Michael Sinatra, 32°, K.C.C.H.
1439 N.W. 97 Terrace, Coral Springs, Florida 33071-5945
Just wearing Masonic emblems and answering
the questions
they elicit are simple, effective means of informing the public
about Freemasonry and obtaining Candidates for the Craft.
Most
people have some knowledge of what Freemasonry is. For example,
either they have a relative or friend affiliated with a Lodge,
have heard that someone is a Mason, or have seen the Square
and Compasses and have questions about it. Unfortunately some
of their ideas and beliefs of what Freemasonry is and what it
stands for are totally untrue and harmful to the organization.
We all have the opportunity of educating and enlightening others
about Freemasonry and of encouraging petitions for membership
from qualified candidates in a dignified non-solicitant manner.
Simply
by displaying the Square and Compasses or another Masonic emblem
on a ring, shirt, lapel, or car bumper, we offer Masonry a medium
of advertising that some of the largest corporations could not
afford. Let your neighbors, coworkers, and family members be
aware of the fact that you are a proud Freemason and wholeheartedly
welcome their inquiries. Undoubtedly, they will ask questions
about what the symbol means, if the organization is limited
to certain religious or other backgrounds, age groups, and so
forth.
Welcome
these questions. You can set the record straight about Freemasonry
and, possibly, stir an interest in membership, for, as you answer
questions, there undoubtedly will be inquiries on how to become
a Mason. You will probably hear "Can I, too, become a Mason?
Do I qualify? I always wanted to join, but no one ever asked
me. I thought I wasn't the right type." In responding to
these statements, we can offer qualified men, women, and teens
the opportunity of associating themselves with a Masonic Body.
Here is a personal, effective part any individual can play to
increase membership.
It is an all-too-common fact that membership in each Masonic
Order is dwindling. As our country and world progressively deteriorate
in moral, ethical, and religious values, so does our pool of
prospective Candidates for Freemasonry. Most people today are
not very interested in an organization like Freemasonry that
follows proper rules of protocol and respect. Spectators once
wore suits and ties to a ball game. Now, shirts are optional.
Yet these obstacles can be overcome, for there are proper candidates
waiting to petition.
We
all know that nothing worthwhile comes easily; neither does
a petition for Masonic membership. Time, energy, and a love
for our Fraternity must be exerted by each of us in an effort
to bring in that good man who can benefit himself, his family,
and the Craft by his Masonic membership. As I have so frequently
stated in answering questions about Masonry, "We are not
missionaries who seek the reformation of men. We consider ourselves
good men seeking out other good men, women, and teens whereby
they can become better men, women, and teens through a Masonic
affiliation." It is a win/win situation for everyone. So
wear your Masonic emblems, answer the questions they elicit,
and help Freemasonry grow!
Special thanks to Ill. Jerold J. Samet, 33°,
Personal Representative, District of Columbia, for providing the
Masonic lapel pins whose images illustrate this article. Also,
thanks to Bro. Paul M. Bessel, 32°, K.C.C.H., for his assistance.
|
Michael Sinatra
is employed by AT&T as their Florida Market Fleet Manager.
Raised in 1978 and currently a member of Boca-Delray Lodge
No. 171, Boca Raton, Florida, the Scottish Rite Bodies of
Lake Worth, and Amara Shrine Temple, Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida, Brother Sinatra has been Venerable Master in the
14° for the past eight years, was invested a K.C.C.H.
in October 1997, and received the Double Eagle Award in
May 1999. |
