Greetings Brethren,
Perhaps because we have brothers long overdue to receive their Master Mason degree, I find the degree ceremony has been very much on mine mind. Quick! What is the largest single part of the Master Mason degree ceremony? The craftsmen! Perhaps not the most central, crucial or significant element, but certainly the biggest scene. Yet it seems to be largely ignored. I was surprise not to find any reference to the craftsmen in any of my Masonic reference texts. Yet I believe their presence is important to the story and key to the success of our brotherhood.
A large contingent of the craftsmen approach King Solomon. Not just one or two of them or the foreman. Why so many? Only one was necessary to apprise the king of the crime. Prior to their audience with him, the Senior Grand Warden has already reported the situation and King Solomon has already surmised the reason. When the contingent asks admission, without hesitation, King Solomon readily admits them all into his court and listens. It is well that he does.
Later, in sending them to all four comers of his kingdom, it would make the most sense that they would likely return to their home areas where they knew both the people and the geography. The three sent to the west, knew right where the port of escape by sea was and therefore found the ruffians quickly allowing King Solomon swift and complete justice. Had just one craftsman approached the king the story likely would have a different ending.
The lesson I feel is that our strength as an organization comes from the diversity and unity of our brethren together as a team and not from any one of us, no matter the position. As every brother brings something special to our organization, we as an organization find the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Let us build on that strength to support each other and grow our organization. To reinforce that strength we should all stay close. In this time of social distancing and closed lodges it will take extra effort. Let’ not be “out of sight, out of mind”! Let’s keep in close contact with our brothers even while the lodge is closed. Craftsmen can accomplish anything together!
Fraternally,
F. Lawrence Vernamonti, WM
