

I support the right of men to meet with other men, as there are often times I prefer to meet with just my women friends. We forge special friendships when we bond with others of our own gender. Noted Ph.D. John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, describes the need for men to have a "cave" in which to retreat to ponder problems and sort out solutions. I understand how the Lodge becomes a collective "cave" of sorts. Women and men do have differing styles of communication, and there are times when I believe each needs the opportunity to feel entirely comfortable with those of his or her own gender.

At first, when my husband began attending his Blue Lodge, and subsequently became Chaplain, I resented the time he spent away from home. But gradually I began to see he was getting something positive from these experiences, and I came to realize that growth and development do take time—often away from the environments where we spend most of our time. Likewise, in order to work with Capstone Productions, I had to take leave from my job. The "vacation" time I took, while it was not exactly a vacation, certainly benefitted my own growth.

There is also a fear, not only among women, that Masonry is religiously incompatible with Judeo-Christian theologies. This cannot be further from the truth. Freemasonry’s ultimate requirement is a belief in God. The Fraternity encourages men to be charitable. It encourages men to be good husbands and fathers. It encourages understanding, personal growth as an individual, and the quest for knowledge. It is true that while Freemasonry cannot make such an individual, the Fraternity encourages such development and offers opportunities to do so. It must be within each individual to achieve his own betterment. Symbols and rituals used in initiations and Lodge meetings serve to honor and respect ancient ways of worshipping God. In my opinion, fear, criticism and problems with Freemasonry come from those individuals or groups who refuse to be open-minded, who are intolerant of others who don’t see things a certain way, or who cannot accept the changes that personal growth will bring to their lives. Just as we should not inhibit a child’s need to acquire knowledge and skills to grow, we should not inhibit ourselves as adults either. Thus, I encourage women to learn more about Freemasonry for their own personal understanding and growth.

While driving home after the last day of working with Capstone Productions, I found myself experiencing a disappointment alien to the enthusiastic emotions I had felt during the three days on the set. I realized then how much I had enjoyed learning about Freemasonry, meeting new people who afforded me respect as an individual—not just because I was affiliated with Masonry through my husband—and spending time with people who felt like members of a family. I also realized my new commitment to this organization that fosters such personal growth and beneficence among its members. I look forward to having Freemasonry in my family, and I hope that more women will decide to support the Freemasons in their lives.

Photos by Arthur W. Pierson, 32°