Keith A. Davis, 32°
1016 W. Nectarine Avenue, Lompoc, California, 93436-4320

A younger Brother realizes that Masonry is not only an association
of good men but also a way of life.

"The Lodge Room over Simpkins' Store," by Robert A. Soulé (out of print)

In the February 1995 Scottish Rite Journal, Ill. Stephen R. Greenberg, 33°, asked, "Should Ritual Be a Part of 21st Century Masonry?" He answered with a resounding "Yes!"

While Ill. Greenberg is a Past Master, has earned various awards of distinction, and has been active in Masonry for a number of years, I felt that the perspective of a younger Brother might be beneficial. I came to Masonry at 36 years of age, having known of the Fraternity through my association with friends who were Masons. It is very easy for me to remember the ceremonies and proficiencies that I, like all Masons, was required to partake in, since I was raised in 1994 and went on, within two years, to be accepted into the Scottish Rite and the Shrine.

My strongest Masonic memories of this period will always be of the rituals I underwent as I was brought to light. They introduced me to many of the tenets and obligations of Masonry, and I am learning more as I progress in Masonry. But the true reinforcement of the obligations I took and the importance of Masonry overall have come to me through the times I spent in Lodge observing and participating in the Degrees and the time I spent with my Candidate Coach as I worked towards my proficiencies.

The time with Bro. M. Eugene Quick, 32°, brought about a fundamental change in me regarding the importance of always striving to fulfill my obligations and always acting to bring credit and honor to our Fraternity. The fellowship of these coaching sessions has helped me to realize that all Masons are truly Brothers, bound to each other by mutual experiences in and goals for the Fraternity.

As I became more active within the Lodge and my association with the Brethren increased, I came to realize Masonry was not only an association of good men but, in the purest sense, a way of life. I came to understand that by striving to always meet my obligations, I would become a better person, husband, father, citizen, and Mason.

Had my initiation amounted to no more than an interview and the payment of dues, I would probably not have had the same interest in remaining a Mason, for anyone can pay dues but not everyone is capable of the true commitment needed to be a Freemason. During my initiation, passing, raising, and subsequent practice to complete my proficiencies, the lessons I learned began to take on a greater meaning. These are more than words, more than just phrases to be learned by rote. These rituals signify a great step in any man's life, a passing to a higher level of knowledge, and an acceptance by others of similar commitment. They help to redefine goals, ambitions, and desires. They assist each of us in redirecting ourselves and our communities.

When a Brother observes a Degree, his commitments and obligations are further reinforced. He hears the obligations he took repeated, observes the actions of the Candidate and participants, and leaves the Lodge or Temple with a stronger sense of purpose, a strengthened resolve to conduct himself in ways that bring honor to himself and to our ancient Fraternity.

We say Masonry takes a good man and makes him better. This is not accomplished by the dues we pay or by attending a business meeting of a Masonic Body. It is accomplished by keeping our rituals, our history if you will, as true as possible, by passing our proud heritage from one to the other, as in times past, and by striving to live by the tenets taught to us through these ceremonies.

When the customs of society are forgotten, society tends to break down. If our customs and our rituals are forgotten or become hollow forms, the breakdown of our honorable Fraternity would be inevitable. I, for one, would hate to see the day our rituals are no longer required or changed to the point where their true meaning is lost. Should that time come, Freemasonry as a whole would suffer.

Should Ritual be a part of the 21st Century Freemasonry? It should, in part because it sets us apart and helps to make us what we are. Without our rituals, we would be as generic as so many of the clubs or organizations that have no anchor in the seas of changing times and shifting morals. Our rituals are truly the ties that bind us all.

Keith A. Davis is a member of Lompoc No. 262, Lompoc, California, Santa Barbara Scottish Rite Bodies, and Al Malika Shrine Temple in Los Angeles.