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Masonry is not a Secret society.
It is with a great deal of pride that I take the high honor seat in the East. Thanks to the members of Lodge Picton for the trust that has been placed in my for the ensuing Masonic year.
Contrary to what many believe Freemasonry is not a secret society. It does not hide its existence nor its membership. There has been no attempt to conceal the purposes, aims and principles of Freemasonry. More than 25,000 books have been written about Freemasonry. In any public library or even via the Internet you will find nearly everything there is to know about Masonry, a word of caution though there are those who detract from the good work achieved through Masonry.
Specifically in Picton the Lodge has existed since 1909, many of the previous Masters have also come from the ranks of civil service and many public figures. Over the past decade the members have worked hard to donate many thousands of dollars back to the community including the creation of a fund which has now gone state wide donating funds to purchase shoes for school children. This project began in Picton.
Freemasonry is an organisation with its principle teachings of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, and I am sure many would agree better love of our fellow man should be a great aspiration in todays world. Lodge constitutions are published for the world to behold. Its rules and regulations are open for inspection. It is true that we have modes of recognition and ceremonies with which the world is not acquainted. In this regard all family groups and institutions have private affairs. So I would say we a society with secrets rather than a secret society.
Freemasonry traces its ancestry back to the cathedral builders of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the beginning these were operative masons although gradually the lodges accepted men who were speculative or philosphhical. From these early beginnings Freemasonry has grown to around 13,000 members in NSW today. In earlier years the number was much higher although now there is "competition" from a large variety of alternative pursuits.
Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate resistance toward evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another and, above all, reverence and love for God. Freemasonry is many things but, most of all, Freemasonry is "a way of life" and even after more than 20 years I still have a lot to learn.
If you want to know more then get in contact via our contact page.
Fraternally,
Paul Buchtmann
Worshipful Master 2013 - 2014
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