Masonry has been embraced over the ages by kings, princes, nobles, and presidents who did not hesitate to replace the scepter of authority with the trowel, and the mantle of royalty with the apron. Freemasonry survives and thrives because of two unwavering precepts which form the foundation and strength of this Fraternity.

First, Masonry embraces, without prejudice, all good men who believe in the one Great Architect of the Universe, however named. The Craft values no man for his worldly wealth or honors. In the immortal words of Martin Luther King, Jr., we judge men "not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Second, we were all introduced to and became Masons in the same time-honored traditions of Freemasonry. We each knocked on the door to gain admission, were prepared and received in the same manner, knelt at the same altar, took upon ourselves the same obligations with the same penalties, and, finally, each of us experienced the same glorious triumph of being raised into Masonry.

It staggers the mind to imagine the forefathers of our country and the other great Masons through the ages kneeling as we knelt and becoming Masons the same way that we became a Mason. We share a common bond because we all share a common experience. Yet, the true significance of Freemasonry may not rest in this similar experience at all. Perhaps its real strength is derived from the individual and collective experiences each of us has as a Mason. I knocked on the door looking for answers to my own questions. What I needed from Masonry to be a better man is different from what another may need. Masonry provides each of us with a trestleboard for discovering our own meanings and purpose.

A parable tells of three stonecutters building a cathedral in the Fourteenth Century. Each was asked to describe his work. The first stonecutter replied with bitterness that he is cutting stones into blocks. With frustration, he describes a life in which he has done this over and over and will continue to do it until he dies.

The second stonecutter is performing the same task, but he replied saying he is earning a living for his beloved family. Through his work, he provides his children with clothes and food to grow strong, and he and his wife have a home that they have filled with love.

The third stonecutter's response is, however, what must give us pause. In a joyous voice, he told of the privilege of participating in the building of a great cathedral, so strong that it will stand as a holy lighthouse for a thousand years to come. Note that all three stonecutters were performing the same task, but it is the last whose work holds for him a higher purpose and a different meaning just as Masonry holds for each of us a different purpose and meaning. Like the third stonecutter, we, too, should consider our Masonic participation as a privilege and an opportunity to accomplish great deeds that will affect people for years to come.

Freemasonry is the largest fraternal organization in the world and has survived for centuries, but what about it's future? We find ourselves at a very precarious time in our existence. The environment in which Masonry once flourished has become an ever-changing place where societal morals and values are constantly being eroded and redefined. There are those who say Freemasonry no longer has a place in today's society as its teachings are antiquated, outmoded, and no longer appeal to the common man. They point to our declining membership. They make an assumption that Masonry is a dying organization because we fail to bring enough young men into the Fraternity and that we are fast becoming Lodges of old men.

There have been and always will be those who, out of their ignorance and fear of the unknown, set out to destroy that which they do not understand or label as corrupt anything that is different from themselves or their beliefs. It is pointless to argue with these persons as they are just as passionate about the evils of Freemasonry as we are about its virtues. Someone once told me that what you see often depends on what you are looking for. The threat to our survival and our continued success will not be found from looking without, it comes from within.

Our worst critics have been and always will be ourselves. I have quietly listened to other Masons commiserate about declining membership and complain about the sad condition of the Craft. I am frustrated by disgruntled members who prefer to tear down rather than to build up; and I am discouraged and disappointed by Masons who have received so many rewards and benefits from the Fraternity, yet fail to give back. I am also disheartened by those among us who continue to be part of the problem by judging and criticizing rather than becoming part of the solution by suggesting and trying new ideas.

Freemasonry can have an incredible and positive impact on the world and in our society. It takes only one Mason with the conviction, courage, and strength to make a difference. We have the privilege of belonging to the greatest fraternity in the world, and with it comes a great responsibility. We have assumed a tremendous obligation, but we have done so willingly and without hesitation because we are Masons. It is up to every one of us to continue to promote the ideals of Freemasonry and to introduce others to the Light of its teachings. Freemasonry is alive and well because it lives in each of us. The future of the Craft rests in our capable hands. Show the world that we have become better men through the lessons we have learned and the brotherhood and friendships we share. Let our actions and good deeds demonstrate our dedication to the higher purpose of the betterment of mankind. Share the Masonic spirit which resides in our hearts with everyone we meet. We are Freemasonry because we demonstrate to the world what it is to be a Mason.