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Posted at: 10:25 am I got a suprising number of positive responses to Cigars (see below)…but one stood out. A 27 year-old brother talked about others calling him an Old Man for smoking cigars. Let’s leave cigars out of this one…and focus on the subject…Old Masons v Young Masons. I think the title is a misnomer for the situation that envelopes the entire craft. Let me posit that it is not age that defines the Old v Young debate that bubbles up in almost every conversation. The focus is more about who sees Masonry in what light. Again, it will take a bit of time to clarify…I’ll try this way. I got an email from a young Mason (young to the craft…he’s no spring chicken). He writes: “When and if the day comes when I am honored by receiving my 50 year pin and I no longer bother to listen (attentive ear), discuss and learn something new about Freemasonry (instructive tongue), nor care about my obligations and Lodge (faithful breast), then that’s the day there wouldn’t be any point in getting my 51st year pin…” I can honestly say that I don’t feel exactly the way he does, but he captures the point in a poetic and clear way. Who cares about the Craft? No, really…WHO? Is it you? Is it the guy who never reads, never listens, and probably should not have been made a Mason in the first place? That’s the point I’m trying to make here. You see, many years ago, when the world was a simpler place, people wanted to belong to something…anythin. They joined the Elks, Eagles, Beavers, VFW, FOP, E.I.E.I.O. and etc…ad nauseum. We were a nation that wanted to join. We no longer have that problem in America. With all the stuff happening in men’s lives’ today, there are plenty of alternatives to sitting-around and chatting about the weather, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes (or, if you prefer, cigars). So, who is it that knocks on the door today? Are these guys more interested in the Craft that even WE are? I would say, in many cases, yes. In the end, Young vs. Old is not about age. It is about attitude. I am a young Mason. I love the Craft. It gives me great joy to help teach and lead in this finest of institutions (and, by the way…I look forward to the day when all I have to do is read and teach and learn…leadership is fun but SHEESH! it can be a bitch!). The Craft allows me a place where I can elevate the discussion, disagree without arguing and exist among real friends. Old vs. Young. It is not a struggle between a winner and a loser. It is a struggle for the very heart of Masonry. All will win when the discussion is out in the open and clear and bright. Attitude can change things. Where is your attitude taking this Craft for the future of the Craft? |
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January 12, 2008
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I’ve been riding a hobby horse about old and young Masons for a while now. I’ve got a couple of posts on my blog on the subject, and a couple of posts on TWTMAG. It ain’t young vs old, but young joining old that’s needed. Many lodges, I know those that have responded to my notes, are in the situation where mainly younger men, and few of them are showing up for regular activities. The older members are being left out to a large extent. They aren’t being told about meetings and special events.
When Trestle Boards bounce back, little is done to find out why. When phones aren’t answered it’s the same. Masons need to reach out to each other in brotherly love. Caring for each other begins the conversation.
Comment by Steve Brettell — January 13, 2008 @ 1:19 am
In Masonry, as in life, you are as old as you feel. Also as in life, being around those young at heart is infectious. We keep spreading the infection and more Masons will become “young” again.
Comment by Makers Mark — January 14, 2008 @ 10:10 pm