Articles by the Fraternity
THE APATHETIC MASON AND HOW TO ENTHUSE HIM
Apathy is indifference or lack of interest. The reason for this may be analysed as follows :-
1. An initial misconception about the order leading to a disappointment subsequently.
2. Unimpressiveness of ceremonies and rendering of the rituals.
3. A lack of opportunities for active participation and advancement.
4. A feeling of neglect and unwantedness.
5. Disillusionment about precept and practice.
Let us deal with these causes at length.
1. Many of the applications for admission are based on an erroneous impression that the Lodges is an organisation of the higher social strata, membership of which will lead to openings for closer contacts for social or material advantage in one's own profession or calling. When the candidate finds that the activities inside the Lodge are focused on moral and spiritual elevation only, disappointment may set in according to the individual's personal earlier notions and calculations.
To avoid this, it is necessary, even at the time of consideration of the proposal, to make it clear to the candidate in no uncertain terms what exactly Masonry stands for and what his duties and obligations will be as against the rights and privileges which will ensue. Regularity. And punctuality of attendance emergencies excepted, must be stressed. He must understand that progress in Masonry must be from within and that while the ceremonies are symbolic, it will be for the individual to speculate and contemplate on their significance and elevate himself to higher levels that no material personal advantage is to be expected must be impressed on him unequivocally.
These aspects will have to be borne in mind by any Freemason who wishes to propose a candidate for admission into his Lodge. Only the material which is basically good and receptive. Will then volunteer to join the order.
2. The ceremonies of the degrees are full of symbolism and inner meaning. The passages in the rituals like the Prayers, the charges, the Presentation of the Working Tools and the explanations of the Tracing Boards are replete with wisdom and enlightenment. The ceremonies must be so conducted that the Candidate gets are impression that they are specially arranged for his benefit - an impression which any good working is bound to create. The delivery of the Prayers, charges, the presentation of the W. Ts and the explanation of the T. Bs should be to thorough, well modulated and sincere that their purpose is not lost on the Candidate. All these require a thorough preparation and understanding on the part of the Brother entrusted with this task. A mechanical recitation of the passages can carry no weight.
I have come across many candidates who after an impressive ceremony have expressed themselves so glowingly about the first impressions they had gained and looked forward to further progress.
3. The interest of the Candidate so kindled, must be utilised to advantage. He must be encouraged to take up responsibilities in the working of the Lodge in whatever capacity he can. To begin with, he can be asked to deliver small pieces to the juniors. He can be trained to act as a substitute for the I.G. or Deacons. Once he has discharged such duties commendably, he will lightimately aspire for more. With many Brethren so enthused, there will be a feeling of healthy competition among them to do one better than the other. There is enough work in the Lodge to be apportioned by turns to all those interested.
This approach will automatically create a sense of personal involvement and ensure regular attendance on the part of the Brethren which will become a habit in due course. And the Lodge will have a wealth of trained talent to support it at all time. We must not lose sight of the fact that the traditions and responsibilities of the Lodge must be transmitted from generation and this is possible only by training every interested member to shoulder responsibilities according to his merit and abilities.
4. It follows that lack of opportunities for personal involvement right from the beginning will result in a feeling of neglect and unwantedness. None would like to spend two or three hours in the Lodge as a side bencher and subscribing spectator ! He feels his time is wasted. He is not going to be missed in any case and can afford to be absent. Absenteeism becomes a habit. Such Masons, not having had the opportunity to learn, participate in and put across the ritualistic parts of Masonic teachings to others, cannot have anything impressive to tell others about the Orders.
Very often, unintentionally though, seniors tend to group together, leaving the juniors to 'feel' comparatively inferior. I have come across meetings of Permanent Committees of Lodges where the non-members of the Committee present, have been asked to keep out for the duration of the meeting, forgetting that the nomination to the P.C. is derived from the vote of the non-members ! Where the deliberations of the P.Cs are routine matters, the non-member can be invited to join, so that he knows what the responsibilities of this unit of administration are.
It will be good practice for seniors to seek out and speak to the juniors both in and outside the Lodge and exchange notes as to the latter's progress in the art. An uninhibited and readily accessible seniors is loved and respected more. The younger Brethren will invariably look up to him for guidance and advice. The self consciously pompous senior who is conscious of his Rank and position in the hierarchy, though outwardly honoured is neither respected nor loved as an individual.
5. Masonry is not confined to the four walls of the Temple. It is universal. Its tenets, principals and teachings are to be practised in and outside the Lodge. Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, Fortitude, Temperance, Prudence and Justice, Benevolence and Charity, meeting on the Level, acting on the Plumb, and parting on the Square are not mere slogans. These qualities are to be reflected in every Mason's daily conduct.
Most often we fail to reflect these in our conduct both in and outside the Loge i.e. both in matters of the Lodge and outside, though we may find plausible justifications for our deviations. When we cannot or do not follow in our actions what we preach in the Lodge, the others are disappointed, disillusioned and frustrated and some decide to keep themselves out altogether.
From the above analysis, it will be evident that the apathetic mason is mostly a creation of circumstances. The factors contributory to creating apathy in him must be eliminated, provided the material introduced to Masonry is verified to be suitable at the outset by a discreet enquiry into his background. The performance and progress of Lodge is in direct proportion to the quality of its membership and not its quantitative strength.
As in life, there have been ups and downs in the fortunes and progress of every Lodge depending on the worth of those in charge of the ruling and governing of the Lodge. There are dedicated individuals all over who have made personal sacrifices even over a period of decades to serve their Lodges. Given the proper guidance and encouragement the talents and labour of most of the Brethren can be harnessed to this purpose.
At the same time, seniors should guard against developing an attitude of personal possesslyeness or vested interest, to the exclusion of a majority view within the limits of the Constitution and By-Law. Maturity and experience in the right direction on the part of seniors will always be valued if not imposed.
Ranks are conferred in recognition of services. They are not to be flaunted but are meant to adorn the individual who by his continued masonic conduct should prove himself humbly worthy of the recognition. There is nothing more unbecoming and more irritating than a show of superiority sought to be attached to such honours which should sit lightly on the recipients.
