Scottish Freemasonry in the Western Cape of
South Africa
District Grand Lodge of the Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope
Introduction
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. Its origins can be documented as far back as the late 16th century when William Schaw first `formalized' stone masons Lodges as permanent institutions. This leaflet is intended to explain Freemasonry, as it is practiced under the Grand Lodge of Scotland and which administers Lodges in Scotland and in many places overseas. The explanation may correct some misconceptions.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemason's customs and tools as allegorical guides.
Grand Lodge's Policy
It must be clearly understood by every member of the Order that his membership does not in any way exempt him from his duty to meet his responsibilities to the society in which he lives. During the ceremonies the new Initiate is called upon to be exemplary in the discharge of his civil duties; this duty extends throughout his private, public, business or professional life.
The Essential Qualification for Membership
The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being.
Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and are of good repute.
Freemasonry and Religion
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification means that Freemasonry is open to men of many different religions but will offer no opinion on any particular faith or creed but expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.
The Three Great Principles
Freemasons follow three great principles:
Brotherly Love
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
Relief
Freemasons are taught to practice charity, in all its forms, to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, by voluntary efforts and by works as individuals.
Truth
All Freemasons are taught to strive for truth and high moral standards and to practice them in their own lives.
Freemasons believe that these three great principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.
On the other hand, the principles of Freemasonry do not in any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, whether at work or at home or in public life, but on the contrary, should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities. There is, therefore, no conflict of interest between Masonic membership and public duty.
Occasionally others mistakenly imagine that a conflict or bias may exist and, in such circumstance, a mason may wish to disclose his membership, but this must be a matter of personal judgment.
The Practice of Charity
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of widows, orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.
Freemasonry and Society
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives.
A Freemason must not use his membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests. This is made clear directly or by inference several times during a Freemason's early career so that no Freemason can pretend to be ignorant of it.
If it could be proved by evidence that any personal failure or business difficulty was attributable to Masonic influence, Masonic authority would take a serious view of the fact, as it would be contrary to the principles of Freemasonry. A Freemason who transgresses these requirements may be suspended from Masonic activities or even expelled.
This duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
Freemasonry and Politics
The Grand Lodge of Scotland and its Lodges will not offer any opinion on competing forms of government or political ideology. Freemasonry is apolitical therefore and does not permit the discussion of any political matter at Masonic meetings.
Secrecy
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. In ordinary conversation there is very little about Freemasonry which may not be discussed. On inquiry for acceptable reasons, Freemasons are free and will be proud to acknowledge their own membership. There is no secret about its aims and principles. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. Like many other societies, and businesses, it regards some of its internal affairs as private natters for its members.
Other Masonic Bodies
The Grand Lodge of Scotland is an Independent Sovereign body. It is in amity with other Grand Lodges who adhere to certain basic principles such as the Essential Qualification for Membership.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland does not recognize some Grand Lodges (and other apparently Masonic bodies), which do not meet these standards as being Masonically regular and Masonic contact with them is forbidden. To be recognized as regular by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, a Grand Lodge must fulfil certain criteria:
- It must have been lawfully established by a Regular Grand Lodge or by three or more private Lodges, each of which must have received a Charter from a Regular Grand Lodge.
- It must be truly independent and self-governing, with undisputed authority over the three Degrees of Freemasonry (i.e. the symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) within its jurisdiction It must not, in any way, be subject to or share power with any other Masonic body.
- Freemasons under its jurisdiction must be men and it and its Lodges must have no Masonic contact with Lodges which admit women to membership.
- Freemasons under its jurisdiction must believe in a Supreme Being.
- All Freemasons under its jurisdiction must take their Obligations on or in full view of the Volume of the Sacred Law (e.g. The Bible, The Koran or the book held sacred by the man concerned) in order to add sanctity to the ceremony.
- The three Great Lights of Freemasonry (i.e. the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and the Compasses) must be displayed when the Grand Lodge or its Lodges are in session.
- The discussion of religion and politics within its Lodges must be prohibited.
- It and its subordinate Lodges, must adhere to the long established principals, tenets and customs of Freemasonry.
Family
Freemasonry should not be allowed to harm a man's family or other connections by taking too much of his time, or his money, or causing him to act in any other way against their interests.
Conclusion
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization, which can trace its recorded origins back to stone mason's Lodges in 16th century Scotland. From the outset it practiced charity and continues to do so in its various forms.
A Freemason is taught and encouraged to do his duty to his God (by whatever name He might be known) through his faith and religious practice. He is to support and maintain his family and other connections. His duties as a citizen in the country of his residence and / or place of employment must at all times be observed. Then, and only then, might he consider any of the duties which he might have to Freemasonry.
None of these ideals are exclusively Masonic, but all should he universally acceptable to men of all creeds, colours and faiths. Freemasons are expected to follow them.
Interested to know more?
For further information regarding Scottish Freemasonry in South Africa please contact us by writing to:
The District Grand Secretary
PO Box 195
Howard Place
Pinelands
7450